Oklahoma Uniform Building Code; removing limitation on duration of certain authorized overnight stays; prohibiting entities from enforcing codes. Effective date.

SB 1761 allows Oklahoma churches to host temporary overnight religious retreats, ministry events, or shelter for displaced persons without violating building codes, as long as they follow specific safety rules. The bill removes the previous exception for emergencies (keeping a 75-day annual limit on stays) and prohibits local governments from enforcing building codes against churches offering these services - provided they don’t charge fees or operate like hotels. Churches must install fire safety measures (sprinklers or alarms) in overnight areas and cannot convert religious use to commercial lodging. This directly affects churches using existing facilities for religious purposes and local governments enforcing building codes. (SB 1761, effective November 1, 2026)