HB 3618 modifies Oklahoma's sales tax revenue allocation to create dedicated funding for tourism. It directs 0.87% of sales tax revenue (with annual caps) to three tourism-related funds: 24% ($10 million max) to the Oklahoma Tourism Promotion Revolving Fund, 44% ($17 million max) to the Oklahoma Tourism Capital Improvement Revolving Fund, and 32% ($6.6 million max) to the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission Revolving Fund. These funds will support tourism promotion, infrastructure projects, and Route 66 initiatives. The bill affects state tourism entities and local tourism commissions by guaranteeing specific annual funding levels from sales tax revenue.
SB 2003 requires single-sex designations for changing rooms and restrooms in covered entities (colleges, government buildings, and state-funded domestic violence shelters), prohibiting individuals from entering facilities designated for the opposite sex except in specific circumstances like emergencies, medical aid, or athletic coaching with required accompaniment. It mandates that institutions of higher education provide housing options for students to live exclusively with others of the same sex and prohibits requiring students to share sleeping quarters with someone of the opposite sex unless related by family. The bill creates legal recourse for individuals denied access to their designated facility or forced to share sleeping quarters, allowing lawsuits against covered entities that fail to enforce these rules. These provisions apply immediately upon enactment as an emergency measure.
SB 1609 allows victim statements about specific violent incidents - poisoning, shooting, or assault with intent to kill - to be used as evidence in court. These statements, made within one week to law enforcement or in protective order applications, become admissible in criminal and juvenile cases, including hearings on probation or protective orders. The bill directly affects victims of these crimes and law enforcement by streamlining how their accounts can be presented in court. It removes typical barriers requiring separate proof of reliability for such statements, making them automatically admissible under the specified conditions.
SB 1554 prohibits nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) like nonprofits, faith groups, and advocacy organizations from providing material support - such as food, shelter, transportation, or financial aid - to asylum seekers or individuals without legal immigration status in Oklahoma. Violating this law makes an NGO permanently ineligible for state or local funding, and individuals directing violations face felony charges (1-5 years in prison or $50,000 fines). The bill explicitly excludes law enforcement activities from its scope and declares an emergency to take effect immediately upon approval. This legislation directly affects NGOs receiving state funds and aims to limit support for undocumented individuals within Oklahoma.
Oklahoma's SB 1914 lowers the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for DUI convictions from 0.08% to 0.05% for all drivers starting June 1, 2028. It removes timing requirements for administering BAC tests and updates penalties, classifying repeat offenses as felonies (Class C2 for second offenses, Class B4 for third offenses) with mandatory treatment assessments, ignition interlock devices, and longer prison terms. The bill directly affects drivers tested for BAC in Oklahoma, modifying the threshold for legal impairment and escalating consequences for repeat violations. Key changes include revised BAC limits for evidence, updated felony classifications, and removal of outdated procedural requirements across related statutes.
HB 2930 limits how Oklahoma insurance companies can use traffic records when setting premiums, canceling policies, or refusing renewals. It prohibits considering traffic complaints, citations, or accident reports older than three years (except reckless driving or certain offenses, which can be considered up to five years). The bill also bans insurers from using dismissed charges, acquittals, or arrests without charges to increase rates or cancel policies, and prevents cancellation solely for filing a first claim (after 45 days of coverage), with exceptions for nonpayment or fraud. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 2943 modifies Oklahoma's discovery rules to make it harder to depose high-ranking officials from government or large organizations. It requires parties seeking to block such depositions to prove the officer has unique scheduling demands, lacks personal knowledge of the case, and works for a complex entity. If blocked, the opposing party must then show they've exhausted other discovery methods and the officer has unique knowledge. The bill aims to reduce burdens on officials while ensuring depositions only occur when necessary. It takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 2944 (Strong Readers Act) requires Oklahoma public schools to administer standardized reading screenings for students in kindergarten through third grade to identify those not meeting grade-level reading targets. Students identified as struggling must receive a research-based reading intervention plan within 30 days, including additional instruction in phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, plus access to free online literacy resources for families. The bill mandates third-grade retention for students who do not meet reading targets after interventions, with exemptions for students with disabilities, English learners, or those using Braille/sign language. Schools must also provide literacy coaches, summer academies, and annual reporting on student reading progress.
HB 2954 amends Oklahoma's Higher Learning Access Program by changing the term "certified classroom teacher" to "teacher" in the eligibility requirement for students who are children of teachers. This technical adjustment updates the statutory language without altering the program's core eligibility rules or financial aid criteria. The change affects students seeking tuition assistance under the program by simplifying the definition of eligible parent roles. The bill takes effect immediately as an emergency measure.
HB 2974 requires overnight youth camp operators in Oklahoma to implement severe weather safety measures. Specifically, camps must develop action plans, maintain at least one NOAA weather radio, and ensure staff are awakened during severe weather watches or warnings to monitor and act. The bill directly affects all overnight youth camps operating in the state, aiming to enhance child safety during severe weather events. It becomes effective July 1, 2026, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon approval.
HB 2965 increases Oklahoma's minimum required property damage coverage for auto liability insurance from $25,000 to $50,000 per accident. This change directly affects all vehicle owners and insurers in Oklahoma who must carry auto liability insurance, raising the baseline protection for property damage claims. The bill amends Section 7-324 of Oklahoma Statutes to update the coverage limits for property damage while keeping other liability requirements unchanged. The law will take effect on November 1, 2026.
HB 2966 amends Oklahoma's sales tax code to add certified recovery homes and certified recovery community organizations to the list of entities exempt from state sales tax. This change applies to purchases of tangible personal property or services made by these certified entities for their operations. The bill specifies that these organizations must be certified by the state to qualify for the exemption, aligning them with existing tax-exempt groups like schools and nonprofits. Vendors selling to these organizations will no longer collect sales tax on qualifying transactions. The exemption applies to all purchases made by these certified recovery entities, not just specific services.
