SB 2076 prohibits Oklahoma state contracts and tax incentives for companies using H-1B visas or optional practical training for jobs physically performed within Oklahoma. It applies only to Oklahoma-based work, not companies' out-of-state operations. Companies must certify compliance under penalty of perjury, and exceptions require a legislative waiver approved by both chambers. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not affect existing contracts or out-of-state activities.
SB 1602 modifies how law library funds are transferred from county courts and adjusts civil court fees to support law libraries and related programs. It requires counties with populations under 300,000 to transfer specific annual amounts ($5,000 to $9,000) to the Law Library Fund based on population size, while counties over 500,000 are exempt from these transfers. The bill also adds new assessments to civil court filings: $6 or $12 per case (depending on county population) to fund law libraries, plus $25 for the Court Information System, $10 for OCASA, and $2 for interpreter services. These changes directly affect county courts, law libraries, and civil case filers across Oklahoma.
SB 1715 requires Oklahoma guardians ad litem (court-appointed child advocates in custody cases) to include all domestic violence allegations in their written reports to the court. It mandates the Oklahoma Bar Association to create and update a standard operating manual covering child abuse, domestic violence, and best practices, which all guardians must certify they've read and will follow. The bill also requires court experts (including guardians) to disclose prior relationships, criminal history, professional qualifications, and disciplinary actions to parties before appointment, and prohibits waiving these disclosures. These changes aim to improve the quality, accountability, and safety considerations of child advocacy in custody proceedings.
SB 1576 creates a sales tax exemption for retired law enforcement officers in Oklahoma. It directly affects individuals who have retired from law enforcement duty by allowing them to avoid paying sales tax on qualifying purchases. To qualify, applicants must submit a verified application to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, which will issue an exemption card after confirming eligibility. The exemption requires renewal before expiration, and the Commission may establish specific forms and verification rules for the process.
SB 2047 modifies the membership structure of Oklahoma's Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability by requiring staggered terms (no more than two members' terms ending in the same year) and clarifies appointment procedures. It directs the Commission to electronically submit annual reports containing specific education data - including high school graduation rates, college readiness metrics, and workforce outcomes - to state leaders by November 1, 2027, with updates every three years. The bill also shifts responsibility for conducting the educator supply-and-demand study from the State Board of Education to the Commission and allows the Commission to use funds or contract third parties to gather required data. These changes directly affect the Commission's operations, state education agencies, and public school systems by standardizing reporting requirements and data collection.
SB 1896 requires Oklahoma public schools to screen all kindergarten through third-grade students annually for reading skills like decoding and comprehension using approved tools. Students who do not meet grade-level reading proficiency after receiving targeted intervention must be retained in third grade, unless they qualify for exemptions (e.g., English learners with less than one year in an English-learner program or students with disabilities). The bill mandates that schools provide individualized reading intervention plans within 30 days of identifying a deficiency and allocate state funds to support retained students. It directly affects third-grade students and public school districts, with specific requirements for screenings, interventions, and parental notifications.
SB 1580 creates a default presumption that joint custody is in a child's best interest, requiring courts to assume it unless evidence shows otherwise. It mandates that parents submit detailed parenting plans covering living arrangements, support, healthcare, and school placement before a custody decision. The bill also establishes strong exceptions: courts must presume sole custody is better if abuse, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment has occurred, or if a parent is required to register as a sex offender. These changes apply to all Oklahoma family court cases involving minor children.
SB 1731 (Oklahoma, 2026) gives property owners the right to choose their electricity provider when their land crosses boundaries between multiple electric service areas. It directly affects residents or businesses with properties split between different utility service territories. The bill requires providers to allow customers to contract with their preferred provider, regardless of property location. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1954 creates the Turnpike Legislative Oversight Board to oversee the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's operations, policies, and spending. The Board will consist of members appointed by the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate President Pro Tempore, with members representing each of Oklahoma's six legislative districts. It requires the Turnpike Authority to submit annual reports and additional information to the Board, which will monitor the Authority's activities and expenditures. The bill amends existing law to add this oversight structure while updating statutory references related to the Turnpike Authority's governance.
SB 2056 increases the fee for money transmission services (like mobile payments) from $5 to $10 per transaction under $500, plus 1-3% on amounts over $500. It creates a tax credit allowing individuals and businesses to claim back these fees when filing income taxes for tax years 2009-2010, with claims due by 2010. The bill modifies the tax credit rules to specify eligibility and carryover periods, and directs fee revenue to a Drug Money Laundering fund. It takes effect November 1, 2026.
This bill's title incorrectly references schools and financial literacy, but the actual text (SB 1768) is unrelated to education. It requires short-term rental platforms (like Airbnb) in Oklahoma to allow property owners to request identification photos from renters and guests after booking. Owners may cancel agreements without penalty if the submitted ID doesn't match the booking information. The bill applies directly to short-term rental owners, renters, and platforms operating in Oklahoma, effective November 1, 2026. The title appears to contain an error, as the content pertains solely to rental platform regulations.
SB 1739 prohibits Oklahoma's Department of Human Services from placing social workers directly within public school districts or charter schools. It requires the immediate removal of any social workers already embedded in these school settings as of its effective date. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and is designated as an emergency measure to take effect upon passage. This legislation directly affects all public schools and charter schools in Oklahoma by eliminating a specific placement model for social workers.
