SB 1712 authorizes an alternative certification path for peace officers in Oklahoma, updating existing law to provide additional eligibility options beyond standard requirements. This change directly affects individuals seeking peace officer certification who may not meet traditional criteria, such as those with prior law enforcement experience or specific training. The bill amends Section 3311 of Oklahoma Statutes to grant the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) the authority to establish this alternative pathway for certification. The amendment updates statutory language to reflect this new process while maintaining CLEET’s role in overseeing officer training and certification standards.
SB 1511 modifies Oklahoma's Sex Offenders Registration Act to restrict employment for registered offenders in child-serving roles. It prohibits registered sex offenders from working with children or on school premises, requires employers to conduct annual registry checks of staff working with children, and mandates that employees sign declarations confirming they are not required to register. Employers and individual offenders must post clear signage if they work in settings where children are present, with violations carrying misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,000 fines. The bill also bans registered offenders from law enforcement, criminal investigation, or security roles requiring CLEET certification. These provisions apply to all businesses, schools, and individuals providing services where children are reasonably expected to be present.
SB 1755 provides immunity from civil lawsuits for religious organizations and their security personnel (including volunteers) in Oklahoma when security actions cause injury, death, or damage. This immunity applies to all security-related acts - whether accidental or intentional, including firearm use - while personnel are performing duties for the organization. The law, effective November 1, 2026, codifies this protection under Oklahoma Statutes Title 76, Section 113. It directly affects religious groups and their security staff by shielding them from tort claims related to security operations.
SB 1678 modifies Oklahoma's laws on firearm carry by expanding prohibited locations, including most government buildings, courthouses (only during sessions), schools (except under specific policies), sports arenas during events, and gambling venues. It adds exceptions allowing concealed carry on parking areas adjacent to prohibited zones, school parking lots (with firearms stored hidden in locked vehicles), and municipal zoos/parks owned by public trusts or nonprofits. The bill requires private schools to adopt written policies permitting firearm carry and allows school boards to authorize designated staff (with security licenses) to carry on campus. Violations of the prohibitions may result in a $250 fine or denial of entry, but do not prohibit lawful carry in permitted areas.
SB 1955 amends Oklahoma's Horse Racing Act to clarify key terms and require specific licensing for online wagering providers. It directly affects businesses operating "advance deposit account wagering" systems - where users pre-deposit funds for betting - by mandating they obtain a dedicated license from the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. The bill defines these systems as a form of pari-mutuel wagering and requires the Commission to create rules governing the licensing process. These changes update regulatory language to address modern betting platforms while maintaining existing definitions for horse racing types (e.g., Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse).
SB 1697 modifies Oklahoma's Self-Defense Act by changing the legal consequences for carrying prohibited ammunition while exercising self-defense rights. It removes the $500 administrative fine previously imposed for violating ammunition restrictions and now treats such violations solely as criminal offenses under Section 1272 of Oklahoma law. The bill specifically prohibits carrying firearms loaded with restricted bullets (as defined in Section 1289.19) or ammunition larger than .45 caliber under the Self-Defense Act. This directly affects gun owners who carry firearms for self-defense, making ammunition violations subject to criminal prosecution instead of civil penalties. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1835 updates Oklahoma's eminent domain law to strengthen protections for property owners when land is taken for public projects. It requires just compensation to be calculated as the greater of 150% of the property's fair market value or the cost to purchase a comparable replacement property in the same community (or the nearest comparable community if none exists locally). The bill prohibits government agencies from reducing compensation standards or requiring owners to waive these enhanced protections, and mandates that fair market value be determined without discounts for project influence, using the highest value available on the day of the taking. This directly affects property owners facing eminent domain actions and government agencies responsible for land acquisition.
SB 1791 creates the ARMOR Act, which designates specific days at Oklahoma state parks and lands for exclusive use by veterans and active-duty military personnel. The bill requires the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission and Military Department to identify accessible parks with necessary facilities (including disability accommodations) and then collaborate to set aside designated days for activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. On these days, joint events with veteran organizations will be held, and feedback from participants will be used to improve future programs. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly benefiting military veterans and active-duty service members through expanded recreational access.
SB 1676 amends Oklahoma's Self-Defense Act by clarifying key definitions related to firearms and licensing. It defines terms like "concealed firearm" (not visibly carried), "unconcealed firearm" (visible carry), and specifies that "pistol" does not include imitation weapons or specialized firearms like flare guns. The bill also standardizes that all firearms referenced in the act may be collectively called "firearms." This definition update directly affects individuals applying for handgun licenses and those invoking the Self-Defense Act in legal contexts. The changes take effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1729 gives parents or caregivers investigated for alleged child abuse or neglect in Oklahoma the right to request a hearing to challenge the finding that abuse or neglect occurred. The bill requires that standard rules of evidence apply during such hearings. It also specifies that if an investigation determines an incident resulted from reasonable parental discipline (such as spanking), the case is closed immediately and all records are expunged. This change directly affects individuals facing child welfare investigations by providing a formal appeal process.
SB 1854 prohibits Oklahoma utility companies from using eminent domain (government power to take private property) to acquire land for renewable energy facilities, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, battery storage, and hydrogen gas projects. It specifically bans eminent domain for these facilities on private property while allowing it for traditional power infrastructure. The bill also requires a Certificate of Authority from the Corporation Commission for high-voltage transmission lines over 300 kilovolts, though existing electric suppliers are exempt from this requirement for routine upgrades. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1924 increases the financial incentive for Oklahoma state employees who opt out of the state's basic health insurance plan. Currently, opting out provides $150 annually; starting July 1, 2026, this rises to $500 per month. Employees must provide proof of separate health insurance coverage each year to qualify for the payment. The bill affects state employees eligible for the basic health plan who choose to enroll in outside coverage instead of state-provided benefits.
