This proposed constitutional amendment changes Oklahoma's Judicial Nominating Commission rules. It removes restrictions preventing licensed attorneys (and family members of attorneys) from serving on the commission, updates congressional district references to current boundaries, and adjusts terms to mostly six years (removing a previous two-year term for some positions). The amendment also eliminates the prohibition against commission members serving consecutive terms. If approved by voters, these changes would affect who can serve on the Judicial Nominating Commission and how appointments are structured.
SB 640 modifies distance requirements between medical marijuana dispensaries and places of worship in Oklahoma. It allows existing marijuana businesses to keep their licenses even if a place of worship (like a church, temple, or mosque) opens within 3,000 feet after the business received its license, as long as the marijuana business continues operating under its original purpose. The bill also updates the legal definition of "place of worship" to include permanent religious facilities used weekly for services. This change applies to both retail dispensaries and marijuana growers. The bill does not create new licensing rules but adjusts existing distance restrictions for grandfathered locations.
HB 1957 requires street-legal low-speed electric vehicles and golf carts to be registered as motor vehicles in Oklahoma. It removes the need for an "M" license endorsement for operators (who must be at least 16 with a standard driver’s license) and mandates compliance with federal safety standards for vehicles operated on roads with speed limits ≤35 mph. Service Oklahoma can register converted golf carts meeting federal safety rules without requiring a full 17-digit vehicle identification number. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and does not override local city restrictions on low-speed vehicle use.
HB 1907, the Battery Stewardship Act, requires producers of batteries weighing over 11 pounds (including vehicle batteries) to create and manage recycling programs. It grants producers and their stewardship organizations immunity from antitrust laws when planning, reporting, and operating these programs. The bill also allows private collectors to run independent battery collection services (like household drop-offs) if they follow environmental rules and send collected batteries to approved stewardship organizations. This directly affects battery manufacturers, vehicle dealers, and recycling organizations in Oklahoma.
HB 1002 requires Oklahoma law enforcement agencies to file specific notifications with victims of stalking, rather than serving them directly. This bill directly affects stalking victims by changing how they receive official updates about their cases. The key provision amends existing procedures to mandate that law enforcement "file" these notifications with victims, streamlining the process while ensuring victims are informed. The bill is currently moving through committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation after committee amendments.
SB 1256 requires courts to mandate ignition interlock devices for defendants charged with second or subsequent DUI offenses (Section 11-902 of Title 47) as a condition of bail. It applies specifically to individuals with documented alcohol dependence or a pattern of regular alcohol abuse, as determined by evidence presented during bail hearings. The bill amends Oklahoma's bail procedures to add this requirement, ensuring that repeat DUI offenders cannot secure release without installing an ignition interlock device. This policy change directly affects defendants facing second or subsequent DUI charges who are deemed to have alcohol abuse issues. The bill does not alter DUI penalties but modifies bail conditions to include this safety measure.
HB 2997 increases the maximum administrative fine for used motor vehicle license applicants who knowingly make false statements from $1,000 to $10,000. It directly affects individuals and businesses applying for or holding motor vehicle sales licenses in Oklahoma. The bill amends Section 585D of Oklahoma Statutes to raise this fine limit, while maintaining existing $100 maximum fines for dealer violations like failing to deliver title documents. The change takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 2999 prohibits elected or appointed Oklahoma public officials from being required to sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) related to projects that could significantly impact their jurisdiction - defined as affecting at least 10% of residents' utility infrastructure (like power, water, or other essential services). The bill specifically targets NDAs about projects that would alter infrastructure for a substantial portion of the community, ensuring transparency around such matters. It does not apply to NDAs related to personal issues or litigation unrelated to an official's duties. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3239 amends Oklahoma's veterinary practice law by clarifying definitions for veterinary professionals and practice standards. It updates terms like "veterinarian," "veterinary technician," "direct supervision," and "veterinarian-client-patient relationship" to ensure consistent application of regulations. The bill directly affects licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, assistants, and the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners by defining their roles and practice boundaries. This is a definitional update to the existing Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act, not a new fee or procedural change.
HB 3287 requires all Oklahoma hospitals and healthcare facilities to post clear signage in visible and private areas, stating: "If you are a victim of domestic abuse or human trafficking for commercial sex, please notify the staff of this facility immediately." The bill mandates facilities to create protocols for reporting suspected abuse or trafficking cases to law enforcement before a patient's discharge or release, while also including procedures to protect victims from contact with alleged perpetrators during this process. The State Department of Health must establish rules for signage size, placement, and format. This law takes effect on November 1, 2026, directly impacting healthcare providers and supporting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
SB 1581 extends the time period for gathering signatures on initiative petitions in Oklahoma from 45 to 90 days after a petition is deemed sufficient by officials. This change directly affects individuals or groups collecting signatures to place measures on the ballot. The bill also adds a 10-day protest period during which opponents can challenge the petition's validity. The law will take effect on November 1, 2026, and modifies Section 103 of Oklahoma Statutes Title 38.
SB 2174 modifies the composition and appointment process for Oklahoma's State Fire Marshal Commission. It reduces the commission from seven to five members: three appointed by the Governor (with staggered initial terms of 5, 4, and 3 years), one by the Senate President Pro Tempore, and one by the House Speaker. The bill requires specific representation from firefighter associations, municipalities, fire chiefs, electrical workers, and professional firefighters, ensuring these groups are always included. All future appointments will serve five-year terms subject to Senate confirmation, with staggered terms for the initial appointments.
