HB 2207 amends Oklahoma's Children's Code by adding 16 specific definitions to Section 1-1-105 of 10A O.S. 2021. It clarifies terms like "abuse" (including physical/mental harm but explicitly allowing ordinary parental discipline such as spanking), "age-appropriate" activities, and "child" (defined as under 18). The bill directly affects courts, child welfare agencies, and professionals handling child protection cases by standardizing terminology used in proceedings. As a definitional codification measure, it does not create new programs or change existing laws but ensures consistent interpretation of key terms in child welfare cases. The bill became law on May 11, 2025, without governor action.
SB 301 modifies Oklahoma's tax credit system for donations to biomedical and cancer research institutes. It reduces annual credit limits to $1.5 million for biomedical research donations and $500,000 for cancer research donations starting in 2026, down from $2 million previously. Donors to qualifying institutes (which must receive $20 million annually in NIH funding for biomedical or $4 million for cancer research) will face new caps: $25,000 for business donors to biomedical institutes, and $1,000-$2,000 for individual filers depending on filing status. The bill adjusts how credit percentages are calculated using the second preceding year's claims and ensures credits cannot exceed tax liability.
SB 730 requires Oklahoma's Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics to develop a five-year Airport Construction Program and a statewide airport system plan, which will guide funding for airport infrastructure. The system plan must include all airports eligible for state funding and prioritize safety, economic growth, and FAA standards. It also updates the AeroSPACE Program, a partnership between schools and the aviation industry to create aerospace career pathways for students. These changes directly affect public airports seeking state funding and educational institutions participating in the workforce development initiative.
HB 1940 amends the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act, modifying the criteria for who can sponsor charter schools. It expands the authority of the Statewide Charter School Board to sponsor charter schools that provide educational services to youth under the supervision of a *county*, in addition to those under state supervision. This specific change applies when the charter school applicant is the Office of Juvenile Affairs or a contractor working with them. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
House Bill 1217 makes it unlawful for individuals to engage in "adult performances" that contain "obscene material" in public places or where minors might view them. It also prohibits local governments from allowing such performances on public property or in public places accessible to minors. An "adult performance" is defined as any performance with obscene material visible to a minor or in a freely accessible public place, with exceptions for venues that restrict minor access. Violations are classified as a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of imprisonment, fines, or both. The bill preempts any conflicting local ordinances or licenses and took effect immediately upon approval.
HB 2037 repeals several existing sections of Oklahoma law related to energy conservation. Specifically, it removes 19 O.S. 2021, Sections 456, 457, and 458, and 70 O.S. 2021, Section 5-131.2, from the state statutes. This action directly affects any individuals or entities previously governed by or benefiting from these specific energy conservation provisions. The changes enacted by this bill will become effective on November 1, 2025.
House Bill 2081, also known as the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act, creates new legal measures in Oklahoma to prevent the wrongful removal or retention of a child. It allows courts to order abduction prevention measures on their own motion or when a petition is filed by a party involved in a child custody case. The bill specifies various factors courts must consider when assessing a credible risk of abduction, such as previous attempts, threats, unusual financial activities, or applying for travel documents. It also outlines requirements for petitions seeking these measures and allows for warrants to take physical custody of a child.
HB 1126 regulates the labeling, advertising, and sale of "manufactured-protein food products," which include items like cultivated meat, insect protein, and plant-based alternatives to traditional meat. The bill requires these products, if they use terms commonly associated with meat, to also conspicuously display a "qualifying term" such as "plant-based" or "lab-grown." Additionally, it mandates that these products be stored and displayed separately from animal-derived meat in food establishments. The State Department of Health is tasked with investigating complaints and enforcing these provisions, with violations potentially leading to misdemeanor charges and license suspensions for sellers.
House Bill 2364 requires the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) to assist inmates in obtaining a REAL ID Noncompliant Driver License or Identification Card before their release, prioritizing a driver's license. This initiative aims to help inmates, whose intended residence is in Oklahoma, secure post-release employment. The DOC must begin this process nine months before an inmate's release and is also tasked with providing them with essential documents like vocational records, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and resumes. Certain inmate categories, such as those over 65 or with medical conditions, are exempt from the resume and practice job interview requirements. The bill allows the DOC to use various funds, including inmate trust funds and donations, to cover associated costs, and it will become effective on November 1, 2025.
HB 1693 amends criminal procedure related to death penalty cases, specifically clarifying requirements for determining a person's mental competency to be executed. The bill defines what it means to be "mentally incompetent to be executed" and outlines the process for an attorney to challenge a person's competency after an execution date is set. It establishes procedures for trial courts to hold evidentiary hearings, order mental health examinations, and if found incompetent, mandates a stay of execution and the provision of competency restoration services. If deemed competent, the execution proceeds.
House Bill 1205 repeals the existing state tax credit for small wind turbines. This means that individuals and businesses who install small wind turbines will no longer be able to claim this specific credit against their state taxes. The bill removes Section 2357.32B of Title 68 from state law. This change is scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2025.
HB 1393, as amended, modifies language within special education provisions, specifically concerning Individual Education Programs (IEPs). The bill clarifies the definition of instruction for students who are assessed by alternate achievement standards. It specifies that this instruction must now promote access to and progress in the general education curriculum. This change directly affects students with special needs, their parents, and educators involved in developing and implementing IEPs.
