Senate Bill 552 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies receiving federal or state funds from using or procuring biotechnology equipment or services from "biotechnology companies of concern." These companies are defined as entities designated by the federal government as controlled by a foreign adversary and posing a national security risk due to their multiomic data collection research. State agencies are also barred from contracting with any entity that uses or procures such prohibited biotechnology. The bill's provisions will take effect upon the enactment of a corresponding federal law.
SB 500 prohibits Oklahoma governmental entities from entering into certain contracts with companies unless those companies provide written verification that they do not and will not discriminate against firearm entities or firearm trade associations. This applies to contracts valued at $100,000 or more with companies employing at least ten full-time employees. The bill defines what constitutes discrimination against firearm entities, which include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and gun ranges. Exceptions are made for sole-source providers or if no compliant bids are received, and the Office of Management and Enterprise Services oversees compliance for state government contracts.
SB 544 renames the Department of Public Safety's Fraudulent Documents Identification Unit to the Identity Verification Unit, focusing its efforts on investigating and apprehending those involved in fraudulent identification documents, including those used by individuals unlawfully residing in Oklahoma. The bill also modifies rules for computerized finger imaging by Service Oklahoma for driver's licenses and ID cards. It restricts access to this data for law enforcement without a court order, except for specific cases involving the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and requires parental authorization for finger imaging of unemancipated minors. Additionally, it updates and clarifies various misdemeanor and felony offenses related to the misuse or creation of fraudulent identification documents.
SB 387 modifies the definition of "eligible student" for Oklahoma's STEM internship program, expanding eligibility to include students enrolled in technology centers or pursuing STEM degrees (like computer science, engineering, or data analytics) at higher education institutions. The bill creates the "Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology Intern Partnership for STEM Workforce Pipeline Program," which provides competitive grants to organizations hosting STEM interns. To qualify, organizations must secure at least 50% non-state funding for projects with commercial potential, demonstrate job creation in Oklahoma, and align with innovation-focused work. The program will be administered by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, effective November 1, 2025.
SB 53 amends Oklahoma statutes defining key terms related to child sexual abuse material and age verification. It standardizes definitions across multiple laws (including 21 O.S. §§ 791, 843.5, 1040.12a, and 1024.1) to clarify terms like "distribute," "harmful to minors," and "reasonable age verification methods." The bill specifically adds digitized identification cards and third-party verification services as acceptable methods to confirm users are 18+ before accessing certain content. This affects websites, platforms, and commercial entities handling material that may be harmful to minors by requiring updated age-check protocols.
Senate Bill 814 expands eligibility for emergency absentee ballots to include uniformed service members who are deployed after the standard request deadline. Previously, this option was primarily for first responders and emergency workers deployed for disaster or emergency relief. Under this bill, eligible uniformed service members can make a written request for an emergency absentee ballot to their county election board. They must present proof of identity when receiving their ballots, which can be returned in person, by mail, or other approved methods by 7:00 p.m. on election day. This act includes an emergency clause, making it effective immediately upon passage and approval.
SB 139 requires Oklahoma public school districts to adopt policies banning student cell phone use during instructional hours ("bell to bell," meaning from the start to end of school day). The policy must include disciplinary steps for violations but allows exceptions for emergencies and health monitoring. The bill also creates a $2 million grant program to help middle and high schools purchase phone storage devices, with funds awarded on a first-come basis. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1279 modifies Oklahoma's Uniform Tax Procedure Code, updating the process for tax assessments and protests for taxpayers and the Oklahoma Tax Commission. It outlines how the Tax Commission proposes assessments and details the requirements for taxpayers to file a written protest within 60 days. A key provision is that taxpayers can request and must be granted an oral hearing before the Tax Commission during the protest process. If a protest is not filed, the assessment becomes final, though taxpayers may request an adjustment for "clearly erroneous" assessments within one year.
HB 1001, known as "Lauria and Ashley's Law," requires individuals convicted of 23 specific serious crimes - including first-degree murder, child sex trafficking, aggravated assault on a defender, and certain child exploitation offenses - to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. The law eliminates earned credits or other sentence reductions that would allow offenders to serve less than 85% of their imposed sentence for these crimes. It applies directly to people convicted of the listed offenses in Oklahoma courts. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.
HB 1364 amends Oklahoma law regarding sexual obscenity to create new offenses. It prohibits the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images and defines and criminalizes the nonconsensual dissemination of "artificially generated sexual depictions," which are visual depictions created substantially by artificial intelligence or photo editing software that appear to show an individual in a sexual state that did not occur in reality. These acts are unlawful if done without the depicted person's consent, especially if intended to cause harm. Penalties for violations range from a misdemeanor to a felony, with increased punishments for repeat offenses, financial gain, or the dissemination of multiple images. The bill is set to become effective on November 1, 2025.
SB 490 modifies the Student Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness Rights Act, affecting student athletes, postsecondary institutions, and third parties involved in NIL agreements. The bill permits postsecondary institutions or authorized third parties to provide professional representation and compensate student athletes for their NIL, provided it aligns with collegiate association rules and institutional policy. Crucially, it prohibits the use of state funds by postsecondary institutions for such compensation. The bill also allows institutions to revoke agreements with student athletes who receive unauthorized compensation without liability and adjusts terms for contract disclosure and the post-eligibility use of NIL by institutions for promotional content.
HB 1122 updates the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission Act, affecting individuals and organizations involved in combative sports like boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts within the state. The bill grants the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission specific authority over events and jurisdiction, including the power to halt certain activities. It also modifies various definitions within the Act and establishes a mandatory licensing requirement for participants in sanctioned professional or amateur combative sports contests, which includes testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B.
