Environment

SB 136 would establish a moratorium on registering new poultry feeding operations and new licenses for certain poultry operations in Oklahoma, effective November 1, 2025. Existing operations can continue, but the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture can inspect them and revoke registration or licenses for violations of existing rules, with no reissuance allowed for revoked operations. The bill requires the Department to create implementing rules and directly affects new businesses seeking to start poultry operations in the state. It does not change current regulations for existing operations unless violations occur.

SB 1007 updates definitions in Oklahoma's Conservation District Act to clarify key terms. It specifically revises the definition of "soil scientist" to require a soil science degree with specific coursework and two years of related experience, and updates terms like "nonpoint source" and "pollution" to align with existing environmental laws. These changes directly affect conservation districts, their directors, and professionals working on soil and water conservation projects. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and does not create new policies or alter program requirements.

SB 280 creates Oklahoma's Feral Swine Eradication and Control Grant Program to help landowners and landless owners manage invasive feral swine populations. The program provides grants for equipment, education, and services to control or remove feral swine, with a maximum funding cap of $500,000 from state appropriations and other sources. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture will administer the program in collaboration with wildlife agencies, while offering liability protection for the department (except in cases of gross negligence) and permitting exemptions for participants. This direct policy change enables affected landowners to access resources for managing feral swine, a significant agricultural and ecological threat in Oklahoma.