Technology

HB 1124 modifies Oklahoma's Statewide Recovery Fund to specify that funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (specifically sections for coronavirus capital projects and state/local recovery funds) will be directed to this fund, excluding money designated for local governments. It clarifies that all interest earned on these deposits will also be added to the fund. The bill ensures these funds are available for broadband-related projects without requiring new appropriations. It takes effect November 1, 2025, and became law without the governor's signature on May 12, 2025.

SB 135 modifies Oklahoma's Aircraft Engine Testing Development Grant Program to include rocket engine testing and expands its purpose to develop broader aerospace infrastructure. The bill creates a dedicated revolving fund (the "Oklahoma Aircraft and Rocket Engine Testing Development Grant Program Revolving Fund") and appropriates $20 million from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund one-time grants. Eligible applicants - private, public, or nonprofit entities within Oklahoma - must provide 40% matching funds, industry support documentation, and detailed project proposals. Grants require repayment if terms aren't met and mandate quarterly progress reports. The law became effective July 1, 2025, without gubernatorial signature.

HB 2158 updates Oklahoma's motor vehicle licensing rules for car dealers and related entities. It prohibits manufacturers (factories) from directly engaging in dealership operations, clarifies who qualifies as a "new motor vehicle dealer," and requires dealer management system providers to meet new data security standards. The bill also modifies procedures for license revocation or suspension and updates definitions for terms like "manufacturer" and "distributor." These changes directly affect car dealers, manufacturers, and businesses managing dealer data systems.

HB 1364 prohibits the nonconsensual sharing of AI-generated sexual images or real images of someone in a sexual act or showing intimate body parts without their consent. It defines "artificially generated sexual depiction" as images created using AI or photo editing that appear authentic but did not occur in reality. Violating this law is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine) for first offenses, and a felony (up to 10 years in prison and sex offender registration) for repeated violations (three or more images within six months). The law applies to both real images and AI-generated content, with exemptions for criminal investigations and public exposure.

SB 387 updates the definition of "eligible student" for Oklahoma's STEM Intern Partnership Program, expanding eligibility to include students enrolled in technology center schools under the State Board of Career and Technology Education - previously limited to university students. This change directly affects tech center students and organizations seeking to hire them for industry internships through the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). The bill requires applicant organizations to secure 50% non-state funding for projects and ensures internships provide real-world tech experience with measurable outcomes. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, after passing the legislature and receiving gubernatorial approval in May 2025.