Transportation

HB 3405 designates poison hemlock and kudzu as noxious weeds in Oklahoma, requiring all landowners (public and private) to treat or remove these plants annually to prevent seeding. It mandates county entities and the Department of Transportation to manage infestations in rights-of-way, with landowners facing fines up to $1,000 per day for noncompliance. The bill requires the State Department of Agriculture to conduct annual surveys of infestations, report results to Oklahoma State University, and publish public notices in newspapers about landowner responsibilities. The law takes effect November 1, 2026, and includes provisions for landowners to request assistance with weed removal.

HB 1939 authorizes the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to construct, maintain, and operate toll turnpikes at 25 specific locations and segments across the state, such as the Turner Turnpike between Oklahoma City and Tulsa and extensions of the Muskogee Turnpike. The bill directly affects the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (a state agency) and drivers using these designated routes. Key provisions include explicitly listing authorized locations (e.g., the Tulsa south bypass and Oklahoma City Outer Loop) and modifying prior restrictions on where turnpikes may be built. The bill does not create new tolls but formalizes existing or planned infrastructure projects under the Authority’s jurisdiction.