Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act; providing certain closures be deemed substantial burden; prohibiting certain restriction of access. Effective date.

SB 499 amends Oklahoma's Religious Freedom Act to automatically classify government closures of places of worship (including 501(c)(3) religious organizations) during emergencies as "substantial burdens" on religious practice. It prohibits governments from treating religious institutions more strictly than comparable private businesses during health or security restrictions, and bans excluding religious groups from government programs solely due to their religious identity. The bill also requires that access to religious facilities not be restricted more than for non-religious entities facing similar conditions. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.