State Board of Corrections; establishing criteria for certain verification process. Effective date.

SB 1978 requires Oklahoma's State Board of Corrections to create specific verification rules before carrying out a death penalty execution. The bill mandates checks including confirmation that the Department followed constitutional prohibitions against cruel punishment, documentation of medical/drug purchases from reputable vendors, proper training for staff, and audio/video recording of executions. It directly affects death row inmates, correctional staff, medical and drug vendors, and victims' families (who must be notified of execution dates). The law also protects staff who opt out of executions from employment penalties. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2026.