State government; creating the Hire Oklahomans Act. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 2073, the "Hire Oklahomans Act," prohibits all Oklahoma state entities (including agencies, universities, and local governments) from hiring or renewing employment for individuals under H-1B visas or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. The law applies only to new hires or contract renewals starting July 1, 2026, and does not affect existing employment agreements. It aims to prioritize public employment opportunities for Oklahoma residents by restricting state-funded positions to individuals not relying on these specific federal visa programs. The bill explicitly states that state employment funded by Oklahoma taxpayers is a matter of state sovereignty, separate from federal immigration authority.