SB 133 establishes a statewide moratorium on issuing most groundwater permits (excluding domestic use) until the Oklahoma Water Resources Board completes hydrological studies to determine maximum annual water yields for each basin. The bill requires these studies to ensure groundwater withdrawals won't reduce natural spring or stream flows, and permits cannot resume until the Board approves basin-specific yield limits. It applies to all pending permit applications and revalidations as of the bill's effective date, with an immediate emergency effective date declared. The bill does not specifically target medical marijuana facilities, as the title suggests, but broadly affects all non-domestic groundwater users.
HB 1424 establishes a new arbitration process for resolving unfair labor practice claims between cities, towns (as employers) and public employee bargaining agents. The bill outlines a timeline for notifying the other party of an alleged practice and details a specific method for selecting a three-person arbitration board. If the initially chosen arbitrators cannot agree on a third, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service will provide a list for selection. Additionally, the bill specifies that each party will pay for their own selected arbitrator, while the fees for the third, neutral arbitrator will be shared equally.
SB 6 modifies election dates for school board members in Oklahoma school districts and technology center school districts. It changes general elections to occur on the first Tuesday in April during odd-numbered years and the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years. Primary elections would now be held on the second Tuesday in February during odd-numbered years (or the same day as the Presidential Primary if held in February) and on the fourth Tuesday in August during even-numbered years. Candidates must file declarations of candidacy between December 1st and April 30th annually, with the bill taking effect November 1, 2025.
House Bill 2431 amends current Oklahoma law regarding personalized license plates. It outlines the process for Service Oklahoma to design, issue, and renew these plates, detailing provisions such as retaining plates upon vehicle transfer and annual renewal procedures with email notification. The bill also specifies character limits for various plate types, including those for veterans and vintage vehicles, and sets the annual renewal fee at $20, with specific apportionment of these funds. This act would become effective on November 1, 2025.
HCR 1011 is a concurrent resolution that designates April 11, 2025, as "Route 66 Day" in Oklahoma. It recognizes the historical and cultural importance of U.S. Route 66, particularly its contributions to the state's transportation, migration, commerce, culture, and tourism. The resolution directs that copies be distributed to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and the Oklahoma Historical Society for appropriate observance.
HB 2735 modifies Oklahoma's licensing rules for professions by establishing clear criteria for denying licenses based on criminal history. It allows denial only if a conviction "substantially relates" to the job duties and "poses a reasonable threat" to public safety, requiring licensing boards to consider factors like offense severity, time passed, and rehabilitation evidence. The bill explicitly prohibits denial for sealed/expunged records, most convictions older than five years (except for domestic violence, sex offenses, or specific felonies), and vague "good character" claims. Applicants can request pre-licensing determinations about their criminal history within 60-90 days, and boards must provide written notice of denial reasons with appeal options. This directly affects individuals seeking state licenses who have criminal records.
SB 1114 creates a property tax credit for Oklahoma homeowners with qualifying homesteads who meet the existing "limitation on growth of fair cash value" under state law. The credit equals the difference between a homeowner's current year property tax and the prior year's tax, but only if the current tax is lower. County assessors must deduct this credit from the tax bill by October 1 annually, though the credit cannot reduce taxes below zero. The credit applies starting tax year 2026 and is codified in Oklahoma Statutes. It directly affects qualifying homestead property owners by potentially lowering their annual property tax burden.
HB 1491 modifies the grounds for removing members of Oklahoma's State Board of Education. It replaces vague terms like "incompetency" and "neglect of professional duty" with specific requirements: board members can now be removed for convictions related to offenses listed in Sections 3-104 and 3-104.1 of Oklahoma law. This directly affects State Board of Education members who face criminal convictions for specified offenses. The bill streamlines the removal process by defining clear legal triggers for termination.
This resolution (SR 14) commemorates the 90th anniversary of Black Sunday (April 14, 1935), a devastating dust storm during the Dust Bowl era. It specifically honors Oklahoma's historical response to this environmental disaster and acknowledges the state's long-standing commitment to soil and resource conservation. The resolution serves as a symbolic reminder to Oklahomans of the ongoing importance of protecting soil, water, and natural resources. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but aims to raise awareness through historical reflection.
HB 1085 modifies Oklahoma's Service Warranty Act to change administrative fee requirements for service warranty associations and insurers. It replaces the standard 2% quarterly fee on gross provider fees with a $3,000 annual flat fee option for qualifying entities - specifically those with 100% claims coverage insurance in place since March 2009. The bill also clarifies that these fees are not subject to Oklahoma's premium tax. This change directly affects service warranty associations, insurers, and entities applying for licensure under the Act, effective January 1, 2026.
House Bill 2735 revises how state licensing authorities consider an applicant's criminal history when granting occupational licenses or certifications. It specifies that a license can only be denied if the criminal offense directly relates to the job duties and poses a reasonable threat to public safety, health, or welfare. Licensing authorities must consider factors such as the crime's nature, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. The bill prohibits denials based on arrests not leading to conviction, expunged records, or most convictions older than five years, with exceptions for certain serious offenses. It also allows individuals to request a preliminary review of their criminal history to determine eligibility before applying for a license.
House Bill 1185 amends existing law regarding the disposition of seized property by sheriff's offices and campus police agencies. The bill specifically prohibits these agencies from destroying firearms that are determined to have historic military value. Instead, it mandates that such historic military weapons be donated to local units of veterans' organizations. This change affects how law enforcement agencies manage and disperse certain types of seized firearms.
