State Powers

SB 1287 amends Oklahoma's Abstractors Act to update license qualification standards for abstractors. It directly affects individuals applying for abstractor licenses by requiring applicants to have legal U.S. work authorization, reside in or be physically present in the United States, and not have certain criminal convictions that pose a threat to public safety or relate to abstracting duties. The bill clarifies that the Oklahoma Abstractors Board may deny licenses based on these criteria, defining "poses a reasonable threat" as criminal conduct involving harm to others and "substantially relates" as direct bearing on abstracting duties. Licenses remain valid for one year with a maximum $150 renewal fee. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

HB 4193 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies and political subdivisions from contracting with "foreign adversary companies" (defined as entities tied to governments of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, or Syria) or "federally banned corporations" (such as those blocked by federal agencies under national security laws). It requires all bidders to certify they are not on these restricted lists, with false certifications subject to $250,000 penalties or twice the contract value, plus a 60-month contract ban. Exceptions allow contracts only when no reasonable alternative exists and the purchase is pre-approved by state procurement officials. The law applies to all state procurement of goods/services, excluding companies compliant with federal secure communications standards.

HB 3840 prohibits foreign governments, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), or entities controlled by them from owning land within 10 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure sites in Oklahoma. It requires all land buyers to submit an affidavit disclosing beneficial owners, funding sources (including foreign government involvement), and certification of compliance with the law. The Attorney General can investigate violations, impose civil penalties up to $250,000 per transaction, or seek court-ordered divestiture of prohibited land holdings. The bill directly affects foreign entities seeking land near sensitive locations and land buyers in those zones, with enforcement starting after November 1, 2023. Exceptions include bona fide residents and transactions covered by federal law or existing CFIUS agreements.

HB 3914, the Civil Liberties Protection Act, prohibits Oklahoma state agencies and local governments from using public funds or taking actions that assist federal efforts violating constitutional rights. It specifically bans sharing pregnancy-related data or religious affiliation information with federal authorities for enforcement purposes and invalidates existing agreements requiring such data. The law creates a legal cause of action for citizens if state entities unlawfully cooperate with federal actions, and requires the Attorney General to defend affected Oklahomans while reporting on federal requests for assistance. This bill directly affects state agencies, political subdivisions, and their contractors by restricting their interactions with federal programs.

HB 3488, the "Student Secular Bill of Rights," establishes specific rights for public school students in Oklahoma regarding religious and secular practices. It guarantees students the right to practice or refrain from religion on school grounds or at school events (if orderly), prohibits school-sponsored religious activities (including staff-led prayer, religious displays like the Ten Commandments, or required religious texts), and protects academic study of religion when conducted objectively. The bill also requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances, dietary needs, or grooming practices. It applies to all public K-12 schools, including charter schools, and defines key terms like "coerce" and "religious activity" to clarify boundaries.