SB 1346 creates a state program to provide competitive loans for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Oklahoma. It establishes a $250 million revolving fund administered by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, which will allocate funds based on community size: 50% to projects in areas with under 30,000 residents, 25% to medium-sized communities (30,000-400,000), and 25% to large cities (over 400,000). The program requires loan applicants to meet criteria like project urgency, conservation efforts, and matching funds, with a reimbursement requirement if projects fail to meet terms. The Board must publish an interactive map showing project status, locations, and timelines on its website.
HB 2975 requires Oklahoma poultry feeding operations to create detailed Nutrient Management Plans for handling poultry waste. These plans must include specific waste storage methods (like covered storage during emergencies), strict rules against applying waste during rain, saturated ground, or on frozen land, and soil/waste testing data. Farms must renew these plans every six years and maintain records of all waste applications. The bill directly affects all poultry operations in Oklahoma by setting concrete environmental handling requirements.
HB 3406 creates two systems for fire bans in Oklahoma: counties can ban burning if meeting specific fire danger criteria (like National Weather Service red flags or drought conditions), or the governor can declare a statewide emergency during drought. Farmers are exempt from county bans if they submit a detailed burn plan 72 hours in advance to local fire departments, including weather conditions, firebreaks, and notifications. County bans expire after 8 days unless renewed, and governor’s emergency proclamations override county decisions. The bill requires fire departments to approve plans and mandates online posting of all bans for public notice.
SB 2061 creates the Oklahoma Food Policy Council within the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to coordinate food systems and connect stakeholders. The council will advise on promoting sustainable locally grown food, farm-to-school programs, farmers markets, and community gardens, while assessing economic impacts on local food distribution. It must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing findings and recommendations, with no compensation for members but travel reimbursement allowed. The bill directly affects farmers, food banks, community gardens, and local food organizations by fostering collaboration across these groups.
HB 1427 creates tax credits for Oklahoma taxpayers who invest in qualifying clean-burning motor vehicle fuel equipment. It directly affects vehicle owners and businesses that install or purchase equipment allowing vehicles to run on compressed natural gas, hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas. The bill provides tiered credits: up to $5,500 for light vehicles (under 6,000 lbs), up to $100,000 for heavy trucks (over 26,500 lbs), and 45% of costs for commercial refueling stations. Credits are limited to new, certified equipment meeting safety standards and must be claimed against state income tax. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years.
SB 1333 establishes Oklahoma's Water Infrastructure Enhancement Program to modernize the state's aging water systems. It creates a $50 million revolving fund from General Revenue to provide direct grants, low-interest loans, and technical assistance to communities - particularly rural areas through the Rural Economic Action Plan grant program. The bill allocates 50% of funds to a new low-interest loan program, 20% for rural grants, and 10% for outreach and planning. The program becomes effective July 1, 2026, with funds available for infrastructure projects like pipe replacements and treatment upgrades.
SB 2157 designates four specific rivers in southeastern Oklahoma as scenic rivers: the Glover River (McCurtain County), Kiamichi River (Choctaw, Pushmataha, Le Flore Counties), Little River (McCurtain, Pushmataha, Le Flore Counties), and Mountain Fork River (Le Flore, McCurtain Counties). It creates the Southeast Scenic Rivers Commission, composed of 11 members including local residents, tribal representatives, and state appointees, to manage these areas. The Commission must establish minimum standards protecting the rivers' natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational value while allowing compatible uses. These standards will guide counties and municipalities in planning and development within designated river corridors. The bill requires the Commission to operate under Oklahoma's Open Meeting and Open Records Acts.
SB 2169 creates the "Oklahoma Invasive Woody Species Stewardship for State-Leased Lands Act" to protect trust lands held for school funding from invasive plants like Eastern Redcedar and salt cedar. The Oklahoma Land Office Commissioners are authorized to manage these species on trust lands by creating annual removal plans, coordinating with agencies like the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, and spending up to $1 million yearly. The bill requires the Commission to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing progress and to prioritize lands harmed by invasive species. This directly affects the management of trust assets that fund Oklahoma's public schools, aiming to prevent further environmental and economic harm to these resources.
SB 2152 modifies Oklahoma's wildlife hunting and fishing season dates and permits. It requires deer hunting seasons to begin after specific dates, creates two annual senior citizen hunting days for Oklahoma residents 64+ years old, and sets precise bowfishing dates on the Upper Illinois River (June 1-March 31 upstream from Horseshoe Bend, December 1-March 31 further upstream). The bill also establishes permit fees ($20 for residents, $75 for non-residents) with $5 per fee funding Oklahoma's Acres for Wildlife Program. These changes apply directly to hunters and anglers participating in regulated seasons across Oklahoma.
This bill increases penalties for trespassing on private land used for farming, ranching, or forestry, with fines up to $2,500 for repeat offenses. It specifically prohibits dogs from harassing wildlife on such land and clarifies exemptions for emergency personnel, utility workers, and land surveyors. Game wardens gain expanded authority to enforce wildlife protection rules and coordinate with other law enforcement. The law directly affects landowners, trespassers, and wildlife conservation efforts, while updating statutes to reflect current enforcement needs.
