Environment (Conservation)

in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 3659: Game and fish; waterfowl; nonresidents; public land; fines; effective date.

HB 3659 requires most hunters to obtain a waterfowl hunting license or stamp in Oklahoma, with fees set at $20 for residents (18+) and $30 for nonresidents (18+). Nonresidents face specific restrictions: they may only hunt waterfowl on public lands south of I-40 and east of I-35 on Monday-Thursday during the second half of the season. Those arrested without a valid license can buy a temporary stamp ($100 for residents, $175 for nonresidents), with fees funding wetland conservation. Violations carry fines of $25-$500, and the law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFees fund wetland conservation, directly supporting environmental protection through dedicated revenue streams from hunting licenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

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vetoed · Oklahoma · House May 7, 2025

HB 1910: Environment and natural resources; Urban Agriculture Cost Share Program; Conservation Commission; defining terms; program guidelines; revolving fund; administration of program; liability; effective date.

HB 1910 establishes Oklahoma's Urban Agriculture Cost Share Program, administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. It provides funding from the Conservation Commission's Infrastructure Revolving Fund to reimburse eligible individuals, tribes, or organizations for urban agriculture projects on land within five miles of urban areas defined by the U.S. Census. Eligible projects include community gardens, rooftop farming, greenhouses, soil health initiatives, and food waste composting, with priority given to areas with limited access to healthy food. Applicants must submit project plans and enter contracts with local conservation districts, and the Commission must annually report program data on projects, funding, and community impacts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds urban agriculture projects (soil health, composting) via Conservation Commission's revolving fund, directly advancing environmental conservation and resource management.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 14, 2025

HB 2096: Wildlife habitat development; exempting land in program from eminent domain; requiring projects be complete at landowner's expense; effective date.

HB 2096 creates a state wildlife habitat program allowing private landowners to enter contracts with Oklahoma’s Wildlife Conservation Department for habitat development projects. Landowners must cover all project costs, and their enrolled land is protected from government seizure (eminent domain) during the contract term and for five years after completion. Landowners may cancel contracts at any time but must repay all state funds used for habitat improvements before cancellation. The program explicitly states the state bears no liability for damages, and the Department may charge participation fees.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates voluntary wildlife habitat program protecting land from eminent domain, promoting conservation through private landowner participation in habitat development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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signed · Oklahoma · Senate Apr 23, 2025

SB 448: Wildlife; requiring nonresident hunters to receive permission from the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission to use Wildlife Management Areas. Effective date.

SB 448 requires nonresident hunters to obtain written permission from the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission before using Wildlife Management Areas. This affects out-of-state hunters who previously could access these areas without prior authorization. The bill mandates the Commission to create a lottery system for distributing permits and sets penalties: fines of $100-$1,000 or up to 30 days in jail for violations, with repeat offenses suspending hunting privileges. The law takes effect November 1, 2025, and amends Oklahoma Statutes Section 7-304.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires permits for nonresident hunters in Wildlife Management Areas, managing access to conserve natural resources and habitats.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · Oklahoma · Senate Feb 4, 2025

SB 720: Fish and wildlife; limiting number of quail to be harvested each day. Effective date.

SB 720 limits the daily harvest of quail to seven birds for licensed hunters in Oklahoma. It directly affects individuals hunting quail for sport, while exempting commercial hunting areas that operate under specific licenses. The bill requires the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission to enforce this daily limit, codifying it into state law under Title 29, Section 5-401.1. The rule takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill limits daily quail harvest to prevent overhunting, directly conserving wildlife populations through regulated hunting under state law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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died · Oklahoma · Senate May 30, 2025

SB 263: Invasive species; expanding provisions of the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act. Effective date.

SB 263 expands Oklahoma's Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Water Restoration Act to address harmful woody species like Eastern Redcedar and salt cedar. It creates a revolving fund for water restoration, allowing cost-sharing with landowners, state agencies, and nonprofits for removal methods such as prescribed burns and herbicides. The bill mandates the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to manage the program across at least three project areas in the North Canadian Watershed, focusing on improving water flow, reducing wildfire risks, and restoring grazing lands. It updates definitions, expands eligible participants, and requires studies comparing treated and untreated watersheds. The policy directly affects landowners and local entities managing watersheds in the North Canadian River basin.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates revolving fund for invasive species removal (Eastern Redcedar, salt cedar) using prescribed burns/herbicides to protect watershed ecosystems, directly advancing environmental conservation and water resource management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Water Quality

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died · Oklahoma · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 2100: Environment and natural resources; Conservation Commission Cost-Share Program; eminent domain; effective date.

HB 2100 exempts private lands enrolled in Oklahoma's Conservation Commission Cost-Share Program from eminent domain, meaning the government cannot take these lands for public projects without the landowner's consent. This protection applies to all lands in the program, with exceptions only for projects deemed essential to public health and safety. The bill, effective November 1, 2025, directly affects landowners participating in the Cost-Share Program by safeguarding their property rights during conservation efforts. It codifies this exemption into Oklahoma Statutes (Section 3-3-118 of Title 27A) to ensure long-term stability for conservation initiatives.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProtects lands enrolled in conservation program from eminent domain, preserving existing conservation efforts and landowner participation in environmental stewardship.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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signed · Oklahoma · Senate May 6, 2025

SB 940: Harmful woody species; requiring certain report to be compiled and submitted to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 940 requires the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to create a statewide plan for controlling harmful woody species (like Eastern Redcedar and salt cedar) on state-owned, leased, or operated land. State agencies - including Agriculture, Wildlife Conservation, Corrections, and Transportation - must compile a report by January 1, 2026, detailing affected properties and control plans, with annual updates submitted to the Legislature starting November 1, 2026. The bill defines "harmful woody species" as trees or shrubs rapidly encroaching and threatening the environment or economy. It becomes law without a governor's signature, effective July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates control of invasive woody species (e.g., Eastern Redcedar) on state land to protect ecosystems and natural resources, advancing environmental conservation goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 23, 2025

HCR 1014: Resolution; light pollution; bird mortality; encouraging Oklahomans to turn off lights during peak migration.

This concurrent resolution (HCR 1014) encourages Oklahoma businesses, state agencies, organizations, and residents to voluntarily turn off exterior lighting during April, May, September, and October - peak migration months for birds. It aims to reduce bird disorientation and collisions with buildings caused by artificial light, which contributes to bird mortality. The resolution supports Oklahoma’s participation in the "Lights Out Oklahoma" campaign, aligning with similar efforts in other states. It does not create new laws or requirements but expresses legislative support for this voluntary conservation practice.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEncourages voluntary light reduction during bird migration to decrease disorientation/collisions, directly protecting wildlife and reducing light pollution.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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failed · Oklahoma · House May 7, 2026

HB 2115: Public assistance programs; directing the Department of Human Services to administer certain programs; federal funds; requirements; transferring certain powers, duties, records, assets and monies to the Department; effective date.

HB 2115 transfers administration of Oklahoma's Energy Conservation Assistance Fund from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. It provides grants of up to $3,000 for weatherization work (like insulation, storm windows, and structural repairs) to low-income elderly and handicapped homeowners who meet income guidelines (125% of federal poverty level). The bill requires an energy audit before grants are issued, prioritizes applicants with greatest need, and establishes a revolving fund for ongoing program funding. This directly affects qualifying homeowners seeking energy efficiency improvements to their primary residences.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides grants for low-income weatherization, funding essential public assistance program under budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds energy efficiency upgrades (weatherization, insulation) for low-income households via conservation grants, directly advancing energy conservation through reduced consumption.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProvides grants for weatherization (insulation, energy audits) to conserve energy, reduce emissions, and lower utility costs for low-income households, directly advancing environmental conservation.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides weatherization grants ($3,000 max) to low-income elderly/handicapped homeowners, reducing utility costs and supporting housing affordability for vulnerable residents.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Energy Efficiency Conservation

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