Labor & Employment

SB 928 creates new misdemeanor and felony charges for assaulting or battering county employees while they are performing their duties. It defines "county employee" broadly to include workers for counties and contracted firms. Simple assault/battery becomes a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine), while aggravated attacks become felonies (up to 2 years in prison or $5,000 fine). The bill also requires counties to post clear signage stating that felony charges may apply for such attacks. This law directly affects county employees and aims to strengthen protections for them during work.

SB 358 requires railroad operators on Oklahoma’s "main lines" (routes handling over 5 million tons of annual traffic) to install and maintain infrared hot bearings detectors every 10 miles along those tracks. These detectors identify overheating train components like bearings, axles, or wheels to prevent safety hazards. Violations carry fines of $1,000 to $5,000, enforceable by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The law, effective November 1, 2025, applies specifically to commercial freight rail operations, excluding tourist or scenic lines.