SB 1859 creates a Cyber Crime and Fraud Unit within Oklahoma's State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to enhance investigations into cyber-enabled crimes (like ransomware and digital extortion), financial fraud (including identity theft), and digital evidence handling. The bill establishes a revolving fund with a $3 million appropriation from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal 2026, allowing the unit to operate without annual budget constraints. The unit can only investigate upon requests from local law enforcement, Governor direction, or under existing statutes - explicitly stating it does not expand OSBI's jurisdiction. It will provide technical support, training to law enforcement, and coordinate with federal and tribal partners on cybercrime cases.
SB 2182 creates a civil cause of action for Oklahomans whose intimate images (showing uncovered genitals, pubic area, anus, female nipples, or sexual conduct) are shared without consent. It allows victims to sue for damages - up to $10,000 per violation - or emotional distress if the disclosure was intentional and the victim had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The law includes exceptions for disclosures in law enforcement, medical treatment, or public interest, but bars these if the disclosure was for sexual gratification, humiliation, or profit. It also protects victims’ privacy by permitting courts to redact identifying information in legal documents.
SB 1989 expands contribution options for Oklahoma's 529 College Savings Plan by explicitly permitting digital payments through peer-to-peer apps and digital networks, in addition to cash. This change directly affects anyone contributing to the plan, including parents, students, or others saving for qualified higher education expenses. The bill updates the statute (70 O.S. 2021, Section 3970.7) to clarify that contributions may now be made via these digital methods. The amendment does not alter savings limits, tax treatment, or other program rules, focusing solely on expanding how funds can be deposited.
HB 3431 restricts ownership of rare earth mineral rights in Oklahoma by foreign governments designated as adversaries. The bill amends existing law to specifically replace "oil" with "rare earth minerals" in ownership restrictions, focusing on critical minerals vital for technology and defense. It directly affects foreign entities classified as adversaries under state law, preventing them from holding mineral rights for rare earth resources. The key mechanism establishes new ownership limitations for these minerals, though the bill does not define which foreign governments qualify as "adversaries." The amendment clarifies the bill's scope to rare earth minerals, excluding oil and other resources.
HB 3678 makes it a misdemeanor to use electronic devices (like social media or text messages) to publish personal details - such as names, addresses, or Social Security numbers - of protected individuals with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or harass them. It directly affects peace officers, public officials (including municipal and school board members), election officials, medical care providers, and crime victims. Violators face up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine for a first offense, with harsher penalties for repeat violations. The law excludes medical care provider information unrelated to their professional duties and takes effect on November 1, 2026.
HB 4144 requires Oklahoma law enforcement agencies to make specific arrest and incident reports publicly available, including arrest details (name, date of birth, cause), incident summaries, radio logs, crime summaries, jail records, and body-worn camera footage. Agencies must redact sensitive information like minor identities, medical details, or ongoing investigation details before release, but must disclose redacted portions once investigations conclude. This bill directly affects all Oklahoma law enforcement agencies by expanding public access to policing records while establishing clear redaction standards for privacy and safety concerns. The policy changes standardize transparency for public record requests related to law enforcement activities.
HB 3047 requires Oklahoma state agencies to file all statutorily mandated reports electronically with the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) instead of on paper. LOFT must create an online filing system, maintain a public index of all required reports with their status, and notify the Legislature when reports are available. Agencies may submit printed copies only if they provide a written explanation for why electronic filing isn't possible. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is classified as an emergency measure. (This procedural bill directly affects state agencies and LOFT, with no direct impact on citizens or businesses.)
HB 3544 prohibits AI chatbots with human-like features (e.g., claiming sentience or seeking emotional bonds) from being available to minors under 18. It requires developers to implement age verification systems and offer alternative versions without such features for minors. Therapeutic chatbots providing mental health support are exempt if they include clear disclaimers, require professional oversight, provide clinical evidence of safety, and maintain transparency. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $7,500 per intentional violation, with minors or parents able to seek damages of $100-$750 per incident. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 2293 extends the Oklahoma Broadband Office's operations until December 31, 2030 (previously ending June 30, 2028) and reorganizes it as a division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The bill also extends the Broadband Governing Board and Broadband Expansion Council until 2030, maintaining their roles in overseeing statewide broadband grant programs, the Statewide Broadband Plan, and rural connectivity initiatives. These entities will continue managing federal and state funds for broadband expansion while operating under open-government laws. The changes ensure continuity for existing broadband infrastructure projects and grant programs without altering their core functions.
HB 3176 creates the Oklahoma Gas, Artificial Intelligence, and Space Research Hub (GAS Hub) as the state's central coordinator for recruiting a U.S. National Laboratory. The hub will prepare federal-ready sites, coordinate workforce development, aggregate state incentives, and serve as Oklahoma's formal applicant to agencies like the Department of Energy and NASA. It requires the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to administer the hub, working with state agencies including the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority. The bill mandates annual reports on federal engagement and site readiness, with implementation effective November 1, 2026.
