SB 1589 updates Oklahoma's gambling laws by broadly defining "online casino games" to include mobile and wearable devices (like smartphones or smartwatches) that simulate traditional gambling. It clarifies that "representative of value" covers virtual currency systems exchangeable for prizes or cash. The bill expands criminal liability to include not just operators but also geolocation providers, gaming suppliers, platform providers, promoters, and media affiliates involved in such games. Violators face a Class C2 felony charge, fines of $500-$2,000, and imprisonment, effective November 1, 2026.
HB 1276 requires Oklahoma public school districts to adopt policies banning student cell phones and personal electronic devices (like tablets, smartwatches, or laptops) during the entire school day and on school grounds, effective July 2025. Exceptions are permitted for medical emergencies documented by a licensed professional. School boards may opt out of the ban through annual approval, but must still allow device use for emergencies. The bill defines "personal electronic devices" to exclude school-issued tech used for instruction and clarifies "school day" as the full instructional period from first to last bell. It directly affects all K-12 students and school districts in Oklahoma.
SB 1386 requires Oklahoma's Supreme Court and Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to establish statewide policies for recording judicial proceedings, including technical standards for audio/video systems, AI-assisted transcripts, and confidential audio channels. It mandates that recording systems support ADA-compliant closed captioning, secure metadata logging, and accurate transcription, while prohibiting local court funding for required equipment (using state appropriations instead). The bill directly affects all Oklahoma district courts and court reporters by updating recording, storage, and accessibility requirements under the Oklahoma Court Information System (OCIS), with penalties for noncompliance and whistleblower protections.
SB 1923 prohibits inmates in Oklahoma prisons and reformatories from accessing social media platforms on any electronic devices provided by the Department of Corrections (like phones, tablets, or computers). The bill defines "social media platform" as websites enabling user-generated content and interaction, such as Facebook or Instagram. The Department of Corrections must create specific rules to implement this ban, which takes effect November 1, 2026. This policy directly affects all inmates in state correctional facilities by restricting their use of social media during incarceration.
SB 1535 amends Oklahoma's Personal Privacy Protection Act to clarify when public agencies may disclose "personal affiliation information" (data identifying people as members, donors, or volunteers of 501(c) nonprofit organizations). It generally prohibits public agencies from requiring or disclosing this information but adds specific exceptions, such as for lawful court orders, Attorney General investigations, or court proceedings with protective orders to prevent public release. The bill directly affects individuals who support nonprofits and public agencies handling such data, ensuring privacy while allowing limited disclosures under strict legal conditions. It becomes effective November 1, 2026.
SB 1479 prohibits first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs) and scene support workers (tow truck operators, crime scene cleaners, road crews) from sharing details or photos/videos from accident or crime scenes on social media without prior authorization from the investigating agency. It requires employers to notify staff about these rules within 90 days of the law's effective date. Violating the rule would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 or 60 days in jail. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 53 updates Oklahoma's legal definitions related to child sexual abuse material by clarifying terms like "child sexual abuse material," "distribute," and "reasonable age verification methods" across multiple statutes. It specifies that "reasonable age verification" includes using digitized ID cards, third-party services, or other commercially reasonable methods to confirm users are 18+ before accessing certain online content. The bill modifies existing definitions in statutes covering possession, distribution, and child abuse offenses but does not create new criminal penalties or change sentencing. It directly affects online platforms, service providers, and law enforcement by standardizing how these terms are applied in Oklahoma law. The bill was signed into law by the governor on May 3, 2025.
Oklahoma's SB 552 bans state agencies that receive federal or state funds from using biotechnology equipment or services from companies designated by the federal government as "biotechnology companies of concern" (entities controlled by foreign adversaries posing national security risks through multiomics data collection). The bill specifically targets the use of multiomics technology - which combines data from genomics, proteomics, and other biological research areas - to prevent potential security threats. State agencies cannot contract with entities using such biotechnology, and the law only takes effect after a comparable federal law is enacted. This directly affects all Oklahoma state agencies managing federal or state funds, requiring them to avoid specific biotech vendors.
SB 572 ends Oklahoma's technology business financing program, which previously provided funding to help local businesses commercialize innovations. The bill requires all remaining program funds and annual royalty payments (from businesses that received funding) to be transferred to the state's General Revenue Fund by November 1, 2025. This affects OCAST (the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology), businesses that had received program funding, and state finances. The program officially ceases upon the bill's effective date, redirecting all unused funds to general state revenue.
