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.
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.
HB 1286 sets minimum requirements for Oklahoma public school instruction time, mandating at least 180 days or 1,080 hours annually. It specifically allows school districts to use up to 10 virtual days per year for limited reasons like inclement weather, staff shortages, or building maintenance - requiring districts to notify the State Board of Education by October 15. If virtual days exceed the limit, schools must switch to in-person instruction, and districts must maintain policies for students without internet access. The bill also requires annual audits of compliance and reports on student achievement impacts for districts using flexible scheduling options.
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.
HB 2216 creates a property right in an individual's name, photograph, voice, or likeness in any medium, granting owners the ability to license or sell these rights during their lifetime and for 10 years after death. It directly affects all Oklahomans by allowing civil lawsuits against entities that commercially exploit these elements without consent - such as for advertising, fundraising, or using AI-generated content - unless protected by First Amendment exceptions like news reporting, satire, or fleeting appearances. The law defines "voice" broadly (including simulations) and specifies that heirs inherit rights for 10 years post-death, terminating if unused for two years after that period. It takes effect November 1, 2025, and does not override federal copyright law.
SB 1072 prohibits unauthorized drone flights over specific properties in Oklahoma, directly affecting residential homeowners (defined as "homesteads") and agricultural operations ("secure farmstead areas" including livestock facilities). The bill bans drone use within 400 feet of these properties without permission, with stricter rules for drones equipped with cameras or surveillance devices. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 for first offenses and $10,000 for repeat offenses, plus potential jail time. Property owners can seek court-ordered injunctions to stop drone harassment and require destruction of illegally recorded data.
SB 894 prohibits distributing AI-generated "deepfake" videos or audio of political candidates within 90 days of an election, unless a clear disclosure states "This media has been manipulated by artificial intelligence." The law requires disclosures to be visible/readable (e.g., large text in videos, spoken in audio) and applies to individuals, corporations, or committees creating such media. Exceptions cover news broadcasts, satire, and media that clearly acknowledges authenticity questions. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000, with the law taking effect November 1, 2025.
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 139 requires Oklahoma public school district boards of education to adopt cell phone policies by the 2025-2026 school year. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, boards may choose to implement policies prohibiting students from using cell phones or personal electronic devices on school campuses "from bell to bell" during school hours. The bill directly affects school districts by setting a timeline for policy adoption and defining the scope of device restrictions during instructional time. This legislation, approved by the governor on May 3, 2025, provides a framework for district-level decisions without mandating specific enforcement.
SB 371 requires Oklahoma school districts to create policies blocking students from accessing social media platforms (including social networks, blogs, video sharing, and photo sharing) on school-owned computers or devices while on school premises. The bill defines "social media" broadly to cover all interactive online platforms where users contribute content. School boards must adopt these policies by a specified deadline, with rules to be developed by the state education agency. The law takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration.
