SB 1434 requires Oklahoma's Department of Public Safety and Department of Transportation to install automated speed enforcement devices at construction zone entrances, with a warning sign placed 100 feet before each device. These devices only capture images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 10+ mph in work zones, and must delete unused images within 15 minutes or used images within 24 hours of citation resolution. The bill prohibits retaining, selling, or transferring captured images, mandates device calibration after every move (with public records), and requires biannual independent audits to ensure compliance, with vendors fined $1,000 per improperly retained image. This directly affects drivers in construction zones by regulating how speed enforcement is conducted and handled.
HB 2997 increases the maximum administrative fine for used motor vehicle license applicants who knowingly make false statements from $1,000 to $10,000. It directly affects individuals and businesses applying for or holding motor vehicle sales licenses in Oklahoma. The bill amends Section 585D of Oklahoma Statutes to raise this fine limit, while maintaining existing $100 maximum fines for dealer violations like failing to deliver title documents. The change takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1445 amends Oklahoma law to strengthen penalties for drivers who ignore barricades on flooded highways or construction zones. It makes it unlawful to drive through closed areas, with stricter penalties if a death occurs: causing the death of a minor becomes a felony manslaughter charge (Class A2), while causing the death of an adult becomes a lesser felony (Class B5). The bill directly affects drivers who disregard traffic-control devices during flood closures, imposing fines, jail time, and restitution for property damage or injury. Key provisions include requiring drivers to merge safely in construction zones and prohibiting tampering with traffic devices. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 2078, the Oklahoma Diesel Engine Freedom Act, declares federal mandates requiring diesel exhaust fluid for vehicles operating solely within Oklahoma void, asserting the state's authority under the 10th Amendment to regulate intrastate emissions. It allows the manufacture, sale, and use of diesel engines not requiring exhaust fluid within Oklahoma, prohibits state agencies from enforcing federal diesel fluid requirements, and imposes fines up to $2,500 for violations. The bill repeals an existing Oklahoma statute (47 O.S. 2021, Section 12-423) related to emission control systems. It applies specifically to vehicles engaged only in intrastate commerce, not interstate travel.
SB 1610 creates the Oklahoma Work Zone Safety and Contractor Protection Act to enhance safety for road workers and contractors. It grants immunity from liability to contractors who follow federal traffic control standards (MUTCD) during work zones, protecting them from lawsuits when crashes are caused by third-party drivers. The bill also establishes a Work Zone Safety Revolving Fund to support safety initiatives and updates definitions in Oklahoma law to clarify which workers qualify for protection. These changes directly affect road construction contractors, state transportation workers, and drivers operating in work zones. The law aims to balance worker safety, automated enforcement use, and fair liability standards without advocating for specific outcomes.
HB 2979, the Talyn Bain Act, requires Oklahoma's Department of Transportation (ODOT) to establish 45 mph school zones on specific state highways when local jurisdictions (like school districts or municipalities) request them. This applies to highways meeting three conditions: having four or more lanes adjacent to a school, having a 65+ mph speed limit without special access features near a school, or being within 150 yards of school property. After establishment, the requesting local jurisdiction must cover all maintenance and operational costs for the zone signage and equipment. The reduced speed limit is enforced only when flashing beacons are active during school drop-off/pick-up times or additional approved hours.
HB 4426 creates a state income tax credit for businesses making qualified economic development expenditures in specific Oklahoma locations. It allows eligible businesses to claim up to 10% of qualifying construction, equipment, or infrastructure costs (capped at $6 million per project), or up to 50% for rail infrastructure (capped at $3 million). The credit can be assigned to project affiliates like vendors or investors and carried forward for up to five years, with an annual state cap of $12 million. The bill applies to projects in counties under 100,000 population, industrial parks, economic development zones, or near qualifying railroads, effective November 2026.
SB 66 creates a $10 million revolving fund specifically for airport improvements at regional airports located east of U.S. Highway 69, south of U.S. Highway 70, and within Oklahoma municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 20,000 people. The fund requires matching contributions of $10 million from local, county, tribal, federal, or private sources before state funds can be used for repairs, upgrades, or air traffic control towers at eligible airports. The state appropriates $10 million from the General Revenue Fund to the revolving fund, with unspent funds reverting to the General Revenue Fund by July 1, 2027, if no spending decisions are made. This bill directly affects smaller regional airports in southeastern Oklahoma meeting the specified population and geographic criteria.
SB 971 requires all freight trains operating in Oklahoma to have at least two certified crew members (like engineers or conductors) aboard while moving, directly affecting railroad companies transporting goods. Exceptions include passenger/tourist trains, slow-moving trains (under 30 mph with a caboose), helper services, hostler operations, and loading/unloading at 10 mph. Violations carry fines starting at $250 for a first offense, increasing to $10,000 for repeated violations within three years. The law, effective July 2025, aims to enhance safety through mandatory crew staffing for freight operations.
HB 2297 requires Oklahoma's Service Oklahoma to establish a driver license reciprocity agreement with Ireland. The agreement must ensure Irish driver license standards meet Oklahoma's requirements and mandate that Irish drivers comply with Oklahoma's mandatory auto insurance laws. This directly affects Irish residents operating vehicles in Oklahoma under the agreement. The bill became law on May 8, 2025, with no Governor's signature needed.
