Highlights of the 79 new laws effective July 1 in Oklahoma
Thursday also marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for state of Oklahoma agencies, so a number of budget-related measures, including the general appropriations bill, House Bill 2900, also took effect.
The state’s fiscal year 2022 budget is $9.1 billion.
Here are 10 highlights from the 79 pieces of legislation signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt that take effect July 1, 2021.
The Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, Senate Bill 368
The government may not close places of worship during emergencies, as was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The measure would not prevent church leaders from closing or suspending operations at houses of worship on their own.
House Bill 1775 - teaching aspects of race
Students may not be taught that one race or gender is superior to another, nor that a person (by virtue of race or sex) "bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex." Gender or diversity training in a college setting must be voluntary. Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, author, said he rejects the idea that his bill could prohibit the teaching of authentic history.
Senate Bill 658 - masks in schools
Schools may not implement a mask mandate for students who have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Senate Bill 608 - Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021
A new film and television incentive builds on an existing program upping the rebate cap from $8 million to $30 million. Supporters said the measure was necessary to help diversify the state’s economy. Pictured, "Killers of the Flower Moon" is filmed in Pawhuska on May 24.
House Bill 2272 - For medical marijuana businesses
The new law requires that licensees of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority disclose any foreign interests held in the medical marijuana industry. It also allows OMMA to conduct on-site compliance checks starting Sept. 1 and mandates inspections to determine whether a licensee remains active and compliant.
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May 2021 video: Oklahoma governor signs controversial bill that limits in-school instruction on race, gender and history
House Bill 1775, by Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, bans the teaching that one race or gender is superior to another and makes college gender or diversity training voluntary.
Dallas Tyler Ewton is accused of sexually abusing now-former students of Morris Public Schools during school and at school events, according to an affidavit filed Thursday.
There's a chance the vaccinated may still contract COVID-19, but health officials say vaccines remain the single best option to prevent serious illness or death from the virus and its variants.
Emmitt Weaver, 44, died at a Tulsa hospital after he reportedly developed respiratory distress while running from officers, a press release states.
As of Wednesday, there are 2,158 active documented cases in the state, with 512 in Tulsa County — the latter a jump from 388 the week before.
As of Wednesday, 3,710 documented cases were active in the state — a jump from 1,731 in two weeks. Tulsa County leads the state with 807 active cases.
Some lawmakers will watch Gov. Kevin Stitt's speech from their offices.