OKLAHOMA CITY – Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, today received passage of House Bill 4156 by a vote of 77-20. The legislation, aimed at addressing the illegal immigration crisis, creates the crime of impermissible occupation. Details include: A person commits an impermissible occupation if the person willfully and without permission enters and remains in the State of Oklahoma without having first obtained legal authorization to enter the United States. Penalties for violating the new law will be: First offense – Misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than $500, or both, required to leave the state within 72 hours of being released from custody and prohibited from reentering the state at any time thereafter. Second or subsequent offense – Felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Dept. of Corrections for a term of not more than two years, or by a fine of not more than $1,000, or both, required to leave the state within 72 hours of being released from custody and prohibited from reentering the state at any time thereafter. Additionally, the legislation includes a preemption clause prohibiting municipalities from becoming 'sanctuary cities.' "I am thankful that my Republican colleagues saw fit to address this issue and pass meaningful legislation to protect the citizens of Oklahoma from the illegal immigration crisis plaguing our country right now," said McCall. "The failure of the federal government to address this issue, and the lack of leadership by the Biden Administration, has turned every state into a border state. Those who want to work through the process of coming to our country legally are more than welcome to come to Oklahoma; we would love to have them here. Those who jump the line, and skip the process, cheapen the value of the work put in by those who went through the full legal process to become a citizen of our great country. We will not reward that behavior in Oklahoma, and we will protect our state borders." Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, who presented the bill on the House floor, said that this is common sense legislation that allows the state to properly protect its borders and citizens. "Anyone saying that there is not an illegal immigration crisis in our state and nation is simply ignoring reality," Echols said. "This is a common sense piece of legislation that allows Oklahoma to protect our citizens and our state borders, while also preemptively signaling to those in our country illegally that they should choose another state to migrate to. The Legislature has an obligation to ensure that the rights, privileges and safety of our citizens, authorized residents and lawfully present visitors is protected at all costs. Other states can take whatever action they see fit, but Oklahoma is now going to be less attractive for those who enter our country unlawfully." The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. -END- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Daniel Seitz, House Leadership Communications Liaison Phone: (405) 962-7649
The Oklahoma Senate passed House Bill 3623 on Wednesday, a measure that aims to prevent public funds from supporting illegal immigration, thereby enhancing accountability and integrity in contracting practices in Oklahoma. Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored the measure. The bill would require all contractors or subcontractors who contract with the state or a public employer to submit an affidavit to the State Purchasing Director affirming compliance with the state's E-Verify requirements. "With House Bill 3623, Oklahoma reinforces its commitment to fiscal accountability, ensuring that no public dollar is used to support illegal immigration," Harris said. "E-Verify compliance mandates not only uphold the principles of fairness and transparency but also strengthen the trust of our citizens in the integrity of our workforce and immigration processes." This system is designed to verify the citizenship status of all new employees, ensuring adherence to legal standards. Under HB3623, contractors who knowingly provide false affidavits will face civil penalties. The first offense will result in an administrative penalty of $5,000, increasing by $2,000 for each subsequent violation. Additionally, contractors who breach this mandate risk having their contracts terminated. Sen. Weaver, R-Moore, carried the measure in the Senate. "By holding contractors and subcontractors accountable through this legislation, we're ensuring Oklahomans' hard-earned tax dollars are not supporting the employment of individuals who are not authorized to work in our state," Weaver said. "I am appreciative of my Senate colleagues for passing this measure out of our chamber and putting us one step closer to having these protections in place. I'd also like to thank Representative Harris for his collaboration on this measure that makes sure Oklahoma citizens are prioritized in our state's job market." HB3623 is Harris' first bill to pass both chambers. It passed the Senate 39 – 5 and now heads to the Governor for consideration.
Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, secured passage of a bill that would allow employees at establishments that sell wine, beer, and liquor to sample the products if they are over 21. Senate Bill 2001 defines "Straw Testing" as allowing licensed employees aged 21 or older to evaluate beverage quality responsibly through minimal alcohol consumption. It would also lower the registration fee for brand-label spirits from $375 to $75 for those producing less than 53 gallons a year. "Restaurants were told they had been misinterpreting the law," Hays said. "As it stands, Oklahoma law does not allow servers to take a straw test sample of the drinks they are about to serve customers. The goal here is to clarify that language and allow these businesses to provide the level of service their customers have come to expect." Hays emphasized that SB2001 has defined regulations, such as on-premises sampling under licensee supervision, and emphasizes that alcohol tasting is voluntary, not obligatory, for employees. Several lawmakers and industry stakeholders worked together to develop SB2001, which modernizes alcohol regulations and supports industry growth, Hays said. SB2001 passed the House 69 – 20.