Commerce & Economic Development Oversight

A comprehensive bill strengthening data privacy protections for Oklahomans has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 546 , authored by House Majority Floor Leader Josh West, R-Grove, and Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, establishes new consumer rights regarding personal data and creates clear rules for businesses that collect and process information from Oklahoma residents. Under the new law, Oklahomans will be able to access, correct, delete and obtain copies of their personal data, as well as opt out of the sale of their personal data and certain targeted advertising practices.  West, who has pushed for strong data privacy laws in Oklahoma since 2019, said Oklahomans deserve to have a say in how their private information is used.  "In the age of the internet, personal data is valuable currency," West said. "People deserve to know how their data is being used and have the ability to make decisions about that information. Senate Bill 546 gives Oklahomans meaningful control over their own data while establishing clear standards for businesses operating in our state."  SB546 applies to businesses operating in Oklahoma that either process personal data of over 100,000 consumers or process data of 25,000 consumers while earning a majority of their revenue from selling data. The legislation also requires businesses to provide transparent privacy notices, maintain reasonable data security practices and obtain consent before processing sensitive personal information. If companies fail to comply, the Oklahoma Attorney General could take action against them.  "Senate Bill 546 puts Oklahomans back in control of their personal data," Howard said. "For too long, technology companies and online platforms have collected and sold consumers’ personal information, including search histories, spending habits and other browsing data, without giving them the chance to opt out. This new law protects Oklahomans’ privacy online by giving every individual the right to know what data is being collected, while also giving them the power to delete that information and prevent it from being sold."  West said the policy has been a long time coming. In 2021, he authored legislation that would have implemented the strongest data privacy law in the nation. The measure, which was coauthored by 44 legislators, passed the House broadly but stalled in the legislative process.  "I started working on this legislation in 2019 after a conversation with former Representative Collin Walke," West said. "After seven years and five drafts, Oklahomans will finally have the say they deserve in how their personal data is used. I appreciate Senator Howard's work to push Senate Bill 546 across the finish line and thank the governor for signing it into law."  There are exemptions for certain entities, including state agencies, nonprofits and higher education institutions, as well as exemptions for organizations working with data already regulated by federal laws, such as HIPAA.  SB546 will take effect January 1, 2027. 

Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, today commented on the recent announcements that Devon Energy and Expand Energy will both relocate their corporate headquarters to Texas.  Hill, who serves as chair of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee, emphasized the importance of continuing to diversify Oklahoma’s economy.  "The focus of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee is on ensuring Oklahoma is prepared for the future," Hill said. "That means continuing to pursue innovative growth in our energy industry while also investing in the infrastructure, education and workforce development that allow other industries to grow and thrive."  Hill noted that Oklahoma’s economic development strategy must include expanding opportunities in varied industries and other high-growth sectors that provide stability and opportunity for Oklahoma families, such as aerospace, biosciences, advanced manufacturing and others.  "Our state's long-term economic strategy cannot rely on any single company or industry," Hill said. "A diversified economy is how we attract investment, retain talent and ensure state policy keeps pace with opportunity." 

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed three major pieces of legislation sponsored by Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, the chair of House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight. These workforce focused bills are aimed at strengthening the state’s job pipeline, driving innovation, and positioning Oklahoma for long-term economic growth. "Our children shouldn't have to move to Denver or Dallas to launch their careers," Hill said. "I'm proud to help lead a unified effort to align education, training, and economic development in a way that prepares Oklahomans for the jobs of tomorrow. By investing in strategic workforce priorities, we can lay the foundation for a more competitive and prosperous Oklahoma." Senate Bill 324, by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, and Hill, would establish the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund and Program, which would incentivize private-sector innovation by offering a 5% rebate on qualified research expenditures. The annual rebate, to be administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and capped at $20 million, would encourage job-creating investments in science, technology and advanced manufacturing. Senate Bill 663, by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Hill, moves the Workforce Coordination Revolving Fund from Commerce to the newly established Oklahoma Workforce Commission, ensuring that resources are targeted more efficiently toward high-impact initiatives. The fund would provide grants for critical workforce needs aligned with economic development goals identified by the Education and Economic Development Working Group of the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. Senate Bill 662 , also by Pugh and Hill, charges the Oklahoma Workforce Commission with implementing programs that expand work-based learning opportunities, support high-demand career pathways and foster innovation in K-12 education for workforce readiness. It would also establish the Commission as the centralized data hub for Oklahoma’s workforce efforts, providing policymakers and stakeholders with timely, actionable information through the Legislature’s Workforce & Infrastructure interactive map. All three bills were amended in the House and now return to the Senate for another vote.