Government Modernization and Technology

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. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Government Modernization and Technology Committee on Monday unanimously passed two bills intended to safeguard Oklahomans when artificial intelligence (AI) is used. Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, is the chairman of the committee and the author of  House Bill 3545 and House Bill 3546 . The measures seek to ensure state agencies use AI responsibly with human oversight and clarify that artificial intelligence systems are not persons and cannot hold legal rights. "These common-sense protections seek to set responsible standards for the use of artificial intelligence and ensure that rights remain with people and not inanimate, non-human systems," Maynard said. "We welcome the use of emerging technologies, but only within a prudent framework. While some of this may seem like science fiction, the concerns are all too real in our current environment, and the best time to set guidelines is now." Maynard said House Bill 3545 would establish responsible standards for state agency use of AI that would require human oversight for any high-risk decisions. The measure also would require transparency whenever AI content is used, including annual reporting so that everyone knows what AI is being used for in the state. House Bill 3546 would make it clear that AI systems and other non-human inanimate objects will not be granted personhood in Oklahoma. "This ensures that rights remain with people and prevents artificial intelligence from being used to claim legal standing or avoid accountability under our laws," Maynard said. He said the measure reinforces a foundational principle reflected in the Declaration of Independence: that our rights do not come from government but are endowed by our Creator and recognized by our Constitution. "Machines are created by man, and they must never be elevated to the status of the people they were designed to serve," Maynard said. Both bills received unanimous do pass recommendations and now are eligible to be considered by the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development Oversight. House bills must pass in policy and oversight committees before being eligible for a vote by the full membership of the House. Maynard has an additional bill dealing with AI that has been referred to the Civil Judiciary Committee. House Bill 3544 would protect minors from AI systems designed to simulate human-like relationships. It would prohibit the deployment of social AI companions and human-like AI chatbots to minors and would require reasonable age certification measures, with a narrow exception for certain therapeutic tools under strict professional oversight. Maynard said the bill reflects growing national concern, including widely reported lawsuits alleging that some AI-companion platforms foster emotional dependency in minors and, in tragic cases, encourage self-harm.

Legislation aimed at modernizing data retention practices across Oklahoma has been signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.  House Bill 3643, authored by Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, increases government efficiency by clarifying that records not regulated by the Records Management Act may be destroyed without the approval of the State Records Administrator.  "The signing of House Bill 3643 reaffirms Oklahoma's commitment to embracing innovation in government operations," Boatman said. "These changes are aligned with the best practices of today, ensuring that Oklahoma remains at the forefront of information management. I appreciate the support of the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature as we work together to make Oklahoma government as efficient as possible."  “As Governor, I want to support any legislation that modernizes government and saves taxpayer dollars, which is why I proudly signed HB 3643,” Stitt said. “I’m grateful to Representative Boatman and Senator Jech for sending this bill to my desk.”  HB3643 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher.  “These improvements to our state recordkeeping systems will maximize efficiency and increase security by prioritizing essential records and ensuring those are stored properly," Jech said. "In addition, this legislation will eliminate the need to store non-essential files as it’s not practical or cost-effective. I appreciate my legislative colleagues for their support of this measure, as well as the governor for signing this into law, marking a significant step towards modernizing our government operations and better serving the needs of Oklahomans." Additionally, the bill also addresses the storage location of certain documents. HB3643 takes effect Nov. 1.