OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1678 is now law after passing both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature and advancing without the governor’s signature. The bill, authored by Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, updates procedures for how tie votes are handled in Oklahoma elections. HB1678, originally intended to mandate a runoff in the event of a tie vote, was amended in the Senate before final passage. The new law still relies on a random drawing to determine the winner in tied races but provides more structure and transparency in how those drawings are conducted. “Even though it's not exactly what we wanted in the end, it will be better for drawing up the rules,” Townley said. “This is still a step in the right direction to make sure these decisions are made clearly, publicly and by a process people can understand.” While it maintains the current practice of settling tied elections by lot, it now requires clearer notification protocols, uniform materials, and a standardized method for conducting the drawing in front of witnesses. “People should feel confident that even in rare cases like a tie, our system is consistent and fair,” Townley said. Townley proposed the legislation after a 2024 primary race in Carter County was decided by a drawing. The bill is set to take effect November 1, 2025.
OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aimed at establishing clear guidelines for carbon capture and storage in Oklahoma has received final legislative approval and will take effect later this year. Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, co-authored Senate Bill 269 with Sen. Dave Rader to ensure the state maintains regulatory control over carbon sequestration efforts. The measure gives the Oklahoma Corporation Commission exclusive authority over Class VI CO2 injection wells and related storage units. “These companies are willing to invest millions in Oklahoma without asking for tax credits or special incentives from the state,” Luttrell said. “In return, this bill gives them regulatory certainty under Oklahoma’s authority, while also protecting landowners and ensuring long-term accountability.” SB269 was the result of collaboration between the Corporation Commission, the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and carbon capture companies. It sets requirements for CO2 storage site applications, including ownership of at least 63 percent of the land in the proposed unit, a submitted map of the affected area and notice to surface owners, mineral rights holders and owners of impacted wells. “Senate Bill 269 sets Oklahoma up to lead the nation in the fast-growing carbon capture and sequestration industry, an emerging field that is poised to spur private investment and economic growth in the state,” said Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa. “This law ensures that oversight of this emerging industry stays with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, not Washington bureaucrats, so rules and regulations addressing this developing sector reflect what’s best for all Oklahomans.” Public notice must be given through two publications, with one issued no fewer than 30 days before the Corporation Commission hearing. No injection may occur without commission authorization, and the agency is directed to issue a certificate of completion within 50 years of injection ending, assuming regulatory compliance and maintained mechanical integrity. The bill also creates the Class VI Carbon Sequestration Storage Facility Revolving Fund. Once a facility deposits $5 million or more into the fund, its fees will pause until expenditures bring the balance below $4 million. The Corporation Commission must provide electronic reports to legislative leaders evaluating the fund’s effectiveness. SB269 goes into effect Nov. 1.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Two measures reforming Oklahoma's fines and fees systems have been signed into law. Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, authored House Bill 1460 and House Bill 1462 . The measures arose from an interim study held in October to understand the current scope of fees that can be charged to Oklahomans through the criminal justice system. The study highlighted how these fees impact individuals and families, the fees' intended use and the collection rate of fees. HB1460 eliminates several fees across Oklahoma’s justice system, as well as strengthens the court fee waiver process. HB1462 directs courts to prioritize payments for restitution to the victim when sentencing. West said these fees disproportionately affect people with limited financial means, leading to some collection rates as low as 25%. Many of these fees cost the state more to collect than they bring in, leaving departments that received little revenue from these fees with an unstable revenue source. "When we refuse to remove these substantial barriers, we continue to punish people well after they've served their time," West said. "These measures will change the lives of Oklahomans and give those who may be struggling a helping hand to break generational cycles. Without the burden of overwhelming fees, people will be better equipped to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society." "Our justice system should never be a trapdoor that keeps people down.," Gollihare said. "With these changes, we’re removing needless financial burdens and making it clear that the focus is on real accountability and giving folks the opportunity to get back on track. This is a win for victims, a win for families, and a win for Oklahoma." Both bills were signed May 28 and take effect Nov. 1.