Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB273

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

State of emergencies; modifying qualifying events; limiting length of emergency declaration; disallowing certain prohibitions; clarifying certain misdemeanor offense. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will significantly affect the governance of emergency protocols within Oklahoma. It establishes that no emergency declaration can last beyond two weeks unless specifically renewed by local government bodies or the Legislature. This aims to hold the executive accountable and to mitigate the potential for indefinite suspensions of civil liberties that can occur in prolonged emergencies. Furthermore, the bill prohibits certain powers like the suspension of firearm ownership rights and other fundamental rights during emergencies, thus positioning itself as a safeguard against government overreach during public crises.

Summary

Senate Bill 273 seeks to amend existing statutes in Oklahoma regarding the declaration and management of states of emergency. It modifies the qualifying events for such declarations, limits the duration of emergency declarations to two weeks without additional legislative approval, and outlines specific prohibitions that may be enforced during a declared state of emergency. The bill aims to enhance clarity and transparency around the powers exercised by the Governor in emergency situations, ensuring that any extended state of emergency requires a clear endorsement from local governing bodies or the state legislature. This change is intended to prevent overreach by the Governor and to provide residents with a sense of security regarding government powers in times of crisis.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding SB273, particularly regarding the balance of power between state and local governance during emergencies. Proponents argue that the bill ensures necessary checks on the Governor's authority, thereby preventing unilateral decisions that could infringe on personal freedoms. Conversely, critics may contend that by imposing strict limits on emergency declarations, it could hinder timely and effective responses to serious public health or disaster situations, potentially compromising public safety. The discussions may also touch upon the definition and scope of 'riot' and other prohibited acts under the amended law, raising concerns about potential misuse of these definitions in enforcing order during crisis situations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB273

State of emergencies; modifying qualifying events; limiting length of emergency declaration; disallowing certain prohibitions; clarifying certain misdemeanor offense. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB927

State of emergencies; disallowing certain prohibitions; clarifying certain misdemeanor offense. Emergency.

OK SB557

State emergencies; modifying entities prohibited from certain action. Effective date.

OK SB1667

Oklahoma Riot Control and Prevention Act; modifying elements. Emergency.

OK SB513

Oklahoma Riot Control and Prevention Act; prohibiting certain entities from taking certain actions and authorizing certain activity during state of emergency. Effective date.

OK SB1834

Trespass; modifying elements of certain felony and misdemeanor offenses. Effective date.

OK HB1056

Crimes and punishments; prohibiting certain officials from restricting religious activities during a declared state of emergency; effective date.

OK SB1890

Sex Offenders Registration Act; disallowing certain elements; prohibiting certain contact. Effective date.

OK SB1664

Oklahoma Riot Control and Prevention Act; modifying entities prohibited from certain action. Effective date.

OK HB2336

Crimes and punishments; removing ability of Governor to restrict certain activities during State of Emergency; effective date.

Similar Bills

NJ SCR19

Urges Governor to protect religious liberty during declared state of emergency.

NJ SCR13

Urges Governor to protect religious liberty during declared state of emergency.

NJ ACR44

Urges Governor to protect religious liberty during declared state of emergency.

NJ ACR127

Urges Governor to protect religious liberty during declared state of emergency.

NJ A2781

Establishes county-based mitigation plan to allow businesses to operate during pandemic.

HI HB1496

Relating To Emergency Powers.

HI SB572

Relating To Agriculture.

LA HB562

Requires the Revenue Estimating Conference to designate certain general fund money from mineral revenue as restricted and prohibits including such revenue in the executive budget (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)