Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1798

Introduced
2/1/21  
Refer
2/2/21  

Caption

Consumer protection; Network Company Services Act; Attorney General; consumer information; effective date.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws related to consumer protection and digital service providers. It imposes strict regulations that network companies must uphold to operate legally within Oklahoma. By requiring criminal background checks and imposing identification verification processes, the law enhances consumer confidence in services provided through digital networks. This is particularly important as the gig economy expands, and consumers increasingly rely on apps for essential services.

Summary

House Bill 1798, known as the Network Company Services Act, aims to regulate the operations of network companies in Oklahoma. The bill establishes requirements for these companies to ensure consumer safety and security. Key provisions include mandatory criminal background checks for service providers, consumer data protection measures, and a zero-tolerance policy against unauthorized service providers. The Attorney General is given enforcement authority to oversee compliance with the act. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a safer environment for consumers utilizing network services while ensuring that service providers maintain transparency regarding their qualifications.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1798 appears largely supportive, primarily from consumer advocacy groups and legislators focused on enhancing public safety. However, there are concerns expressed by some industry stakeholders about the potential burden these regulations may place on network companies. Balancing consumer safety with the operational flexibility of these businesses is a critical concern, contributing to a mixed sentiment among legislators and other impacted parties.

Contention

Key points of contention in discussions surrounding HB 1798 include the implications of the bill for service providers classified as independent contractors versus employees. There is concern that the stringent requirements could deter individuals from providing services, leading to a reduction in available workforce. Additionally, the transparency requirements regarding service providers may raise privacy concerns among network company consumers and affect how personal data is handled across digital platforms.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1627

Consumer protection; Online Marketplace Consumer Protection Act; Attorney General; effective date.

OK HB1011

Consumer protection; Digital Fair Repair Act; disclosure of information; effective date.

OK HB1030

Data privacy; Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act; consumer protection; civil penalties; effective date.

OK HB1030

Data privacy; Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act; consumer protection; civil penalties; effective date.

OK HB2969

Data privacy; Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act; consumer protection; civil penalties; effective date.

OK HB2144

Insurance; Insurance Consumers Protection Act; cause of action; bad faith; damages; jury; effective date.

OK HB1291

Transportation Network Company Consumer Protection

OK SB1959

Consumer protection; prohibiting commercial entities from distributing adult material without age verification. Effective date.

OK HB1602

Data privacy; Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act; exemptions; rights to consumer data collection; penalties; effective date.

OK SB546

Data privacy; establishing consumer rights for processing of certain data. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB3970

Awards for meritorious service; modifying terminology; providing for creation of Red Heart and Blue Heart Awards; eligibility; effective date.

OK SB365

Public safety awards; modifying included awards. Effective date.

OK HB1792

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Sentencing Modernization Act of 2024; classifications; punishment provisions; time-served requirements; effective date.

OK HB1792

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2023; effective date.

OK SB622

Motor vehicles; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency. Effective date.

OK SB622

Motor vehicles; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency. Effective date.

OK SB1034

Oil and gas; renaming the Committee for Sustaining Oklahoma's Energy Resources as the Legacy Oil and Gas Well Innovation Committee. Effective date.

OK HB1839

Motor vehicles; modifying definition; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency; effective date.