ENGR. S. B. NO. 1578 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 1578 By: Paxton of the Senate and Martinez of the House An Act relating to county commissioners; amending 19 O.S. 2021, Section 131.1, which relates to qualifications for county office; omitting certain registration and residency requirement within stated time period; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency. BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 19 O.S. 2021, Section 131.1, is amended to read as follows: Section 131.1. A. To file as a candidate for any county office, except as provided in subsection B of this section, a person must have been a registered voter and have maintained a current principal residence within the co unty for the six-month period immediately preceding the fir st day of the filing period prescribed by law. B. To file as a candidate f or the office of county commissioner, a person must have been a registered voter within th e county commissioner district a nd have maintained a current principal residence within such district for the six -month period immediately preceding the first day of the filing period prescribed by law. ENGR. S. B. NO. 1578 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Except, however, to file as a candidate for the offi ce of county commissioner in 2022, a person must have been a registered voter within the county commissioner district and have maintained a current principal residence within such district no later than December 31, 2021. C. For purposes of this section, evidence of a “principal residence” may include, but not be limited to, the address listed on: 1. A federal or state tax return; 2. A driver license; or 3. An automobile registration. SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2 022. SECTION 3. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passa ge and approval. ENGR. S. B. NO. 1578 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Passed the Senate the 22nd day of February, 2022. Presiding Officer of the Senate Passed the House of Representatives the ____ day of __________, 2022. Presiding Officer of the House of Representatives