Oklahoma Senate Bill SB649

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Law enforcement officers; authorizing certain eligibility; establishing training. Effective date.

Impact

One significant impact of SB649 is the formal establishment of a marine enforcement framework within the state law enforcement system. By creating specific provisions for the Marine Enforcement Section, the bill provides clarity on the roles and responsibilities of officers designated under this section. This includes the authority to stop and board vessels, arrest individuals for violations, and enforce marine regulations consistently across the state, improving overall maritime safety and compliance with state statutes.

Summary

Senate Bill 649 establishes the Marine Enforcement Section within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety. The bill amends existing law to authorize the creation of this division, which will be responsible for enforcing specific provisions in the Oklahoma Statutes relating to marine law. This move aims to enhance the enforcement capabilities concerning marine-related activities and safety on Oklahoma waters, particularly by establishing a dedicated force to manage and oversee these regulations.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the funding and resources allocated to this new section, as well as the training and credentialing of the officers involved. Critics may argue that creating a specialized section requires additional state funds and complexity in the law enforcement structure. Additionally, there could be discussions about how this section will integrate with existing law enforcement agencies and how its effectiveness will be evaluated over time. Stakeholders may also raise concerns about the authority granted to the Marine Enforcement officers, particularly in relation to civil liberties and the enforcement scope.