Oklahoma Senate Bill SB885

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Utilities; requiring utility companies and water suppliers to require certain verification prior to providing services and reporting suspicious activity for certain businesses. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB885 would introduce significant changes to how utility providers interact with businesses operating in the medical marijuana space. It would require these providers to confirm the lawful use of property for commercial marijuana activities, thereby tightening regulations and compliance measures in the face of growing concerns over illegal practices. This increased oversight aims to protect the integrity of utility services and ensure compliance within an industry that is still navigating extensive regulatory landscapes.

Summary

Senate Bill 885 mandates that utility companies and water suppliers in Oklahoma establish verification processes before providing services to customers, particularly in connection with businesses involved in the commercial medical marijuana sector. The bill defines ‘customer’ to include individuals and entities receiving such services and establishes a framework for monitoring and reporting suspicious usage data linked to these operations, specifically in alignment with investigations conducted by relevant state authorities.

Contention

While the intention behind SB885 is to bolster accountability within the utilities sector, there are potential points of contention regarding the implications of such stringent oversight. Critics may argue that the additional bureaucratic processes could create barriers for lawful businesses, potentially stifling economic growth within the legal marijuana market. Moreover, the bill's penalties for violations, which include fines and imprisonment, could be viewed as excessive, especially for minor infractions related to documentation or reporting inconsistencies.