Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1612

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

Caption

Statutes and reports; requiring certain legislative measures to use gender neutral language. Effective date.

Impact

The introduction of SB1612 could significantly change how legal documents are constructed within Oklahoma, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusivity and equal representation. Any legislation produced by state lawmakers will need to conform to these new standards of language, likely resulting in revisions of legal documents and processes. This change is anticipated to affect not only the legislators but also employees within the legal system as they adapt existing laws and create new ones under these guidelines.

Summary

Senate Bill 1612 aims to promote inclusivity and modernize legal language by requiring all legislative measures in Oklahoma to utilize gender neutral terminology. Effective from November 1, 2024, the bill mandates that all new laws and amendments to existing laws be drafted with gender neutral terms in any legislative session, whether regular or extraordinary, beginning with the First Regular Session of the Sixtieth Oklahoma Legislature in 2025. This initiative reflects a growing trend towards more inclusive governance and acknowledges the importance of language in representing all individuals equally.

Contention

While the intent of SB1612 is to promote inclusivity, debates may arise regarding the implications of enforcing gender neutral language universally in legal texts. Supporters argue that this change is overdue and will help eliminate gender bias in the law. Conversely, opponents might express concerns about the practical challenges of implementing such a broad mandate, as well as the appropriateness of altering established legal language. The potential for disputes or resistance from various legislative members could shape discussions around the bill as it moves through the legislative process.