Oklahoma Senate Bill SB679

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Compulsory liability insurance; providing statutory authority for probable cause. Effective date.

Impact

If passed, SB679 will impose stricter penalties on individuals who operate vehicles without appropriate insurance, classifying such infractions as misdemeanors. Penalties may include substantial fines and possible imprisonment. The law enforcement officers will have the authority to seize vehicles and issue citations if they have probable cause to believe that a vehicle is uninsured. This amendment is expected to enhance compliance with the compulsory insurance law and provide courts with better tools to confirm liability coverage at the time of alleged offenses.

Summary

Senate Bill 679 seeks to amend the current laws regarding compulsory liability insurance in Oklahoma. The bill modifies existing statute 47 O.S. 2021, Section 7-606, particularly focusing on the penalties and enforcement mechanisms for owners or operators who fail to maintain adequate insurance coverage as mandated by the state. The legislation aims to provide statutory authority for law enforcement to act on probable cause regarding insurance compliance, effectively streamlining the procedures under which violators can be ticketed or have their vehicles seized.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding SB679, primarily regarding the authority given to law enforcement. Critics may raise concerns about how 'probable cause' will be interpreted and applied, and whether this may lead to discriminatory practices or excessive enforcement. There are also discussions about the impact on low-income individuals who may struggle with car insurance payments. Proponents of the bill argue that stringent enforcement is necessary for the safety on the roads, while opponents may view the legislation as punitive rather than supportive of compliance.