Oklahoma Senate Bill SB868

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Social credit scores; prohibiting social credit scores in the state. Emergency.

Impact

The passage of SB868 would significantly impact the regulatory landscape in Oklahoma by outlawing a practice that some argue could infringe on individual liberties. Proponents view the bill as a necessary measure to protect citizens from potential discrimination and privacy violations arising from the use of social credit scores, which can limit access to essential services. Critics may argue that the bill could hinder some regulatory efforts that aim to promote compliance and accountability among businesses and individuals alike.

Summary

Senate Bill 868, titled the 'Prohibition on Social Credit Scores in the State of Oklahoma Act', seeks to address concerns about the implementation of social credit scoring mechanisms within the state. The bill explicitly prohibits governmental entities, political subdivisions, businesses, and citizens from using or participating in any form of social credit score system. Such systems would typically involve assigning numeric or alphanumeric designations to individuals or businesses based on their behaviors, including their compliance with financial obligations and regulatory standards.

Contention

Notably, the legislation includes exemptions for individuals who are incarcerated while awaiting trial or have been convicted of a crime, which implies that the scoring may still affect those populations during their time of incarceration. Additionally, the bill does not prevent businesses and financial institutions from using traditional financial credit scores, which could lead to a bifurcated system of scrutiny based on different scoring methods. The inclusion of a clause banning data sharing with federal agencies relating to social credit systems further suggests a contentious stance against perceived overreach by the federal government.