HB2603 HFLR Page 1 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - FLOOR VERSION STATE OF OKLAHOMA 1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025) HOUSE BILL 2603 By: Lowe (Dick) of the House and Weaver of the Senate AS INTRODUCED An Act relating to motor carriers; creating the Motor Carrier Public Safety Enforcement Act ; stating purpose of act; tran sferring certain powers, duties and responsibilities from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to the Department of Public Safety; creating certain transitional task force; providing for task force membership; providing for task force meetings; requiring ta sk force make certain advisement; providing for transitional period; requiring transitional task force oversee transition; requiring certain cooperation; allowing certain transfer by certain interagency agreement and approval; setting date for completion o f transition; setting date for the transfer of employees; providing for the transfer of certain employees; providing for equal pay and retention of certain benefits for transferred employees; requiring approval for certain actions regarding personnel; modifying designation of certain employees; requiring certain employees exercise certain powers and authorities; authorizing the setting of certain limitations; requiring employees maintain certain certification; limiting authority of certain employees to act as peace officers; requiring certain retirement system election; requiring the acceptance of all transferred employees; authorizing establishment of minimum standards for certain em ployees; requiring development of certain training program; requiring transfer of property and records by certain date; listing types of property and records to be transferred; requiring access to certain systems and HB2603 HFLR Page 2 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 networks; authorizing the transfer of c ertain funds; stating powers vested in certain officers; limiting authority of state officials to direct officers of the Department of Public Safety; authorizing certain interagency agreements ; amending 17 O.S. 2021, Section 40, which relates to Transporta tion Division; prohibiting Division from employing certain persons after certain date; prohibiting function as law enforcement agency; authorizing employment of certain persons; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 14 -116, as amended by Section 9, Chapter 116, O .S.L. 2022 (47 O.S. Supp. 2023, Section 14 -116), which relates to permit fees; modifying receiver of certain collected fees; authorizing use of certain monies; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 14 -122, which relates to apportionment of fees; modifying distribution of certain collected fees; requiring monies received to be used for certain purposes; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 116.14, which relates to vehicles not registered or improperly registered; authorizing certain officers to make certain vehicle seizu res; modifying entity responsible for the sale of certain seized vehicles; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 162, which relates to powers and duties of the Commission; granting exclusive authority to Department of Public Safety for certain investigations and enforcement; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 162.1, which relates to participation in the Unified Carrier Registration System; modifying applicable guidelines for the promulgation of certain rules; declaring certain acts unlawful; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 163, which relates to certification to transport household goods; requiring copy of certain certificate be maintained in vehicle; declaring certain noncompliance to be unlawful; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 166.5, which relates to conflicting constitutional provisions; modifying certain list of authorities considered to be amendments; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 166a, which relates to definitions; declaring certain act to be unlawful; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 169, which relates to filing certificates of insurance coverage; declaring certain act to be unlawful; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 170.1, which relates to complaints; authorizing certain officers to make a complaint; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 171, which relates to appropriation; requiring Corporation Commission HB2603 HFLR Page 3 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 adhere to certain acts; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 171.1, which relates to expenditure of Corporation Commission Revolving Fund; authorizing the employment of certain personnel; allowing certain purchases; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 172, which relates to violation of act; requiring certain operators not in compliance receive misdemeanor; allowing certain discretionary reporting; deleting requirement that certain willful conduct be deemed official misconduct; modifyin g reference to responsible agency; prohibiting plea bargaining in certain matters submitted for adjudication; stating Commission shall cease employment of certain employees upon certain date; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 177.2, which relates to license a nd permit for transportation of deleterious substances; requiring certain permit be carried in vehicle; making certain actions unlawful; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 180c, which relates to seizure and confiscation of devices; requiring motor carriers comply with certain directions or demands; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 180m , which relates to enforcement of act; modifying name of responsible entity; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 230.29, which relates to the operation of equipment not owned by motor carrier; requiring certain lease be present in operated equipment; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 230.30, which relates to liability and cargo insurance or bond; declaring certain actions to be unlawful; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1115, as last amended by Section 1, Chapter 246, O.S.L. 2023 (47 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 1115), which relates to vehicles required to be registered; modifying responsible entity; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1124, which relates to temporary permit; removing language making certain exception for the promulgation of rules; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1151, as last amended by Section 109, Chapter 452, O.S.L. 2024 (47 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 1151) , which relates to offenses and penalties enumerated; modifying list of unlawful acts; removing language making certain exception for the promulgation of rules; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1168, which relates to transfer of equipment and facilities; modifying name of responsible agency; authorizing certain agreement by certain date; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1170, which relates to the HB2603 HFLR Page 4 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 confidentiality of reports; authorizing certain disclosures; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1201, which relates to definitions; modifying definition; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1202, which relates to maintenance and operation of fixed facilities; modifying name of res ponsible agency; requiring certain operation of ports of entry weigh stations; making certain exception; requiring certain transfer of all powers, duties , and responsibilities for f ixed facilities; requiring certain transition al period; requiring Commission operate port of entry weigh stations until certain date; authorizing certain interagency agreements; amending 68 O.S. 2021, Section 608, which relates to display of license; allowing officers to make certain inspection; repealing 47 O.S. 2021, Sections 1 16.13 and 172.1, which relate to enforcement officers; providing for codification; and providing an effective date . BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codif ied in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 160 of Title 47, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows: A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “M otor Carrier Public Safety Enforcement Act”. B. The purpose of this act is to enhance public safety with respect to the motor carrier industry, to foster a more consistent and cohesive approach to enforcement of Oklahoma’s laws regulating the motor carrier industry, and to advance the efficiency and efficacy of motor carrier enf orcement. C. Beginning July 1, 202 6, and effective June 30, 202 7, all powers, duties, and responsibilities for roadside investigation and HB2603 HFLR Page 5 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 enforcement as well as investigation and e nforcement at fixed facilities, as defined by Section 1201 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, of the following provisions, which shall be collectively referenced within this section as the “Motor Carrier Laws” , shall be transferred from the Oklahoma Cor poration Commission to the Department of Public Safety: 1. Sections 161A through 180m of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 2. Sections 230.21 through 230.34b of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 3. The Trucking One-Stop Shop Act, including Sections 11 66 through 1169 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes ; 4. The Oklahoma Weigh Station Act of 2012, Sections 1200 through 1203 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes ; 5. The Oklahoma Motor Fuel/Diesel Fuel Importer for Use Tax Code, Sections 601 through 616 o f Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes ; and 6. The Oklahoma Special Fuel Use Tax, Sections 701 through 723 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes. D. To facilitate an orderly transition of duties, personnel, and resources, there is hereby created a transition al task force to oversee the transition mandated by this act. The transitional task force shall consist of the Secretary of Public Safety or designee, the Commissioner of Public Safety or designee, the Secretary of HB2603 HFLR Page 6 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Transportation or designee, a representa tive of Service Oklahoma, a member of the Oklahoma State Senate to be appoi nted by the President Pro Tempore, a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, a member of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission or designee, and a member of the motor carrier industry to be appointed by the Governor, who shall serve as the chair of the task force. The task force shall meet as often as its membership deems necessary to carry out all duties set forth in this section and to advise the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any problems, issues, or concerns the task force concludes may require further attention from the Legislature. E. The period of July 1, 2 026, through June 30, 202 7, shall be a transitional period in which the Dep artment of Public Safety shall gradually assume complete administration and authority over roadside investigation and enforcement as well as investigation and enforcement at fixed f acilities, as defined by Section 1201 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes , with respect to the Motor Carrier Laws. The transitional task force shall oversee the transition, and the Corporation Commission and Department of Public Safety shall cooperate with the task force and with each other on an orderly and expeditious transition pursuant to the terms of this act. The Corporation Commission and Department of Public Safety may, by interagency agreement and with approval of the task force, transfer HB2603 HFLR Page 7 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 personnel, property, and responsibilities, in whole or in part, at any time during the transitional period, provided the transition mandated by this act shall be completed no later than June 30, 202 7, at which time the Department of Public Safety shall have comp lete administration and management over the enforcement authority granted pursuant to this act, and any officer of the Department of Public Safety, including State Troopers and Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers, shall be authorized to enforce t he Motor Carrier Laws in all parts of this state. F. Corporation Commissio n personnel whose duties are transferred under this act shall be transferred to the Department of Public Safety during the transition al period and no later than June 30, 2027. The Corporation Commission and the Department of Public Safety shall cooperate to complete an orderly and expeditious transfer of personnel according to the supervision and direction of the transitional task force. 1. All personnel of the Corporation Commissi on’s Transportation Division who , as of the effective date of this act, carry a law enforcement commission shall be transferred to the Department of Public Safety pursuant to the provisions of this act. 2. Noncommissioned enforcement officers of the Corp oration Commission’s Transportation Division shall be transferred to the Department of Public Safety pursuant to the provisions of this act, provided the Corporation Commission may retain a limited number of HB2603 HFLR Page 8 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 such noncommissioned personnel to serve as civil ian enforcement auditors and inspectors in furtherance of the regulatory pr ograms over which the Corporation Commission has jurisdiction. Any such civilian personnel retained by the Corporation Commission shall no longer be designated as Motor Vehicle Enf orcement Officers. The Corporation Commission and Department of Public Saf ety shall cooperate on the identification of such personnel who shall be transferred or retained by the Transportation Division, with the transitional task force having final approv al. 3. All Corporation Commission administrative personnel who are assigned on a full-time basis to, and stationed at, fixed facilities, as defined by Section 1201 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, shall be transferred to the Department of Public Safe ty pursuant to the provisions of this act. 4. Personnel transferred pursua nt to the provisions of this act shall not be required to accept a lesser salary than received as of the effective date of this act. All such persons shall retain leave, sick, and annual time earned and any retirement benefits which have accrued during th eir tenure with the Corporation Commission. 5. Except as otherwise allowed by law, after the effective date of this act, the Corporation Commission shall not increase the number of personnel or the salary of personnel to be transferred HB2603 HFLR Page 9 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 pursuant to the provisions of this act without the approval of the Department of Public Safety or the transitional task force. G. As of the effective date of this act, all preexisting Department of Public Safety port of entry officers shall be designated as Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers. All enforcement officers transferred from the Corporation Commission to the Department of Public Safety shall become Department of Public Safety Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers. 1. Any commissioned Department of Public Safety Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer shall exercise the powers and authorities of an officer of the Department of Public Safety, as set forth in Section 2-117 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, provided the Commissioner of Publi c Safety may set any limitations on the power, scope of the authority, and geographical areas of responsibility of such officers. All commissioned staff shall obtain and maintain c ertification by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEE T) as full-time peace officers in accordance with Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes. 2. Any noncommissioned Department of Public Safety Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer shall exercise the powers and authorities assigned by the Commissioner of Public Safety, but they shall not have authority to act as a peace officer. 3. Any person appointed by the Department of Public Safety as a commissioned Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer may HB2603 HFLR Page 10 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 participate in either the Oklahoma La w Enforcement Retirement System or the retirement system operated by the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System for which the person is eligible, and such person shall make an irrevocable election in writing to participate in one of the two retirement systems. H. The Department of Public Safety shall accept all enforcement officers transferred from the Corporation Commission ; provided, the Department of Public Safety may requir e all transferred commissioned enforcement officers to meet the minimum requirements established by the Department of Public Safety for commissioned Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers, and the Department of Public Safety may require all transfer red noncommissioned enforcement officers to meet the minimum requirements established by the Department of Public Safety for noncommissioned Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers. The provisions of this act shall not prohibit the Department of Pub lic Safety from gradually reducing personnel through attrition. I. The Department of Public Safety shall develop a training program to cross-train all Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers, those previously employed by the Department of Public Safety and those transferred to the Department of Public Safety through this act, to equip such officers to carry out the authority entrusted to them, including but not limited to the power to enforce the Motor Carrier Laws and the Oklahoma Motor Carrier Safe ty and HB2603 HFLR Page 11 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, and to obtain the certifications required to perform North American Standard Inspections as defined by Section 1201 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes. J. Unless the Department of Public Safety and Corporat ion Commission agree to an earlier transfer with the approval of the task force, effective June 30, 202 7, all records and property allocated, as of the effective date of this act, by the Corporation Commission to and for its enforcement officers shall be t ransferred to the Department of Public Safety, including but not limited to : 1. Motor vehicles assigned to, or allocated for use by, enforcement officers or fixed facilities, as defined by Section 1201 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes ; 2. Uniforms, firearms, ammunition, duty belts, body armor, communications equipment, tele phone and mobile phone equipment, computer equipment, furniture, and other law enforcement equipment assigned to, or allocated for use by, enforcement officers; 3. All other computer equipment, telephone and mobile phone equipment, furniture and property assigned to, or allocated for use by, fixed facilities, as defined by Section 1201 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and 4. Personnel records of transferred personnel. K. The Corporation Commission shall grant to the Department of Public Safety access to its systems and networks necessary for the HB2603 HFLR Page 12 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Department of Public Safety to perform all duties authorized by this act. L. Funds sufficient to support the transfer of powers, dut ies, responsibilities, and personnel shall be appropriated or allocated to the Department of Public Safety for fiscal year 202 7 and thereafter. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services is hereby authorized to transfer such funds as may be necessar y to effect such allocations. M. This act shall in no way limit the preexi sting powers and duties of officers of the Department of Public Safety. The power vested in commissioned officers of the Department of Public Safety shall include, but not be limit ed to, the power to: 1. Enforce, in all parts of this state, Sections 161 A through 180m of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes , Sections 230.1 through 230.34b of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes , and any rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto ; 2. Stop and inspect any commercial operator, any commercial motor vehicle, or the contents of any commercial motor vehicle for compliance with Sections 161A through 180m of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Sections 230.1 through 230.34b of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or any rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto; 3. Require a commercial operator to stop and submit to an inspection of the identification device, or devices, in the vehicle HB2603 HFLR Page 13 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 and submit to the officer any bills of lading, waybills, o r other evidences of the character of the commerce being transported in suc h vehicle, and to submit to an inspection of the contents of such vehicle for the purpose of comparing same with bills of lading or shipping documentation, waybills, or other eviden ces of transportation carried by the driver of the vehicle ; 4. Enter upon, inspect, examine, and copy , at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, the records and properties of motor carriers and other persons to the extent such records and properties relate to compliance with Sections 161 A through 180m of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Sections 230.1 through 230.34b of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes , or any rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto; 5. Hold and detain any motor vehicle ope rating upon the highways of this state if the officer has reason to believe the vehicle is being operated contrary to the provisions of Sections 161A through 180m of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes , Sections 230.1 through 230.34b of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or any rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto. N. No state official, other than the Commissioner of Public Safety or his or her designee, shall have any power, right, or authority to command, order, or direct any officer of the Depart ment of Public Safety to perform any duty or service authorized by the Motor Carrier Laws or this act. HB2603 HFLR Page 14 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 O. The Department of Public Safety and the Corporation Commission may enter into interagency agreements for the purpose of implementing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of this act. SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 17 O.S. 2021, Section 40, is amended to read as follows: Section 40. A. There is hereby created within the Oklahoma Corporation Commission a division to be known as the Transportation Division. The Division shall be comprised of a Directo r and shall include special motor carrier enforcement officers created by Section 171.1 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, motor carrier enforcement officers created by Section 1 72 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and such other persons as the Comm ission may find necessary to carry out the responsibilities prescribed by law and to enforce the orders, rules, regulations and judgments of the Commission. B. Effective June 30, 2 027, the Division shall no longer employ the motor carrier enforcement offi cers referenced in this section, such officers having been transferred to the Department of Public Safety. C. Effective June 30, 202 7, the Commission shall no longer employ commissioned personnel or issue law enforcement commissions to any of its personn el, and the Commission shall no longer function as a law enforcement agency. The Commission and its Transportation HB2603 HFLR Page 15 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Division may continue to employ civilian enforcement auditors and inspectors in furtherance of the regulatory programs over which the Corporation Commission has jurisdiction, provided such personnel shall not be designated as Motor Carrier Enforcement Officers or Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers. SECTION 3. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 14 -116, as amended by Section 9, Chapter 116, O.S.L. 2022 (47 O.S. Supp. 2023, Section 14-116), is amended to read as follows: Section 14-116. A. The Executive Director of the Department of Transportation shall charge a minimum permit fee of Forty Dollars ($40.00) for any permit issued pursuant to the provisions of Section 14-101 et seq. of this title. In addition to the permit fee, the Executive Director of the Department of Transportation shall charge a fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each thousand pounds in excess of the legal load limit. The Executive Director of the Department of Transportation shall establish any necessary rules for collecting the fees. B. The Department of Transportation is authori zed to establish an escrow account system for the payment of permit fees. Authorized motor carriers meeting established credit requirements may participate in the escrow account system for permits purchased from all size and weight permit offices in this state. Carriers not choosing to participate in the escrow account system s hall be required to make payment of the required fee or fees upon purchase HB2603 HFLR Page 16 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 of each permit as required by law. All monies collected through the escrow account system shall be deposi ted to a special account of the Department of Transportation and placed in the custody of the State Treasurer. Proceeds from permits purchased using the escrow account system shall be distributed as provided for in subsection H of this section. However, fees collected through such accounts for the electronic transmission, trans fer or delivery of permits, as provided for in Section 14 -118 of this title, shall be credited to the Weigh Station Improvement Revolving Fund established pursuant to Section 1167 of this title. C. 1. Application for permits shall be made a reasonable ti me in advance of the expected time of movement of such vehicles. For emergencies affecting the health or safety of persons or a community, permits may be issued for immediate movem ent. 2. Size and weight permit offices in all districts where applicable shall issue permits to authorize carriers by telephone during weekdays. D. No overweight permit shall be valid until all license taxes due the State of Oklahoma have been paid. E. No permit violation shall be deemed to have occurred when an oversize or overweight movement is made pursuant to a permit whose stated weight or size exceeds the actual load. F. Any permit issued for a truck or truck -tractor operating in combination with a trailer or a semitrailer shall contain only the HB2603 HFLR Page 17 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 license plate number for the truck or truck-tractor if the permittee provides to the Department of Transportation a list containing the license plate number, and such other information as the Department of Transportation may prescribe by rule, for each trailer or semitrailer which may be used for movement with the permit. When the permittee provides the list described in this subsection, the license plate number for any trailer or semitrailer to be moved wi th the permit shall not be included on the permit; provided, a trailer or semitrailer which is not on the list shall not be authorized to be used for movement with the permit. It shall be the responsibility of the permittee to ensure the list provided to the Department of Transportation is maintained and updated with any fleet changes. The Department of Transportation shall adopt any rules deemed necessary to administer the provisions of this subsection. G. The first deliverer of motor vehicles designate d truck carriers or well service carriers manufactured in Oklahoma shall no t be required to purchase an overweight permit when being delivered to the first purchaser. H. Except as provided in Section 14 -122 of this title, the first One Million Two Hundred Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($1,216,000.00) of proceeds from both the permit fees and the overweight permit fees imposed pursuant to subsection A of this section collected monthly shall be apportioned as provided in HB2603 HFLR Page 18 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Section 1104 of this title. For the fisca l year beginning July 1, 2022, and all subsequent years, the next Two Milli on Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00) of proceeds from both the permit fees and the overweight permit fees imposed pursuant to subsection A of this section collected mont hly shall be remitted to the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of staffing the port of entry weigh stations with Department of Public Safety port of entry officers whose powers and duties shall be specified by the Department of Public Safety thro ugh the promulgation of rules. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, and all subsequent years, all proceeds collected from both the permit fees and the overweight permit fees imposed pursuant to subsection A of this section in excess of Three Millio n Seven Hundred Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($3,716,000.00) shall be deposited in the Weigh Station Improvement Revolving Fund as provided in Section 1167 of this title for the purpose set forth in that section and may be used for motor carrier permitting systems and motor carrier safety and enforcement. SECTION 4. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 14 -122, is amended to read as follows: Section 14-122. A. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1104 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Stat utes this title, the first Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) of the f ollowing fees shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund remitted to the Department HB2603 HFLR Page 19 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 of Public Safety for the purpose of public safety enforcement to be apportioned distributed as follows: 1. Twenty Dollars ($20.00) of any fee collected for a minimum permit fee pursuant to Section 14 -116 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes this title; 2. Five Dollars ($5.00) of any fee collected for excess weight pursuant to Section 14 -116 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes this title; 3. Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) of any fee collected pursuant to Section 14 -120 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes this title; and 4. One Hundred Twenty Dollars ($120.00) of any fee collected pursuant to Section 14-121 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes this title. B. Any fees collected pursuant to Sections 14 -116, 14-120 and 14-121 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes this title that are in excess of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) shall be apportioned as otherwise provided for in the sections specified in this subsection. C. Any monies remitted to the Department of Public Safety pursuant to this section before the Department of Public Safety receives the personnel transfer provided for by Section 1 of this act shall be used by the Department of Public Safety for the HB2603 HFLR Page 20 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 purchase of vehicles and equipment for officers of the Department of Public Safety. SECTION 5. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 116.14, is amended to read as follows: Section 116.14. In the event any vehicle is found with no registration, not properly registered for the load carried, or improperly registered in any manner under the provisions of Section 116.2a et seq. of this title or any provisions of the motor vehicle license and registration laws of this state, Corporation Commission enforcement officers or officers of the Department of Public Safety shall be authorized to seize and take such vehicle into custody until such time as such vehicle is pro perly registered and the license fee thereon is paid in full together with any penalty provided by law plus the cost of seizure, including the reasonable cost of taking such vehicle into custody and storing it. Any load on such vehicle shall be disposed o f by the owner or operator of such vehicle. In the event such license fee and penalty together with the cost of seizure and storage is not paid, the enforcement officer Office of Management and Enterprise Services shall proceed to sell such vehicle by pos ting not less than five notices of sale in five different public places in the county where such property is located, one of such notices to be posted at the place where the vehicle is stored; provided, a copy of such notice shall also be sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the last -known HB2603 HFLR Page 21 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 address of the register ed owner of such vehicle in question. Such vehicle shall be sold at such sale subject to the following terms and conditions: 1. In the event the sale price is equal to , or greater than, the total cost costs of sale, seizure, and the fee and penalty, the purchaser shall be issued a certificate of purchase, license plate and registration certificate; 2. In the event the sale price is less than the total costs of sale, seizure, and t he fee and penalty, such vehicle shall be sold as junk to the highest bidde r, whereupon the bidder shall receive a certificate of purchase; and if such vehicle be dismantled, the record to such junked vehicle shall be canceled. If not dismantled, the same shall forthwith be registered anew; and 3. Any residual amount remaining unclaimed by the delinquent owner shall be administered in accordance with the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (1981). SECTION 6. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, S ection 162, is amended to read as follows: Section 162. A. The Corporation Commission is authorized to: 1. Supervise and regulate every motor carrier of household goods; 2. Protect the shipping and general public by requiring liability insurance and ca rgo insurance of all motor carriers of household goods; HB2603 HFLR Page 22 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3. Ensure motor carriers of household goods are complying with applicable size and weight laws and safety requirements ; 4. Supervise and regulate such motor carriers in all other matters affecting the relationship between such carriers and the traveling and shipping public including, but not limited to, consumer protection measures and loss and damage claim procedures; and 5. Enforce the provisions of this act ; provided, effective June 30, 2027, officers of the Department of Public Safety shall have exclusive authority for roadside investigation and enforcement as well as investigation and enforcement at fixed facilities, as defined by Section 1201 of this title, of the provisions of this act and associated rules promulgated by the Commission . B. The Commission is authoriz ed to promulgate rules applicable to persons transporting household goods. C. 1. The Commission is authorized to administer a hazardous material transportation registration and pe rmitting program for motor carriers engaged in transporting hazardous mater ial upon or over the public highways and within the borders of the state. 2. The Commission shall promulgate rules implementing the provisions of this subsection. Rules promulgate d pursuant to this subsection shall be consistent with, and equivalent in s cope, coverage, and content to , requirements applicable to operators of vehicles transporting hazardous materials contained in the report HB2603 HFLR Page 23 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 submitted to the Secretary of the United St ates Department of Transportation, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 5119(b), by the Al liance for Uniform Hazardous Material Transportation Procedures. D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to remove or affect the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment al Quality to implement hazardous waste transportation requirements for fed eral hazardous waste program delegation to this state under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. E. The Commission is authorized to promulgate rules and set fees applicable to interstate motor carriers, pertaining to carrier registration, operation of equipment and filing of proper proof of liability insurance. SECTION 7. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 162.1, is amended to read as follows: Section 162.1. A. The Corporation Commission is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to enable this state to participate in the Unified Carrier Registration System for interstate motor carriers, brokers, forwarders and leasing companies and interstat e motor carriers holding intrastate authority as set forth in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA -LU), Subtitle C-Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005 49 U.S.C., Section 14504a et seq. B. It is hereby declared unlawful for any person, its employee, its agent, or its independent contractor to operate a motor vehicle HB2603 HFLR Page 24 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 within this state when the motor carrier, the motor vehicle, or the commercial operator is not in compliance with the Commission ’s rules issued pursuant to this section. SECTION 8. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 163, is amended to read as follows: Section 163. A. No person shall transport household goods for compensation or other consideration in intra state commerce without a valid certificate issued by the Corporation Commis sion, a copy of which shall be maintained in the motor vehicle . B. The Commission shall promulgate rules ensuring consumer protection and loss and damage claim procedures . C. Every motor carrier, subject to this act, receiving household goods for transpo rtation in intrastate commerce shall issue a receipt or bill of lading therefor, the form of which shall be prescribed by the Commission. D. Record-keeping documents, as required b y the Commission, shall be maintained by the motor carrier of household goo ds for a minimum of three (3) years. The Commission is authorized to require certain documents to be retained for a longer period of time pending a claim for any other reason the C ommission deems necessary. E. It is hereby declared unlawful for any perso n, its employee, its agent, or its independent contractor to operate a motor vehicle within this state when the motor carrier, the motor vehicle, or the HB2603 HFLR Page 25 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 commercial operator is not i n compliance with this act or the Commission’s rules pursuant thereto. F. Any person, motor carrier, or shipper who shall willfully violate any provision of this act or the Commission’s rules pursuant thereto may be found in violation by the Commission. After proper notice and hearing, violators may be assessed penalties in an amount not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for the first violation and for the second violation within a year a penalty not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) . SECTION 9. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 166.5 , is amended to read as follows: Section 166.5. If this act or, the Motor Carrier Act of 1995 , the Motor Carrier Public Safety Enforcement Act, the Oklahoma Motor Carrier Safety and Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, the Oklahoma Weigh Station Act of 2012, or any provision hereof of Chapter 56 of this title is, or may be deemed to be, in conflict or inconsistent with any of the provisions of Section 18 through Section 34, inclusive, of Article IX of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, then, to the extent of any such conflicts or inconsistencies, it is hereby expressly declared that this entire act these aforementioned acts and this section are amendments to and alterations of the sections of the Constitution, as authorized by Section 35 of Article IX of said Constitution. HB2603 HFLR Page 26 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 10. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 166a, is amended to read as follows: Section 166a. A. As used in this section: 1. "Authorized carrier" means a motor carrier of household goods; 2. "Equipment" means a motor vehicle, straight truck, tractor, semitrailer, full trailer, any combination of these and any other type of equipment used by authorized carriers in the transpor tation of household goods; 3. "Owner" means a person to whom title to equi pment has been issued, or who, without title, has the right to exclusive use of equipment for a period longer than thirty (30) days; 4. "Lease" means a contract or arrangement in w hich the owner grants the use of equipment, with or without driver, for a s pecified period to an authorized carrier for use in the regulated transportation of household goods in exchange for compensation; 5. "Lessor", in a lease, means the party granting the use of equipment with or without driver to another; 6. "Lessee", in a lease, means the party acquiring the use of equipment with or without driver from another; 7. "Addendum" means a supplement to an existing lease which is not effective until signed by the lessor and lessee; and 8. "Shipper" means a person who sends or re ceives household goods which are transported in intrastate commerce in this state. HB2603 HFLR Page 27 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 B. An authorized carrier may perform authorized transportation in equipment it does not own only under the following conditions: 1. There shall be a written lease granting the use of the equipment and meeting the requirements as set forth in subsection C of this section; 2. The authorized carrier acquiring the use of equipment under this section shall identify the equipment in accordance with the Commission's requirements; and 3. Upon termination of the lease, the authorized carrier shall remove all identification showing it as the operating carrier before giving up possession of the equipment. C. The written lease required pursuant to subsection B of this section shall contain the following provisions. The required lease provisions shall be adhered to and performed by the authorized carrier as follows: 1. The lease shall be made between the autho rized carrier and the owner of the equipment. The lease shall be signed by these parties or by their authorized representatives; 2. The lease shall specify the time and date or the circumstances on which the lease begins and ends and include a description of the equipment which shall be identified by vehicle serial number, make, year, model and current license plate number; HB2603 HFLR Page 28 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3. The period for which the lease applies shall be for thirty (30) days or more when the equipment is to be operated for the authorized carrier by the owner or an employee of the owner; 4. The lease shall p rovide that the authorized carrier lessee shall have exclusive possession, control and use of the equipment for the duration of the lease. The lease shall further provide that the authorized carrier lessee shall assume complete responsibility for the operation of the equipment for the duration of the lease; 5. The amount to be paid by the authorized carrier for equipment and driver's services shall be clearly stated on the face of the lease or in an addendum which is attached to the lease. The amount to be paid may be expressed as a percentage of gross revenue, a flat rate per mile, a variable rate depending on the direction traveled or the type of commodity transported, or by any other method of compensation mutually agreed upon by the parties to the lease. The compensation stated on the lease or in the attached addendum may apply to equipment and driver's services either separately or as a combined amount; 6. The lease shall cle arly specify the responsibility of each party with respect to the cost of f uel, fuel taxes, empty mileage, permits of all types, tolls, detention and accessorial services, base plates and licenses, and any unused portions of such items. Except when the violation results from the acts or omissions of the lessor, the authorized ca rrier lessee shall assume the risks and HB2603 HFLR Page 29 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 costs of fines for overweight and oversize trailers when the trailers are preloaded, sealed, or the load is containerized, or when the trailer or lading is otherwise outside of the lessor's control, and for improperl y permitted over-dimension and overweight loads and shall reimburse the lessor for any fines paid by the lessor. If the authorized carrier is authorized to receive a refund or a credit for base plates purchased by the lessor from, and issued in the name of, the authorized carrier, or if the base plates are authorized to be sold by the authorized carrier to another lessor , the authorized carrier shall refund to the initial lessor on whose behalf the base plate was first obtained a prorated share of the amount received; 7. The lease shall specify that payment to the lessor shall be made by the authorized carrier within fifteen (15) days after submission of the necessary delivery docum ents and other paperwork concerning a trip in the service of the authorized carrier. The paperwork required before the lessor can receive payment is limited to those documents necessary for the authorized carrier to secure payment from the shipper. The a uthorized carrier may require the submission of additional documents by the lessor but not as a prerequisite to payment; 8. The lease shall clearly specify the right of those lessors whose revenue is based on a percentage of the gross revenue for a shipment to examine copies of the authorized carrier's freight bill HB2603 HFLR Page 30 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 before or at the time of settlement. The lease shall clearly specify the right of the lessor, regardless of method of compensation, to examine copies of the carrier's tariff; 9. The lease shall clearly specify all items that may be initially paid for by the authorize d carrier, but ultimately deducted from the lessor's compensation at the time of payment or settlement together with a recitation as to how the amount of each item is to be computed . The lessor shall be afforded copies of those documents which are necessa ry to determine the validity of the charge; 10. The lease shall specify that the lessor is not required to purchase or rent any products, equipment, or services from the authorized carrier as a condition of entering into the lease arrangement; 11. As it relates to insurance: a. the lease shall clearly specify the legal obligation of the authorized carrier to maintain insurance coverage for the protection of the public, and b. the lease shall clearly specify the conditions under which deductions for cargo or property damage may be made from the lessor's settlements. The lease shall further specify that the authorized carrier must provide the lessor with a written explanation and itemization of any deductions for cargo or property HB2603 HFLR Page 31 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 damage made from any compe nsation of money owed to the lessor. The written explanation and itemization must be delivered to the lessor before any deductions are made; and 12. An original and two copies of each lease shall be signed by the parties. The authorized carrier shall ke ep the original and shall place a copy of the lease in the equipment during the period of the lease, and it shall be unlawful to operate such equipment without a copy of the lease i n the equipment. The owner of the equipment shall keep the other copy of t he lease. D. The provisions of this section shall apply to the leasing of equipment with which to perform household goods transportation by motor carriers. SECTION 11. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 169, is amended to read as fo llows: Section 169. A. No certificate shall be issued by the Corporation Commission to any motor carrier of household goods until after such motor carrier shall have filed with th e Commission a liability insurance policy or bond covering public liability and property damage, issued by some insurance or bonding company or insurance carrier authorized as set forth below, and which has complied with all of the requirements of the Comm ission, which bond or policy shall be approved by the Commission, and shall be in such sum and amount as fixed by a proper order of the Commission; and HB2603 HFLR Page 32 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 such liability and property damage insurance policy or bond shall bind the obligor thereunder to make co mpensation for injuries to, or death of, persons, and loss or damage to pro perty, resulting from the operation of any such motor carrier for which such carrier is legally liable. After judgment against the carrier for any damage, the injured party may mai ntain an action upon the policy or bond to recover the same, and shall be a proper party to maintain such action. B. Every motor carrier of household goods shall file with the Commission a cargo insurance policy or bond covering any goods or property being transported, issued by some insurance or bonding company or insurance car rier authorized as set forth below, and which has complied with all of the requirements of the Commission, which bond or policy shall be approved by the Commission, and shall be in a sum and amount as fixed by Commission rule. The cargo insurance must be filed with the Commission prior to a certificate being issued by the Commission. C. No carrier, whose principal place of business is in Oklahoma, shall conduct any operations in th is state unless the operations are covered by a valid primary bond or insur ance policy issued by an insurer authorized or approved by the Oklahoma Insurance Department. No carrier whose principal place of business is not in Oklahoma shall conduct any oper ations in this state unless the operations are covered by a valid bond or i nsurance policy HB2603 HFLR Page 33 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 issued by an insurer licensed or approved by the insurance regulatory authority of the state of their principal place of business or the Oklahoma Insurance Departmen t. D. Each motor carrier shall maintain on file, in full force, all insurance required by the laws of the State of Oklahoma and the rules of the Commission during such motor carrier's operation and that the failure for any cause to maintain such coverage in full force and effect shall immediately, without any notice from the Commission, suspend such carrier's rights to operate until proper insurance is provided. Any carrier suspended for failure to maintain proper insurance shall have a reasonable time, n ot exceeding sixty (60) days, within which to provide proper insurance and to have the carrier's authority reactivated, upon showing: 1. No operation during the period in which the carrier did not have insurance; and 2. Furnishing of proper insurance cov erage. E. Any carrier who fails to reactivate the carrier's certificate within sixty (60) days after such suspension, as above provided, shall have the certificate canceled, by operation of law, without any notice from the Commission. No certificate so c anceled shall be reinstated or otherwise made operative except that the Commission may reinstate the authority of a motor carrier upon proper showing that the motor carrier was actually covered by proper insurance during the suspension or cancellation peri od, and that HB2603 HFLR Page 34 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 failure to file with the Commission was not due to the motor carrier's fault. Any carrier desiring to file for reinstatement of the carrier's certificate shall do so within ninety (90) days of its cancellation by law. F. The Commission shall , in its discretion, permit the filing of certificates of insurance coverag e on such form as may be prescribed by the Commission, in lieu of copies of insurance policies or bonds, with the proviso that if the certificates are authorized, the insurance comp any or carrier so filing it, upon request of the Commission, shall, at any time, furnish an authenticated copy of the policy which the certificate represents, and further provided that thirty (30) days prior to effective cancellation or termination of the policy of insurance for any cause, the insurer shall so notify the Commissi on in writing of the facts or as deemed necessary by the Commission. G. It is hereby declared unlawful for any person, its employee, its agent, or its independent contractor to eng age in household goods transportation by motor carriers in violation of thi s section or the Commission's rules issued pursuant to this section. SECTION 12. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 170.1, is amended to read as follows: Section 170.1. A. Upon any complaint in writing under oath being made by any officer of the Department of Public Safety, any other person, or by the Commission of its own motion, setting forth HB2603 HFLR Page 35 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 any act or thing done or omitted to be done by any person in violation, or claimed violation, of any provision of law, or of any order or rule of the Commission, the Commission shall enter same upon its docket and shall immediately serve a copy thereof upon each defendant together with a notice directed to each defendan t requiring that the matter complained of be answered, in writing, within ten (10) days of the date of service of such notice, provided that the Commission may, in its discretion, require particular cases to be answered within a shorter time, and the Commi ssion may, for good cause shown, extend the time in which an answer may be filed. Upon the filing of the answer herein provided for, the Commission shall set a time and place for the hearing, and notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be served not less than ten (10) days before the time set therefor, unless the Commis sion shall find that public necessity requires the hearing at an earlier date. B. The Commission may, in all matters within its jurisdiction, issue subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum , and all necessary process in proceedings pending before the Commission; m ay administer oaths, examine witnesses, compel the production of records, books, papers, files, documents, contracts, correspondence, agreements, or accounts necessary for any inves tigation being conducted, and certify official acts. C. In case of failure on the part of any person to comply with any lawful order of the Commission, or of any Commissioner, or with HB2603 HFLR Page 36 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 any subpoena or subpoena duces tecum, or to testify concerning any matter on which he or she may be lawfully interrogated, the Commission may compel obedience by proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena, or of the refusal to testify. D. Witnesses who are summoned before the Co mmission shall be paid the same fees and mileage as are paid to witnesses i n courts of record. Any party to a proceeding at whose instance a subpoena is issued and served shall pay the costs incident thereto and the fees for mileage of all his or her witnesses. E. In the event any process shall be directed to any nonresident who is authorized to do business in this state, the process may be served upon the agent designated by the nonresident for the service of process, and service upon the agent shall be as sufficient and as effective as if served upon the nonresident. F. All process issued by the Commission shall extend to all parts of the state and any such process, together with the service of all notices issued by the Commission, as well as copies of complaints, rules, orders and regulations of the Commission, may be served by any person authorized to serve process issued out of courts of record, or by certified mail. G. After the conclusion of any hearing, the Commission shall, within sixty (60) days , make and file its findings and order, with its opinion. Its findings sha ll be in sufficient detail to enable HB2603 HFLR Page 37 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 any court in which any action of the Commission is involved to determine the controverted questions presented by the proceeding. A copy of such order, certified under the seal of the Commission, shall be served upon th e person against whom it runs, or the attorney of the person, and notice thereof shall be given to the other parties to the proceedings or their attorneys. The order shall take effect and become operative within fifteen (15) days after the service thereof , unless otherwise provided. If an order cannot, in the judgment of the Commission, be complied with within fifteen (15) days, the Commission may grant and prescribe such additional time as in its judgment is reasonably necessary to comply with the order, and may, on application and for good cause shown, extend the time for compliance fixed in the order. H. In the event the Commission finds that the defendant is guilty upon any complaint filed and proceeding had and that the provisions of law, or the rule s, regulations or orders of this the Commission have been willfully and knowingly violated and the violator holds a permit or certificate or license issued by the Commission authorizing it to engage in the transportation of persons or property for hire, th en such permit or certificate or license may also be revoked by the Commission. I. Where a complaint is instituted by any person other than an officer or employee of the Department of Public Safety or the Commission of its own motion and in the event the Commission should HB2603 HFLR Page 38 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 find that the complaint was not in good faith, the complaining party shall be required to pay the defendant's attorney's fee, the fee to be prescribed by the Commi ssion in accordance with applicable Oklahoma Bar Association standards. J. Any person aggrieved by any findings and order of the Commission may appeal to the Supreme Court in the way and manner now or hereafter provided for appeals from the district court to the Supreme Court. SECTION 13. AMENDATORY 47 O .S. 2021, Section 171, is amended to read as follows: Section 171. All monies accruing to the "Corporation Commission Revolving Fund" are hereby appropriated to the Corporation Commission. The Consistent with the provisions of this act and the Motor Carrier Public Safety Enforcement Act, the Corporation Commission is hereby authorized and empowered to employ such extra help as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act for the enforcement of the law and the collection of taxes set forth herei n, said employees to be paid from the appropriations made in this section. Provided, such employees shall be paid such salaries or compensation as is paid for similar service in th is state in the same or other departments of the state. The Corporation Commission is hereby authorized to pay from the "Corporation Commission Revolving Fund" such extra operating expenses as may be attributable HB2603 HFLR Page 39 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 to the enforcement of this act, in the sam e manner and form as other expenses are paid. Provided further, such employ ees shall be such extra help as may be in the judgment of the Corporation Commission necessary to aid in the enforcement of this act in addition to the positions hereinafter created; the salaries and expenses of the positions hereinafter created shall be paid out of funds appropriated by the general departmental appropriations act. SECTION 14. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 171.1, is amended to read as foll ows: Section 171.1. In addition to other uses authorized by law, funds provided to the Corporation Commission Revolving Fund pursuant to Sections 165, 177.2 and 180h of this title shall be expended as follows: 1. The Corporation Commission Transportation Division shall may employ noncommissioned personnel to serve as civilian e nforcement auditors and inspectors in furtherance of regulating the unauthorized transportation or disposal of deleterious substances or other unauthorized transportation in violati on of the Motor Carrier Act of 1995 or the rules and regulations for motor carriers as promulgated by the Corporation Commission ; 2. Except as provided by the Motor Carrier Public Safety Enforcement Act, the Commission may employ four special motor carrier enforcement officers and one supervisor -officer who shall HB2603 HFLR Page 40 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 have the primary duty of investigating and assisting in the prosecution of persons engaged in unauthorized transportation or disposal of deleterious substances as contemplated under the provisions of the Oklahoma Motor Carrier Act of 1995 and any other applicable provisions of law. Such employees shall be compensated as for similar service in the same or other departments of the state and an expense allowance of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per m onth for maintenance and cleaning of uniforms and other related expenses shall be paid to such employees. Nothing in this section regarding expense allowances shall be construed to mean that such employees shall receive any additional compensation beyond what is provided for maintenance and cleaning of uniforms and other related expenses by the Corporation Commission on the effective date of this act .; 2. The Commission shall 3. Except as provided by the Motor Carrier Public Safety Enforcement Act, the C ommission may purchase a sufficient number of motor vehicles to provide eac h motor carrier enforcement officer employed in the Transportation Division a motor vehicle suitable to carry out the enforcement provisions of applicable law. Said vehicles shall be appropriately marked as official vehicles and radio equipped. All costs for operation, maintenance and replacement of the motor vehicles authorized in this section shall be provided for from the Corporation Commission Revolving Fund .; HB2603 HFLR Page 41 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3. 4. The Commission shall employ a hearing officer whose primary responsibility shall be t he adjudication of enforcement proceedings and complaints brought against persons engaged in unauthorized transportation or disposal of deleterious substances or other unauthorized transportation in violation of the Oklahoma Motor Carrier Act of 1995 or the rules and regulations of motor carriers as promulgated by the Corporation Commission. SECTION 15. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 172, is amended to read as follows: Section 172. A. Every owner of any motor vehicle, the agents or employees of the owner, and every other person who violates or fails to comply with or procures, aids, or abets in the violation of Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995, or who fails to obey, observe, or comply with any order, decision, rule or regulation, direction, demand, or requirement of the Corporation Commission, or who procures, aids or abets any corporation or person in the person 's, or its, refusal or willful failure to obey, observe or comply with any such order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or regulation , and any person who operates a motor vehicle in this state when the motor carrier, the motor vehicle, or the commercial operator is not in compliance with Sections 161A through 180m of this title , the Motor Carrier Act of 1995, or any rule or regulation issued by the Corporation Commission pursuant to these statutes , shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. HB2603 HFLR Page 42 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Upon conviction in a criminal court of competent jurisdiction, such misdemeanor is punisha ble by a fine of not exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00). B. The Corporation Commission shall may report to the Attorney General of this state and the district attorney of t he proper county having jurisdiction of such offense , any violation of any of the provisions of Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995 , or any rule of the Corporation Commission promulgated pursuant to the provisions of Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995, by any motor vehicle owner, agent or employee of such owner, or any other person. Upon receipt of such report, the Attorney General or the district attorney of the proper co unty having jurisdiction of such offense shall institute criminal or civil proceedings against such offender in the proper court having jurisdiction of such offense. Any willful failure on the part of members of the Corporation Commission, the Attorney Ge neral or any district attorney, to comply with the provisions of this secti on, shall be deemed official misconduct. The Corporation Commission shall report such complaints so made to the Governor of this state who shall direct and cause the laws of this state to be enforced. C. Any person failing, neglecting or refusing to comp ly with the provisions of Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995, or with any rule, regulation, or HB2603 HFLR Page 43 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 requirement of the Corporation Commission p romulgated pursuant to the provisions of Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995, shall be guilty of contempt of the Corporation Commission , and shall be subject to a fine to be imposed by the Corporation Commission in a sum not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). Each day on which suc h contempt occurs shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense. The maximum fine to be assessed on each day shall be Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). All fines collected pursuan t to the provisions of this section shall be deposited in the State Treasur y to the credit of the Corporation Commission Trucking One-Stop Shop Fund, as created in Section 1167 of this title. This subsection shall not apply in the specific instance of load capacity violations or violations applicable to the transportation or dis charge of deleterious substances provided for by specific statutory provisions. D. The Corporation Commission shall appoint a director of transportation, a deputy director, an insu rance supervisor, an insurance clerk, two stenographers, a secretary to the director, an identification device supervisor and an assistant identification device supervisor at such salaries as the Legislature may from time to time prescribe. The employees shall be allowed actual and necessary travel expenses pursuant to the provi sions of the State Travel Reimbursement Act. All of the expense claims shall be presented and paid monthly. HB2603 HFLR Page 44 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 E. Enforcement officers , appointed by the Corporation Commission, are hereby declared to be peace officers of this state. Such officers shall be vested with all powers of peace officers in enforcing the provisions of Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title and the Motor Carrier Act of 1995 in all parts of this state. The powers and duties conferred upon said enforcement officers shall in no way limit the powers and duties of sheriffs or other peace officers of the state, or any political subdivision thereof, or officers of members of the Division of Highway Patrol, subje ct to the Department of Public Safety. F. The enforcement officers when on duty, upon reasonable belief that any motor vehicle is being operated in violation of any provisions of Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 199 5, shall be authorized to require the driver of the vehicle to stop and sub mit to an inspection of the identification device, or devices, in the vehicle, and to submit to such enforcement officer bills of lading, waybills, or other evidences of the charact er of the commerce being transported in such vehicle, and to submit to an i nspection of the contents of such vehicle for the purpose of comparing same with bills of lading or shipping documentation, waybills, or other evidences of transportation carried by the driver of the vehicle. The officers shall not have the right to plea bargain. HB2603 HFLR Page 45 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 G. The enforcement officers are authorized to serve all warrants, writs, and notices issued by the Corporation Commission relating to the enforcement of the provisions of Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 19 95 and the rules, regulations, and requirements prescribed by the Corporation Commission promulgated pursuant to Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Ac t of 1995. H. The enforcement officers shall not have the power or right of search, nor shall they have the right of power of seizure, except as provided in Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995. The enforcement of ficers are authorized to hold and detain any motor vehicle operating upon t he highways of this state, if, the enforcement officer has reason to believe that the vehicle is being operated contrary to the provisions of Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995, or the rules, regulations, and requ irements of the Corporation Commission promulgated pursuant to Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995. I. No state official, other than membe rs of the Corporation Commission, shall have any power, right, or authority to command, order, or direct any enforcement officer to perform any duty or service authorized by Sections 161 161A through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995. HB2603 HFLR Page 46 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 J. Each of the enforcement officers shall, before entering upon the discharge of their duties, take and subscribe to the usual oath of office and shall execute to the State of Oklahoma a bond in the sum of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) each, with sufficient surety for the faithful performance of their duty. The bond shall be approved and filed as provided by law. K. No enforcement officer or employee of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission shall have the right to plea bargain in motor carrier or motor transportation matters submitted to the Commission for adjudication except the chief legal counsel of the Commission or an assign of the legal staff of the chief legal counsel. L. In accordance with the Motor Carrier Public Safety Enforcement Act, effective June 30, 202 7, the Commission shall no longer employ the enforceme nt officers referenced in this section. SECTION 16. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 177.2, is amended to read as follows: Section 177.2. A. No motor carrier shall engage in the business of transporting any salt water, mineral br ines, waste oil and other deleterious substances produced from or obtained or used in connection with the drilling, development, producing and operating of oil and gas wells and bri ne wells, for any valuable consideration whatever, or in any quantity over twenty (20) gallons, without a license authorizing such operation and a deleterious substance transport permit to be issued by the Commission. HB2603 HFLR Page 47 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Provided, transportation of such subs tances by private carrier of property by motor vehicle shall require a dele terious substance transport permit. Any permit required by this section shall be carried in any vehicle engaged in the transportation of deleterious substances. B. No carrier shall transport deleterious substances under a carrier license issued by the Co mmission until such time as the carrier has been issued a deleterious substance transport permit. C. No deleterious substance transport permit shall be issued to a motor carrier or private carrier until the carrier has furnished written proof of access to a Class II disposal well or wells. Said written proof of access shall be provided by the owner of such disposal well. Such disposal well must first be approved by the Corporation Commission as adequate to meet the need for proper disposal of all substan ces which the applicant may reasonably be expected to transport as a motor carrier or private carrier. Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the disposition of such deleterious substances in a disposal well that is owned by a person other than the transporter. D. The Commission shall maintain a current list of such permits. The Commission shall charge such annual deleterious substance transport pe rmitting fees as will cover the cost of issuing such licenses and an annual fee of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) for each such deleterious substance transport license. HB2603 HFLR Page 48 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Proceeds from the fees shall be deposited by the Commission in the State Treasury to the credit of the Corporation Commission Revolving Fund. The provision s of this section are supplemental and are in addition to the laws applicable to motor carriers. E. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the transportation of deleterio us substances or to operate a vehicle engaged in the transportation of dele terious substances without a permit required by this section. SECTION 17. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 180c, is amended to read as follows: Section 180c. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission may issue an order for the seizure a nd confiscation and return to the Commission of any identification device or devices , for any of the following reasons, and to direct said order or orders to any officer of the State of Oklahoma charged with the duties of enforcing the provisions of this a ct and/or any other section of the motor carrier law now in force or hereinafter enacted: 1. In all cases where the motor carrier has permitted the insurance coverage, as required by law to be filed with the Commission, to lapse or become cancelled canceled or for any reason to become void and fail to meet the requirements as provided by law; 2. For failure on the part of any motor carrier , or his or her or its agents or employees to comply with any part or provision of this act, or any other act or law o r part or provision thereof HB2603 HFLR Page 49 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 relative to the legal operation of a for -hire motor carrier, or to obey, observe or comply with any order, decision, rule or regulation, direction, deman d or requirement, or any part or provision thereof, of the Commission , or who fails to obey, observe, or comply with any direction or demand of an officer of the Department of Public Safety ; 3. Upon the cancellation or revocation of the certificate or permit or (IRC) Interstate Registration Certificate (IRC) or license under which said identification device or devices were issued; or 4. For operating any powered motor vehicle in violation of the terms and provisions of this act or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995 and all applicable size and weight laws and safety standards of this state. SECTION 18. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 180m, is amended to read as follows: Section 180m. In addition to all other duties as provided by law, it is hereby declared to be, and shall be , the duty of all officers of the Department of Public Safety, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, district attorneys, and enforcement officers appointed by the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma , and all highway patrolmen within the State of Oklahoma : 1. To enforce the provisions of Sections 180 through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995; HB2603 HFLR Page 50 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. To apprehend and detain any motor vehicle or vehicles and driver or operator and their aides who are op erating any motor vehicle, upon or along the highways of this state, for a reasonable length of time, for the purpose of investigating and determining whether such vehicle is being operated in violation of any of the provisions of Sections 180 through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995; 3. To make arrests for th e violation of the provisions of Sections 180 through 180m of this title or the Motor Carrier Act of 1995, without the necessity of procuring a warrant; 4. To sign the necessary co mplaint and to cause the violator or violators to be promptly arraigned bef ore a court of competent jurisdiction for trial; 5. To aid and assist in the prosecution of the violator or violators in the name of the State of Oklahoma to the end that this law shall be enforced; 6. To report all such arrests for violations of Section s 180 through 180m of this title to the Corporation Commission of Oklahoma within ten (10) days after making such arrest and to furnish such information concerning same as the Commi ssion may request; and 7. At the request of the Corporation Commission, to seize and confiscate any and all identification devices and to forward the same to the Corporation Commission for cancellation. HB2603 HFLR Page 51 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 19. AMENDATORY 47 O .S. 2021, Section 230.29, is amended to read as follows: Section 230.29. A. As used in this section: 1. "Authorized carrier" means a person or persons authorized to engage in the transportation of passengers or property as a licensed motor carrier; 2. "Equipment" means a motor vehicle, straight truck, tractor, semitrailer, full trailer, any combination of these and any other type of equipment used by authorized carriers in the transportation of passengers or property for hire; 3. "Owner" means a person to whom title to equipment has been issued, or who, without title, has the right to exclusive use of equipment for a period longer than thirty (30) days; 4. "Lease" means a contract or arrangement in which the owner grants the use of equipment, with or w ithout driver, for a specified period to an authorized carrier for use in t he regulated transportation of passengers or property , in exchange for compensation; 5. "Lessor", in a lease, means the party granting the use of equipment, with or without driver, to another; 6. "Lessee", in a lease, means the party acquiring the use of equipment, with or without driver, from another; 7. "Addendum" means a supplement to an existing lease which is not effective until signed by the lessor and lessee; and HB2603 HFLR Page 52 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 8. "Shipper" means a person who sends or receives passengers or property which is tr ansported in intrastate commerce in this state. B. An authorized carrier may perform authorized transportation in equipment it does not own only under the following conditions: 1. There shall be a written lease granting the use of the equipment and meeting the requirements as set forth in subsection C of this section; 2. The authorized carrier acquiring the use of equipment under this section shall identify the equipment in accord ance with the requirements of the Commission; and 3. Upon termination of t he lease, the authorized carrier shall remove all identification showing it as the operating carrier before giving up possession of the equipment. C. The written lease required pur suant to subsection B of this section shall contain the following provision s. The required lease provisions shall be adhered to and performed by the authorized carrier as follows: 1. The lease shall be made between the authorized carrier and the owner of the equipment. The lease shall be signed by these parties or by their aut horized representatives; 2. The lease shall specify the time and date or the circumstances on which the lease begins and ends and include a description of the equipment which shall be identified by vehicle serial number, make, year model and current licen se plate number; HB2603 HFLR Page 53 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3. The period for which the lease applies shall be for thirty (30) days or more when the equipment is to be operated for the authorized carrier by the owner or an employee of the owner; 4. The lease shall provide that the authorized carr ier lessee shall have exclusive possession, control and use of the equipment for the duration of the lease. The lease shall further provide that the authorized carrier lessee shall assume complete responsibility for the operation of the equipment for the duration of the lease; 5. The amount to be paid by the authorized carrier for equipment and driver's services shall be clearly stated on the face of the lease or in an addendum whi ch is attached to the lease; 6. The lease shall clearly specify the respon sibility of each party with respect to the cost of fuel, fuel taxes, empty mileage, permits of all types, tolls, detention and accessorial services, base plates and licenses, and an y unused portions of such items. Except when the violation results from th e acts or omissions of the lessor, the authorized carrier lessee shall assume the risks and costs of fines for overweight and oversize trailers when the trailers are preloaded, seal ed, or the load is containerized, or when the trailer or lading is otherwis e outside of the lessor's control, and for improperly permitted overdimension and overweight loads and shall reimburse the lessor for any fines paid by the lessor. If the authorize d carrier is authorized to receive a refund or a credit for base plates pur chased by the lessor from, and issued HB2603 HFLR Page 54 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 in the name of, the authorized carrier, or if the base plates are authorized to be sold by the authorized carrier to another lessor , the authorized carrier shall refund to the initial lessor on whose behalf the base plate was first obtained a prorated share of the amount received; 7. The lease shall specify that payment to the lessor shall be made by the authorized carrier within fifteen (15) da ys after submission of the necessary delivery documents and other paperwork concerning a trip in the service of the authorized carrier. The paperwork required before the lessor can receive payment is limited to those documents necessary for the authorized carrier to secure payment from the shipper. The authorized carrier may re quire the submission of additional documents by the lessor but not as a prerequisite to payment; 8. The lease shall clearly specify the right of the lessor, regardless of method of compensation, to examine copies of the documentation of the carrier upon w hich charges are assessed; 9. The lease shall clearly specify all items that may be initially paid for by the authorized carrier, but ultimately deducted from the compensation of t he lessor at the time of payment or settlement together with a recitation a s to how the amount of each item is to be computed. The lessor shall be afforded copies of those documents which are necessary to determine the validity of the charge; HB2603 HFLR Page 55 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 10. The lease shall specify that the lessor is not required to purchase or rent any pr oducts, equipment, or services from the authorized carrier as a condition of entering into the lease arrangement; 11. As it relates to insurance: a. the lease shall clearly specify the legal obligation of the authorized carrier to maintain insurance coverage for the protection of the public, and b. the lease shall clearly specify the conditions under which deductions for cargo or property damage may be made from the lessor's settlem ents. The lease shall further specify that the authorized carrier must provide the lessor with a written explanation and itemization of any deductions for cargo or property damage made from any compensation of money owed to the lessor. The written explan ation and itemization must be delivered to the lessor before any deductions are made; and 12. An original and two copies of each lease shall be signed by the parties. The authorized carrier shall keep the original and shall place a copy of the lease in t he equipment during the period of the lease, and it shall be unlawful to op erate such equipment without a copy of the lease in the equipment . The owner of the equipment shall keep the other copy of the lease. HB2603 HFLR Page 56 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 D. The provisions of this section shall apply to the leasing of equipment with which to perform transportation regulated by the Corporation Commission by motor carriers holding a license from the Commission to transport passengers or property. SECTION 20. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2 021, Section 230.30, is amended to read as follows: Section 230.30. A. No license shall be issued by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to any carrier until after the carrier shall have filed with the Commission a liability insurance policy or bond covering public liability and property damage, issued by some insurance or bonding company or insurance carrier authorized pursuant to this section and which has complied with all of the requirements of the Commission, which bond or policy shall be approved by the Commission, and shall be in a sum and amount as fixed by a proper orde r of the Commission; and the liability and property damage insurance policy or bond shall bind the obligor thereunder to make compensation for injuries to, or death of, persons, and loss or damage to property , resulting from the operation of any carrier fo r which the carrier is legally liable. A copy of the policy or bond shall be filed with the Commission, and, after judgment against the carrier for any damage, the injured party may maintain an action upon the policy or bond to recover the same, and shall be a proper party to maintain such action. HB2603 HFLR Page 57 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 B. Every motor carrier shall file with the Commission a cargo insurance policy or bond covering any goods or property being transported, issued by some insurance or bonding company or insurance carrier authorize d as set forth below, and which has complied with all of the requirements of the Commission, which bond or policy shall be approved by the Commission , and shall be in a sum and amount as fixed by a proper order of the Commission. The cargo insurance must be filed with the Commission prior to a license being issued by the Commission, unless the motor carrier has been exempted from this requirement. Intrastate motor carriers of sand, rock, gravel, asphaltic mixtures or other similar road building materials s hall not be required to file cargo insurance and shall be required to maintain liability insurance limits of Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00) combined single limit . No carrier, whose principal place of business is in Oklahoma, shall conduct any operations in this state unless the operations are covered by a valid primary bond or insurance policy issued by a provider authorized or approved by the State Insurance Comm issioner. No carrier shall conduct any operations in this state unless the operations are covered by a valid bond or insurance policy issued by a provider authorized and approved by a National Association of Insurance Commissioners and certified by the St ate Insurance Commission. HB2603 HFLR Page 58 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 C. Each carrier shall maintain on file, in full force, all insurance required by the laws of this state and the rules of the Commission during the operation of the carrier and that the failure for any cause to maintain the covera ge in full force and effect shall immediately, without any notice from the Commission, suspend the rights of the carrier to operate until proper insurance is provided. Any carrier suspended for failure to maintain proper insurance shall have a reasonable time, not exceeding sixty (60) days, to have its license reactivated, and t o provide proper insurance upon showing: 1. No operation during the period in which it did not have insurance; and 2. Furnishing of proper insurance coverage. D. Any carrier who fails to reactivate its license within sixty (60) days after the suspension , as above provided, shall have the license canceled, by operation of law, without any notice from the Commission. No license so canceled shall be reinstated or otherwise made operative except that the Commission may reinstate the license of a carrier upon proper showing that the carrier was actually covered by proper insurance during the suspension or cancellation period, and that failure to file with the Commission was not due to the negligence of the carrier. Any carrier desiring to file for reinstatement of its license shall do so within ninety (90) days of its cancellation by law. HB2603 HFLR Page 59 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 E. The Commission shall, in its discretion, permit the filing of certificates of insurance covera ge or such form as may be prescribed by the Commission, in lieu of copies o f insurance policies or bonds, with the proviso that if the certificates are authorized the insurance company or carrier so filing it, upon request of the Commission, will, at any t ime, furnish an authenticated copy of the policy which the certificate repr esents, and further provided that thirty (30) days prior to effective cancellation or termination of the policy of insurance for any cause, the insurer shall so notify the Commissio n in writing of the facts or as deemed necessary by the Commission. F. It is hereby declared unlawful for any person, its employee, its agent, or its independent contractor to operate a motor vehicle when a motor carrier is not in compliance with this sec tion or the Commission’s rules issued pursuant to this section. SECTION 21. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1115, as last amended by Section 1, Chapter 246, O.S.L. 2023 (47 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 1115), is amended to read as fol lows: Section 1115. A. Unless provided otherwise by statute, the following vehicles shall be registered annually: manufactured homes, vehicles registered with a permanent nonexpiring license plate pursuant to Section 1113 of this title, and commercial vehicles registered pursuant to the installment plan provided in subsection H of Section 1133 of this title. The following schedule HB2603 HFLR Page 60 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 shall apply for such vehicle purchased in this state or brought into this state by residents of this state: 1. Between January 1 and March 31, the payment of the full annual fee shall be required; 2. Between April 1 and June 30, the payment of three -fourths (3/4) the annual fee shall be required; 3. Between July 1 and September 30, the payment of one -half (1/2) the annual fee shall be required; and 4. Between October 1 and November 30, one -fourth (1/4) the annual fee shall be required. License plates or decals for each year shall be made available on December 1 of each preceding year for such vehicles. Any person who purchases such vehicle or manufactured home between December 1 and December 31 of any year shall register it within thirty (30) days from date of purchase and obtain a license plate or Manufactured Home License Registration Decal, as appropriate, for the following calendar year upon payment of the full annual fee. Unless provided othe rwise by statute, all annual license, registration and other fees for such vehicles shall be due and payable on January 1 of each year and if not paid by February 1 shall be deemed delinquent. B. 1. All vehicles, other than those required to be registere d pursuant to the provisions of subsection A of this section, shall be registered on a staggered system of registration and licensing on a HB2603 HFLR Page 61 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 monthly series basis to distribute the wor k of registering such vehicles as uniformly and expeditiously as practicabl e throughout the calendar year unless otherwise provided in this section. After the end of the month following the expiration date, the license and registration fees for the new re gistration period shall become delinquent. At the time of registration or renewal, the owner of the vehicle may choose either an annual or a biennial registration of the vehicle. 2. All fleet vehicles registered pursuant to new applications approved pursuant to the provisions of Section 1120 of this title shall be registered on a staggered system monthly basis. 3. Applicants seeking to establish Oklahoma as the base jurisdiction for registering apportioned fleet vehicles shall have a one-time option of registering for a period of not less than six (6) months nor greater than ei ghteen (18) months. Subsequent renewals for these registrants will be for twelve (12) months, expiring on the last day of the month chosen by the registrant under the one - time option as provided herein. In addition, registrants with multiple fleets may d esignate a different registration month of expiration for each fleet. As used in this section, "fleet" shall have the same meaning as set forth in the International Registration Pla n. 4. Effective January 1, 2004, all motorcycles and mopeds shall be registered on a staggered system of registration. Service HB2603 HFLR Page 62 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Oklahoma shall notify in writing, prior to December 1, 2003, all owners of motorcycles or mopeds registered as of such date, wh o shall have a one-time option of registering for a period of not less than three (3) months nor greater than fifteen (15) months. Subsequent renewals for these registrants will be for twelve (12) months, expiring on the last day of the month chosen by th e registrant under the one -time option as provided herein. All motorcycles and mopeds registered pursuant to new applications received on or after December 1, 2003, shall also be registered pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph. 5. Any three or more commercial vehicles owned by the same person and previously registered i n this state may be registered at the same time regardless of the month or months in which they were previously registered. The month in which the commercial vehicles are newly registered shall be the month in which their registration is renewed annually. If a commercial vehicle is registered pursuant to this paragraph in the same calendar year in which it was previously registered, license and registration fees shall be prorated to account for the difference between the previous renewal month and the new renewal month and those fees shall be due at the time of registration pursuant to this paragraph. C. The following penalties shall apply for delinquent registration fees: HB2603 HFLR Page 63 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1. For fleet vehicles required to be registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 1120 of this title for which a properly completed application for registration has not been received by the Corporation Commission by the last day of the month following the registration expiration date, a penalty of thirty percent (30%) of the Oklahoma portion of the annual registration fee, or Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), whichever is greater, shall be assessed. The license and registration cards issued by the Corporation Co mmission for each fleet vehicle shall be valid until two (2) months after t he registration expiration date; 2. For commercial vehicles registered under the provisions of subsection B of this section, except those vehicles registered pursuant to Section 11 33.1 of this title, a penalty shall be assessed after the last day of the m onth following the registration expiration date. A penalty of twenty -five cents ($0.25) per day shall be added to the license fee of such vehicle and shall accrue for one (1) month. Thereafter, the penalty shall be thirty percent (30%) of the annual regi stration fee, or Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), whichever is greater; 3. For new or used manufactured homes, not registered within thirty (30) days from date of purchase or date su ch manufactured home was brought into this state, a penalty equal to the registration fee shall be assessed; or HB2603 HFLR Page 64 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 4. For all vehicles a penalty shall be assessed after the last day of the month following the expiration date and no penalty shall be waived by Service Oklahoma or any licensed operator except as provided for in subsec tion H of Section 1133, subsection C of Section 1127 of this title, or when the vehicle was stolen as certified by a police report or other documentation as required by Service Oklahoma. A penalty of One Dollar ($1.00) per day shall be added to the license fee of such vehicle, provided that the penalty shall not exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). Of each dollar penalty collected pursuant to this subsection: a. twenty-one cents ($0.21) shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of this title, b. twenty-one cents ($0.21) shall be retained by the licensed operator, and c. fifty-eight cents ($0.58) shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund. D. In addition to all other pen alties provided in the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act, the f ollowing penalties shall be imposed and collected by any Enforcement Officer of the Corporation Commission upon finding any commercial vehicle being operated in violation of the pro visions of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. The penalties shall apply to any commercial vehicle found to be operating in violation of the following provisions: HB2603 HFLR Page 65 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1. A penalty of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) shall be imposed upon any person found to be operating a commercial vehicle sixty (60) days after t he end of the month in which the license plate or registration credentials expire without the current year license plate or registration credential displayed. Such penalty shall not exceed the amount established by the Corporation Commission pursuant to t he provisions of subsection A of Section 1167 of this title. Revenue from such penalties shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1167 of this title; 2. A penalty of not less t han Fifty Dollars ($50.00) shall be imposed for any person operating a comm ercial vehicle subject to the provisions of Section 1120 or Section 1133 of this title without the proper display of, or, carrying in such commercial vehicle, the identification credentials issued by the Corporation Commission as evidence of payment of the fee or tax as provided in Section 1120 or Section 1133 of this title. Such penalty shall not exceed the amount established by the Corporation Commission pursuant to the provisions of subsection A of Section 1167 of this title. Revenue from such penalties shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1167 of this title; and 3. A penalty of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) shall be imposed for any person that fails to regi ster any commercial vehicle subject to the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. Such penalty shall not exceed the amount HB2603 HFLR Page 66 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 established by the Corporation Commission pursuant to the provisions of subsection A of Section 1167 of this title. Revenue from such penalties shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1167 of th is title. E. Service Oklahoma, or the Corporation Commission with respect to vehicles registered under Section 1120 or Section 1133 of this title, shall assess the registration fee s and penalties for the year or years a vehicle was not registered. For ve hicles not registered for two (2) or more years, the registration fees and penalties shall be due only for the current year and one (1) previous year. F. In addition to any other p enalty prescribed by law, there shall be a penalty of not less than Twenty Dollars ($20.00) upon a finding by an enforcement officer that: 1. The registration of a vehicle registered pursuant to Section 1132 of this title is expired and it is sixty (60) o r more days after the end of the month of expiration; or 2. The registration fees for a vehicle that is subject to the registration fees pursuant to Section 1132 of this title have not been paid. Such penalty shall not exceed the amount established by the Corporation Commission pursuant to the provisions of subsection A of Section 1167 of this title. Revenue from such penalties shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1167 of this title. HB2603 HFLR Page 67 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 G. If a vehicle is donated to a nonprofit charitable organization, the nonprofit charitable organization shall be exempt from paying any current or past due registration fees, excise tax, transfer fees, and penalties and interest. However, after the donation, if the person donating the vehicle, or someone on behalf of such person, purchases the same vehicle back from the nonprofit charitable organization to which the vehicle was donated, such person shall be liable for all current and past -due registration fees, excise tax, title or transfer fees, and penalties and int erest on such vehicle. H. Service Oklahoma shall promulgate rules and any necessary procedures to establish an option for a biennial registration for vehicles registered pursuant to paragraph 1 of subsection B of this section. 1. Regardless of whether t he vehicle owner elects annual or biennial registration, the vehicle is sti ll subject to all fees, fines, and penalties provided in the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. 2. For vehicle owners who elect biennial registration, the annual registration fee shall be twice the annual registration fee provided in the Okla homa Vehicle License and Registration Act. 3. When processing biennial registrations, licensed operators shall be entitled to retain twice the amounts provided in paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection A of Section 1141.1 of this title and twice HB2603 HFLR Page 68 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the amount provided in paragraph 14 of subsection A of Section 1141.1 of this title for processing insurance verification information. SECTION 22. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1124, is amended to read as follows: Section 1124. A. Any person, firm or corporation owning or possessing a commercial vehicle who: 1. Is a resident of the United States; 2. Is required to register the vehicle under the laws of this state; 3. Is not authorized to drive the vehicle on the public roads of this state for lack of registration or reciprocity of this state’s laws with the laws of the state in which the vehicle is registered; and 4. Operates the vehicle for commercial purposes ;, may receive a temporary permit from the Corporation Commission. The permit shall be recognized in lieu of registration in this state. The permit shall indicate the time and date of its issuance and shall be valid for a period not to exceed seventy -two (72) hours from such indicated time. B. A fee of Twelve Dollars ($12.00) shall be charged for the issuance of the temporary permit , which shall be apportioned in the same manner as other vehicle license fees are apportioned under the HB2603 HFLR Page 69 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 terms of the motor vehicl e license and registration laws of this state. C. The temporary permit sha ll not be issued to any person, firm or corporation owning or possessing a commercial vehicle, truck, truck-tractor, trailer, semitrailer or motor bus , who has been apprehended for violating the registration laws of this state. If apprehended, the vehicle shall be immediately subject to such registration laws. Possession of the temporary permit shall not affect any liability or duty which the owner or operator of a vehicle might otherwise have by law. An operator of a vehicle possessing an expired, alter ed or undated temporary permit shall be deemed to be operating an unregistered motor vehicle and shall be subject to registration and penalties therefor as provided by law. D. The Corporation Commission may enter into an agreement with any person or corporation located within or without the state for transmission of temporary permits for a commercial vehicle by way of a facsimile machine or other device when the Corporation Commissi on determines that such agreement is in the best interests of the state. E. The Corporation Commission may enter into an agreement with any state for transmission of that state’s temporary permits for a commercial vehicle by way of a facsimile machine or other device when the Corporation Commission determines that such agreement is in the best interests of the state. HB2603 HFLR Page 70 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 F. Any provision of this act providing for proportional registration under reciprocal agreements and the International Registration Plan tha t relate to the promulgation of rules shall not be subject to the provision s of Section 1151 of this title. The Corporation Commission may promulgate such rules as it deems necessary to administer the provisions of this section. The Corporation Commissio n may prescribe an application form for the temporary permit and such other forms as it deems appropriate. G. The provisions of this section shall not apply to vehicles entering this state for the express purpose of transporting the resources and equipmen t necessary to support production activities of the motion picture, televis ion and video film industries operating within the state. Any such vehicle properly registered under the laws of another state or not registered with this state pursuant to the provisions of the International Registration Plan and used for the above -stated purpose shall not be subject to the registration requirements as set forth in Section 1101 et seq. of this title while conducting said business. SECTION 23. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1151, as last amended by Section 109, C hapter 452, O.S.L. 2024 (47 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 1151), is amended to read as follows: Section 1151. A. It shall be unlawful for any person to commit any of the following acts : HB2603 HFLR Page 71 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1. To lend or to sell to, or knowingly permit the use of by, one not entitled thereto any certificate of title, license plate or decal issued to or in the custody of the person so lending or permitting the use thereof; 2. To alter or in any manner chan ge a certificate of title, registration certificate, license plate or decal issued under the laws of this or any other state; 3. To procure from another state or country, or display upon any vehicle owned by such person within this state, except as otherwise provided in the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act, any license plate issued by any state or country other than this state, unless there shall be displayed upon such vehicle at all times the current license plate and decal assigned to it by Service Oklahoma or the Corporation Commission or the vehicle shall display evidence that the vehicle is registered as a nonresident vehicle pursuant to rules promulgated by Service Oklahoma, with the concurrence of the Department of Public Safety. A viol ation of the provisions of this paragraph shall be presumed to have occurre d if a person who is the holder of an Oklahoma driver license operates a vehicle owned by such person on the public roads or highways of this state and there is not displayed on the vehicle a current Oklahoma license plate and decal, unless the vehicle is owned by a member of the Armed Forces of the United States assigned to duty in this state HB2603 HFLR Page 72 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 in compliance with official military or naval orders or the spouse of such a member of the Armed Forces; 4. To drive, operate or move, or for the owner to cause or permit to be driven or moved, upon the roads, streets or highways of this state, any vehicle loaded in excess of its registered laden weight, or which is licensed for a capacity less than the manufacturer’s rated capacity as provided for in the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act; 5. To operate a vehicle without proper license plate or decal or on which all taxes due the state have not been paid. No citation may be issued by any state, county or municipal law enforcement officer during the one -month period immediately succeeding the last day of the month during which a vehicle registration should have been renewed and a current license plate decal obtained and displayed on the license plate of the vehicle; 6. To buy, sell or dispose of, or posses s for sale, use or storage, any secondhand or used vehicle on which the registration or license fee has not been paid, as required by law, and on which vehicle the person neglects, fails or refuses to display at all times the license plate or decal assigne d to it; 7. To give a fictitious name or fictitious address or make any misstatement of facts in application for certificate of title and registration of a vehicle; HB2603 HFLR Page 73 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 8. To purchase a license plate on an assigned certificate of title. This particular para graph shall be applicable to all persons except a bona fide registered dealer in used cars who are holders of a current and valid used car dealer license; 9. To operate a vehicle u pon the highways of this state after the registration deadline for that veh icle without a proper license plate, as prescribed by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act, for the current year; 10. For any owner of a vehicle registered on the basi s of laden weight to fail or refuse to weigh or reweigh it when requested t o do so by any enforcement officer charged with the duty of enforcing this law; 11. To operate or possess any vehicle which bears a motor number or serial number other than the ori ginal number placed thereon by the factory except a number duly assigned an d authorized by the state; 12. For any licensed operator to release a license plate, a manufactured home registration receipt, decal or excise tax receipt to any unauthorized perso n or source including any dealer in new or used motor vehicles. Violation of this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds for discharge of a licensed operator by Service Oklahoma; 13. To operate any vehicle registered as a commercial vehicle without the lettering requirements of Section 1102 of this title; or HB2603 HFLR Page 74 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 14. To operate any vehicle in violation of the provisions of Sections 7-600 through 7-606 of this title while displaying a yearly decal issued to the owner who has filed an affidavit with the appropriate licensed operator in accordance with Section 7 -607 of this title; or 15. To otherwise operate a commercial vehicle when the motor carrier, the vehicle, or the commercial operator is not in compliance with the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Regist ration Act or with the rules of the Corporation Commission pursuant to this act. Any person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection, other than paragraph 3 of this subsection, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shal l be punished by a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). Any person convicted of violating the provisions of paragraph 3 of this subsection shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) and not more than Five Hundred Dollars ( $500.00) and shall be required to obtain an Oklahoma license plate. Employees of the Corporation Commission may be authorized by the Corporation Commission to issue citations to mo tor carriers or operators of commercial motor vehicles, pursuant to the jur isdiction of the Corporation Commission, for a violation of this subsection. If a person convicted of violating the provisions of this subsection was issued a citation by a duly au thorized employee of the HB2603 HFLR Page 75 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Corporation Commission, the fine herein levied sha ll be apportioned as provided in Section 1167 of this title. B. Except as otherwise authorized by law, it shall be unlawful to: 1. Lend or sell to, or knowingly permit the use of by, one not entitled thereto any certificate of title issued for a manufact ured home, manufactured home registration receipt, manufactured home registration decal or excise tax receipt; 2. Alter or in any manner change a certificate of title issued for a manufactured home under the laws of this state or any other state; 3. Remove or alter a manufactured home registration receipt, manufactured home registration decal or excise tax receipt attached to a certificate of title or attach such receipts to a cert ificate of title with the intent to misrepresent the payment of the require d excise tax and registration fees; 4. Buy, sell or dispose of, or possess for sale, use or storage any used manufactured home on which the registration fees or excise taxes have not been paid as required by law; or 5. Purchase identification, manufactur ed home registration receipt, manufactured home registration decal or excise tax receipt on an assigned certificate of title. Anyone violating the provisions of this subsection, upo n conviction, shall be guilty of a felony. HB2603 HFLR Page 76 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 C. In the event a new vehicle i s not registered within thirty (30) days from date of purchase, the penalty for the failure of the owner of the vehicle to register the vehicle within thirty (30) days shall be One Dollar ($1.00) per day; provided, that in no event shall the penalty exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). No penalty shall be waived by Service Oklahoma or any licensed operator except as provided in subsection C of Section 1127 of this title. Of each dollar penalty collected pursuant to this subsection: 1. Twenty-one cents ($0.21) shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of this title; 2. Twenty-one cents ($0.21) shall be retained by the licensed operator; and 3. Fifty-eight cents ($0.58) sha ll be deposited in the General Revenue Fund. The penalty for new commercia l vehicles shall be equal to the license fee for such vehicles. If a used vehicle is brought into Oklahoma by a resident of this state and is not registered within thirty (30) days, a penalty of One Dollar ($1.00) per day shall be charged from the date of entry to the date of registration; provided, that in no event shall the penalty exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). No penalty shall be waived by Service Oklahoma or any licensed operator except as provided in subsection C of Section 1127 of this title. Of each dollar penalty collected pursuant to this subsection: HB2603 HFLR Page 77 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1. Twenty-one cents ($0.21) shall be apportioned as provided in Section 1104 of this title; 2. Twenty-one cents ($0.21) shall be retained by the licensed operator; and 3. Fifty-eight cents ($0.58) shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund. The penalty for used commercial vehicles shall be equal to the license fee for such vehicles. D. Any owner who knowingly ma kes or causes to be made any false statement of a fact required in this sec tion to be shown in an application for the registration of one or more vehicles shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than One Thousa nd Dollars ($1,000.00), or shall be imprisoned in the county jail for not m ore than one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. E. The following self -propelled or motor-driven and operated vehicles shall not be registered under the provisions of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act or, except as provided for in Section 11-1116 of this title, be permitted to be operated on the streets or highways of this state: 1. Vehicles known and commonly referred to as “minibikes” and other similar trade names; provided, minibikes may be registered and operated in this state by food vendor services upon streets having a speed limit of thirty (30) miles per hour or less; 2. Golf carts; HB2603 HFLR Page 78 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3. Go-carts; and 4. Other motor vehicles, except motorcycles, which are manufactured principally for use off the streets and highways. Transfers and sales of such vehicles shall be subject to sales tax and not motor vehicle excise taxes. F. Any person violating paragraph 3 or 6 of subsection A of this section, in addition to the penal provisions provided in this section, shall pay as addi tional penalty a sum equal to the amount of license fees due on such vehicle or registration fees due on a manufactured home known to be in violation and such amount is hereby declared to be a lien upon the vehicle as provided in the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. In addition to the penalty provisions provided in this section, any person violating paragraph 3 of subsection A of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). G. Each violation of any provision of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act for each and every day such violation has occurred shall constitute a separate offense. H. Anyone violating any of the provisions heretofore en umerated in this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) and not to exceed Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00). HB2603 HFLR Page 79 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 I. Any violation of any portion of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act where a specific penalty has not been imposed shall constitute a misdemeanor , and upon conviction thereof , the person having violated it shall be fined not less than Ten Do llars ($10.00) and not to exceed Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00). J. Any provision of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act providing for proportional registration under reciprocal agreements and the International Registration Plan that relates to the promulgation of rules and regulations shall not be subject to the provisions of this section. SECTION 24. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1168, is amended to read as follows: Section 1168. All facilities and equipment un der the administrative control of the Oklahoma Tax Commission and used for determining the weight of vehicles operated on the roads or highways of this state are hereby transferred to the Department of Transportation. Any funds appropriated to or any powe rs, duties and responsibilities exercised by the Tax Commission for such pu rpose shall be transferred to the Department of Transportation. The Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services is hereby authorized to transfer such funds as may be necessary. The Effective July 1, 202 6, the Department of Transportation is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the Corporation Commission Department of Public Safety to operate such facilities or HB2603 HFLR Page 80 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 equipment. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to obligate the Department of Transportation to incur expenses in connection with the administration of such facilities and equipment in an amount which exceeds deposits to the Weigh Station Improvement Revolving Fund. SECTION 25. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1170, is amended to read as follows: Section 1170. A. Reports and files of the Corporation Commission concerning the administration of the International Registration Plan and the International Fuel Tax Agreement, shall be considered confidential and privileged, except as otherwise provided for by law, and neither the Commission nor any employee engaged in the administration of the International Registration Plan or International Fuel Tax Agreement o r charged with the custody of any such reports or records nor any person wh o may have secured such reports or records from the Commission shall disclose any information obtained from the reports or records of any person. B. The provisions of this section shall not prevent the Commission from disclosing the following information , and no liability whatsoever, civil or criminal, shall attach to any member of the Commission or any employee thereof for any error or omission in the disclosure of such information : 1. The delivery to a taxpayer or a duly authorized representative of the taxpayer of a copy of any report or any other HB2603 HFLR Page 81 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 paper filed by the taxpayer pursuant to the provisions of the International Registration Plan or the International Fuel Tax Agreement; 2. The exchange of information that is not protected by the federal Privacy Protection Act, 42 U.S.C., Section 2000aa et seq., pursuant to reciprocal agreements or compacts entered into by the Commission and other state agencies or agencies of the federa l government; 3. The publication of statistics so classified as to prevent the identification of a particular report and the items thereof; 4. The examination of records and files by the State Auditor and Inspector or the duly authorized agents of the St ate Auditor and Inspector; 5. The disclosing of information or evidence to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Attorney General, Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Department of Public Safety, any district attorney, or agent of any federal law enforcement agency when the information or eviden ce is to be used by such officials to investigate or prosecute violations of the criminal provisions of the Uniform Tax Procedure Code or of any state tax law or of any federal crim e committed against this state. Any information disclosed to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Attorney General, Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Department of Public Safety, any HB2603 HFLR Page 82 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 district attorney, or agent of any federal law enforcement agency shall be kept confidential by such person an d not be disclosed except when presented to a court in a prosecution for violation of the tax laws of this state or except as specifically authorized by law, and a violation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Attorney General, Oklahoma State Bu reau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Department of Public Safety, district attorney, or agent of any federal law enforcement agency by otherwise releasing the information shall be a felony; 6. The use by any division of the Commission of any inf ormation or evidence in the possession of or contained in any report or return filed or documents obtained by the Commission in the administration of the International Fuel Tax Agre ement or the International Registration Plan; 7. The furnishing, at the di scretion of the Commission, of any information disclosed by its records or files to any official person or body of this state, any other state, the United States, or foreign country who is concerned with the administration or assessment of any similar tax in this state, any other state or province or the United States; 8. The furnishing of information as to the issuance or revocation of any registration or license by the Commission as provided for by law. Such information shall be limited to the name of the person issued the permit or license, the name of the business HB2603 HFLR Page 83 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 entity authorized to engage in business pursuant to the permit or license, the address of the business entity, and t he grounds for revocation; 9. The disclosure of information to any person for a purpose as authorized by the taxpayer pursuant to a waiver of confidentiality. The waiver shall be in writing and shall be made upon such form as the Commission may prescribe ; 10. The disclosure of information directly involved in the resolution of the protest by a taxpayer to an assessment of tax or additional tax or the resolution of a claim for a refund filed by a taxpayer, including the disclosure of the pendency of an administrative proceeding involving such protest or claim, to a person called by the Commission as an expert witness or as a witness whose area of knowledge or expertise specifically addresses the issue addressed in the protest or claim for refund. Such dis closure to a witness shall be limited to information pertaining to the specific knowledge of that witness as to the transaction or relationship between taxpayer and witness; 11. The furnishing to a prospective purchaser of any business, or his or her authorized representative, of information relating to any liabilities, delinque ncies, assessments or warrants of the prospective seller of the business which have not been filed of record, established, or become final and which relate solely to the seller’s business. Any disclosure under this paragraph shall only HB2603 HFLR Page 84 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 be allowed upon the presentment by the prospective buyer, or the buyer’s authorized representative, of the purchase contract and a written authorization between the parties; and 12. The furnishing of information as to the amount of state revenue affected by the issuance or granting of any registration or license or credit issued by the Corporation Commission as provided for by law. Such information shall be limited to the type of registration, licens e or credit issued or granted, the date and duration of such registration, license or credit, and the amount of such revenue. The provisions of this paragraph shall not authorize the disclosure of the name of the person issued such registration, license, exemption, credit, or the name of the business entity authorized to engage in business pursuant to the registration, license or credit. SECTION 26. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1201, is amended to read as follows: Section 1201. As used in the Oklahoma Weigh Station Act of 2012: 1. "Authority" means the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; 2. "Commission" means the Corporation Commission; 3. "Fixed facility" means a weigh station or a port of entry; 4. "Port of entry" means a facili ty, in close proximity to a state line, designed to electronically weigh an d screen motor carriers and commercial motor vehicles for compliance with federal HB2603 HFLR Page 85 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 and state statutes and rules, allowing compliant carriers to proceed with minimal or no delay; 5. "Roadside enforcement" means a temporary location, with or without portable or semi-portable scales, used to randomly check commercial motor vehicles or motor carriers for compliance with federal or state statutes or rules; 6. "Weigh station" means a stat ionary and permanent weighing facility with fixed scales owned by the state where commercial motor vehicles are checked for compliance with weight and size standards. Weigh stations are also utilized to enforce federal and state laws and rules applicable t o motor carriers and the operation of commercial motor vehicles and their d rivers; and 7. "North American Standard Inspection" means a Level I, Level II, Level III, Level IV, Level V, Hazardous Materials, Cargo Tank or Passenger Carrier inspection conduct ed by an individual certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administr ation to conduct such inspections. SECTION 27. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1202, is amended to read as follows: Section 1202. A. The Department of Tr ansportation, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and the Corporation Commissio n Department of Public Safety may enter into interagency agreements concerning the equipment, maintenance and operations of fixed facilities. HB2603 HFLR Page 86 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 B. The Department of Transportation, t he Authority and the Commission Department of Public Safety shall endeavor to electronically upgrade weigh stations as practical to minimize the duplication of inspections for compliant commercial motor vehicles and motor carriers. C. The Commission shall operate all All current and future ports of entry weigh stations shall be operated eighteen (18) to twenty (20) hours a day and seven (7) days a week upon the availability of funds and manpower. D. The Except as provided by subsection J of this section, the Commission shall continue to conduct roadside enforcement in the general area where a fixed facility is planned but no fixed facility currently exists until a fixed facility is located in the general area or July 1, 2016, whichever is earlier. E. When a fixed facility is located in the general area, Commission motor carrier and commercial motor vehicle enforcement shall be limited to the fixed facility and a radius surrounding the facility. If the fixed facility is a weigh station as defined in Section 1201 of this title, the applicable radius shall be seven (7) miles. If the fixed facility is a port of entry weigh station as defined in Section 1201 of this title, the applicable radius shall be twenty-five (25) miles. These geographic limitations on enforcement shall not apply to officers of the Department of Public Safety. HB2603 HFLR Page 87 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 F. The Commission may assist in roadside enforcement in a joint effort at the request of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. G. The Commission is authorized to conduct audits, reviews, investigations, inspections or other enforcement actions by enforcement officers, provided those activities are within the scope of the Commission's jurisdiction and are not conducted as roadside enforcement in accordance with the provisions of the Oklahom a Weigh Station Act of 2012. H. The Commission Department of Public Safety may enter into interagency cooperative agreements with other state or federal agencies to jointly enforce federal and state laws or rules. I. North American Standard Inspections s hall be conducted only by individuals holding certification in the level or classification of inspection being conducted. J. Beginning July 1, 202 6, and effective June 30, 202 7, all powers, duties, and responsibilities for operation of fixed facilities shall be transferred from the Corporation Commission to the Department of Pub lic Safety. The period between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, shall be a transition al period in which the duty and authority to operate all current and future fixed facilities is transferred from the Corporation Commission to the Department of Public Safety. During this transition al period, the Corporation Commission shall operate all current and future ports of entry weigh stations according to the standards set forth in this se ction unless HB2603 HFLR Page 88 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, and Corporation Commission agree, with approval of the transitional task force created in Section 1 of this act, to an orderly transition of authority to the Department of Public S afety prior to June 30, 202 7. During this transition al period, the Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Department of Public Safety, and Corporation Commission may enter into interagency agreements concerning the equipment, maintenan ce, and operations of fixed facilities. SECTION 28. AMENDATORY 68 O.S. 2021, Section 608, is amended to read as follows: Section 608. (a) Every person operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state as a Motor Fuel/Diesel Fuel Importer for Use must at all times during such operation have display ed in the cab of such motor vehicle, a copy of the Motor Fuel/Diesel Fuel Importer for Use License which shall be subject to inspection at all times by representatives of the Corpor ation Commission and any officer of the Department of Public Safety . (b) Any person operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state, the operation of which is subject to the tax levied by this article, without having obtained a Motor Fuel/Diesel Fu el Importer for Use License as required by Section 607 of this title, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by HB2603 HFLR Page 89 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceed ing one (1) year or both. The venue for prosecutions arising under this se ction shall be in the district court of any county in which such vehicle is being operated. SECTION 29. REPEALER 47 O.S. 2021, Sections 116.13 and 172.1, are hereby repealed. SECTION 30. This act shall become effectiv e November 1, 2025. COMMITTEE REPORT BY: COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OVERSIGHT, dated 03/04/2025 - DO PASS.