Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB835

Introduced
2/3/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Report Pass
2/13/25  
Engrossed
3/24/25  
Refer
4/1/25  

Caption

Secretary of State; requiring submission of certain agency actions for review; requiring board to abide by certain recommendations. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB835 will significantly alter the operational dynamics of state licensing boards. Boards will be required to submit particular proposed actions, which could include revoking or suspending licenses, to the Secretary of State. This submission is necessary to validate that their actions conform with overall state policy. Such oversight aims to enhance accountability within these boards and reduce the potential for anticompetitive practices. Additionally, failure to comply with this review process will result in penalties, including the potential removal of board members for misconduct.

Summary

SB835 focuses on enhancing the oversight of state licensing boards by mandating that certain non-rulemaking actions proposed by these boards be submitted to the Secretary of State for review. The bill defines "qualifying boards" as those that have a majority of members from the occupational field they regulate and outlines a framework for the Secretary of State to review proposed actions that may have anticompetitive effects. The intent is to ensure that any regulatory measures align with clearly articulated state policies and are not detrimental to market competition.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB835 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with supporters hailing the increased oversight as a mechanism to protect consumers and foster fair competition. However, concerns have been expressed by some stakeholders who fear that this additional layer of scrutiny might encumber the operations of these boards, potentially leading to delays in decision-making processes that are crucial for the professions they govern. The balance between regulation for fairness and the efficiency of governance emerges as a key point of discussion.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB835 revolve around the extent of oversight that the Secretary of State should have over licensing boards. Opponents argue that this could lead to overregulation and hinder the boards from effectively managing their responsibilities. Additionally, there is a debate regarding what constitutes anticompetitive effects and how these will be evaluated, which could impose significant limitations on the boards' authority. Thus, the bill encapsulates a broader debate about regulatory balance, accountability, and the potential impacts on the professions subject to these boards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2359

Corporation Commission; requiring submission of certain annual report; requiring report contain certain items; requiring submission of evidence of financial security; effective date.

OK HB2359

Corporation Commission; requiring submission of certain annual report; requiring report contain certain items; requiring submission of evidence of financial security; effective date.

OK SB1562

Agency, boards and commission reports; requiring certain method of filing reports. Effective date.

OK HB3943

Funding; requiring submission of certain quarterly reports by certain agencies; providing contents of report.

OK SB962

Sexual assault evidence kits; modifying certain submissions; requiring certain testing. Effective date.

OK SB962

Sexual assault evidence kits; modifying certain submissions; requiring certain testing. Effective date.

OK SB1770

Criminal records; clarifying records eligible to be sealed; modifying requirements for certain expungements; requiring submission of certain report to OSBI. Effective date.

OK SB677

Declarations of Candidacy; requiring confidentiality of certain information; requiring submission of certain form with declarations of candidacy for certain offices. Emergency.

OK SB677

Declarations of Candidacy; requiring confidentiality of certain information; requiring submission of certain form with declarations of candidacy for certain offices. Emergency.

OK SB1756

Child custody; requiring court to make written determination prior to approval of certain volunteer; requiring court review of certain information; requiring court to consider certain factor in custody determinations. Effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.