New laws go into effect in Oklahoma November 1st
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Friday marks the start of November, which means hundreds of laws go into effect. Here is a look at a few that made headlines during the 2024 legislative session.
With the stroke of Governor Kevin Stitt's pen, more than 200 laws go into effect November 1st.
One of those laws is the "Women's Bill of Rights".
"We're taking a stand against this out-of-control gender ideology," said Governor Stitt.
In 2023, the governor signed an executive order enforcing the mandate.
Then, during the 2024 legislative session, the newly passed bill House Bill 1449, essentially codifying the order into law, which made it harder to be changed.
The law defined the word "sex" as the "natural person's biological sex at birth." "Females" can naturally produce, transport, or utilize eggs for fertilization. "Males" use sperm for fertilization.
Supporters said these definitions are necessary to protect people in sports, restrooms, and prisons.
Those opposed said it's an attack on the transgender community.
"There would have been protections in it, but it was a bill to create a separate and unequal Oklahoma for trans women and girls," said Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater.
Friday, a law requiring age verification on pornographic website also goes into effect.
According to Senate Bill 1959, users have to prove they're at least 18-years-old by an ID, or a third party, like mortgage, education, or employment records.
The goal is protection. Though, those against it said this is a serious privacy issue.
"The primary thing is to protect our kids," said Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufala.
"I'm having a hard time figuring out is who are we targeting with this?" said Rep. Judd Strom, R-Bartlesville.
Another Senate Bill increased the penalty for strangulation. SB 1211 ups the maximum punishment from three years to ten. It passed overwhelmingly in both the house and the senate.
however, a more controversial bill was also signed into law and goes into effect Friday. It criminalizes the unhoused sleeping on state-owned land.
According to SB 1854, violators could receive a fine or jail time. Supporters said it combats a safety risk. Those opposed said it doesn't fight against the underlying issue of homelessness.
"You've got someone that is in a position of unsafe behavior for not only them but also the travelers around these highways and underpasses," said Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore.
"Where would these people be allowed to go if this is where they're sleeping? Where are they supposed to go when law enforcement makes them leave?" said Sen. Julia Kirt, D-OKC.
The Oklahoma Office of Economic Development Growth and Expansion, also known as OkEDGE, also goes into effect.
It creates an entirely new agency to help bring new businesses to the state, by pulling form the current Department of Commerce and making one point of contact for all economic development in Oklahoma.