Oklahoma law requires paid foreign lobbyists to register and disclose work

An agent for a foreign principal must register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and file information about the work. An agent is a person paid to represent a foreign country, government, senior official, political party, or certain foreign-owned or controlled businesses to influence state or local laws or policies, seek funding or incentives, or handle contributions or other funds. Diplomatic officials, certain attorneys, and news organizations are excluded from the definition. The agent must pay the fee set by state law. The filing must identify the agent and the foreign principal paying them, describe the lobbying, and give the agency agreement dates if known; the Secretary of State may require other information. The law does not apply to specified religious or charitable organizations, people whose activities benefit religious, scholastic, academic, scientific, or fine arts interests, or people engaged in private, nonpolitical trade or commerce for the foreign principal. The law takes effect November 1, 2026. Agents must file within 15 days of becoming an agent.

Covered agents must report changes to their filings and notify the Secretary of State when their representation ends; the Secretary must publish a list of filings online. These duties apply to agents covered by the registration requirement and to the Oklahoma Secretary of State. The Secretary of State must periodically tell elected officials how to access the online list. Agents must report changes and end their representation within 10 business days.

A person who knowingly or willfully violates the law, makes a false material statement, or leaves out a required material fact may be convicted of a misdemeanor and fined $500. The penalty applies to any person who commits one of the listed violations. The person must act knowingly or willfully, and the penalty applies upon conviction. The penalty applies when the law takes effect on November 1, 2026.