OklahomaOklahoma law lists riot penalties and allows some government claims
Starting November 1, 2026, Oklahoma's law lists penalties for specified acts during riots and describes when people may bring claims against state or local governments.
What it does
Starting November 1, 2026, people convicted of specified acts during a riot face penalties tied to their conduct, including felony prison terms for some violence, weapons, and property damage.
Starting November 1, 2026, people may bring claims in certain cases where the state or a local government knew of a dangerous condition and chose to allow civil disobedience or similar unrest.
Argument forPeople harmed when officials knowingly choose to allow a riot or similar unrest may be able to seek damages from the state or a local government.
Argument againstPeople convicted of riot-related acts could face long prison terms, including for carrying a weapon or urging others to use violence.
More detail
The law lists penalties for people convicted of specified conduct during a riot. The listed penalties concern people who take part in a riot and commit specified acts, including violence, property damage, or carrying a weapon or disguise. The penalties apply upon conviction. For willful damage to a structure, building, or office space, the text sets different penalties for damage below and above $1,000, but does not specify the penalty for exactly $1,000. The act takes effect November 1, 2026.
The law provides an exception to government protection from certain claims related to unrest and public safety services. This provision concerns claims against the state or a local government tied to civil disobedience, riots, insurrection, rebellion, or the provision or failure to provide police, law enforcement, or fire protection. The exception applies when the state or local government knew of a dangerous condition and affirmatively decided or adopted a policy to allow civil disobedience, a riot, an insurrection, or a rebellion. The act takes effect November 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 12Approved by Governor Kevin Stitt 05/12/2026Became Law
- May 6Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Vote recorded Fourth Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6Enrolled measure signed, returned to House
- May 6Enrolled, signed, to Senate
- May 6Referred for enrollment
- May 6Fourth Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 74 Nays: 16Major
- May 6SA's read, adoptedMajor
- Apr 28SA's received
- Apr 28Engrossed to HouseMajor
- Apr 27Referred for engrossment
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 27Measure passed: Ayes: 40 Nays: 8Major
- Apr 27General Order, Considered
- Apr 23Placed on General Order
- Apr 21Title restored
- Vote recorded Judiciary. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 21Reported Do Pass as amended Judiciary committee; CR filedMinor
- Apr 1Second Reading referred to JudiciaryMinor
- Mar 12Coauthored by Representative Adams
- Mar 12Coauthored by Representative Woolley
- Mar 12First ReadingMinor
- Mar 12Engrossed, signed, to SenatePassed Senate
- Mar 11Referred for engrossment
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 11Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 72 Nays: 17Passed House
- Mar 11Title stricken
- Mar 11AmendedMajor
- Mar 11General Order
- Mar 3Emergency removed
- Vote recorded Judiciary And Public Safety Oversight Committee: Do Pass As Amended By Cs. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 3Authored by Senator Gollihare (principal Senate author)
- Mar 3CR; Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight CommitteeMinor
- Feb 11Emergency added
- Feb 11Policy recommendation to the Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight committee; Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Criminal JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 10
- Vote recorded Criminal Judiciary Committee: Do Pass As Amended By Cs. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 3Referred to Criminal JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 3Second Reading referred to Judiciary and Public Safety OversightMinor
- Feb 2Authored by Representative Lepak
- Feb 2First ReadingIntroduced
Criminal JusticePublic Safety