This bill establishes a framework for the private certification of professionals in Oklahoma, allowing individuals to engage in lawful occupations without government licensing, provided they are certified by a participating private certifying organization. The bill defines key terms such as "private certification," "lawful occupation," and "qualifications," and outlines the responsibilities of private certifying organizations, including the requirement to register with the Secretary of State, publish information about their certifications, and verify the qualifications of certified individuals. Additionally, the bill permits these organizations to impose fees and require individuals to obtain liability bonds.

The legislation also includes provisions to protect individuals who are privately certified from government penalties and mandates that they display specific signage indicating their certification status. It establishes penalties for individuals who falsely claim to be privately certified and grants the Secretary of State the authority to enforce compliance and terminate registrations of organizations that fail to meet requirements. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not limit the government's ability to enforce laws related to public health, safety, and other regulations, nor does it change the requirement for certain government-issued licenses. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.