Senate Bill No. 375 enhances the authority of the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Oklahoma concerning state beneficiary public trusts. The bill allows the Commissioner to enter into interlocal agreements with these trusts for policing and speed limit enforcement on their roads. It grants DPS officers the authority to enforce laws on these roads, including setting speed limits, and updates statutory language for clarity and compliance. Key amendments include explicit provisions in 47 O.S. 2021, Section 2-108.1 for agreements with public trusts and expanded powers for DPS officers in Section 2-117, as well as establishing speed restrictions based on safety investigations in Section 11-801.

Additionally, the bill addresses speed limits on highways, empowering the Transportation Commission to set maximum and minimum limits, with a potential maximum of seventy-five miles per hour on rural interstates, contingent on safety studies. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is also authorized to set speed limits on turnpikes, with a maximum of eighty miles per hour. A structured fine system for speeding violations is introduced, detailing fines based on the extent of the violation. The bill further allows public trusts to manage property beyond their geographic boundaries, provided it benefits the public, and establishes requirements for trust creation and amendments, including legislative approval for certain actions. It also includes provisions for the closure and reopening of roadways maintained by public trusts, ensuring access to adjacent properties is not impeded. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Committee Substitute: 60-176
Floor (House): 60-176
Floor (Senate): 60-176
Engrossed: 60-176
Enrolled (final version): 60-176