Senate Bill No. 656 amends various sections of the Oklahoma Statutes related to the State Election Board, primarily altering the composition and appointment process of its members. The bill stipulates that until July 1, 2027, the Board will consist of three members and two alternates, all appointed by the Governor with Senate consent. After this date, the Board will expand to five members, including appointments from the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, as well as three members appointed by the Governor from lists provided by the political parties with the largest voter registrations. The bill also establishes quorum requirements, mandates notarized lists of nominees, and clarifies the process for filling vacancies.

Additionally, the bill modifies the role and appointment process for the Secretary of the State Election Board, who will be appointed by the Board with Senate consent starting January 1, 2027. It also allows the assistant secretary to assume duties in the event of a vacancy. The bill repeals a previous section regarding the chair and vice chair of the Board and updates various statutory language to be gender-neutral. The effective date of the act is set for November 1, 2025.