Senate Bill No. 743 aims to amend existing laws regarding the disturbance of religious meetings in Oklahoma. The bill emphasizes the importance of the right to assemble for religious worship while balancing it against the right to protest. It establishes that willful obstruction of access to places of worship is a matter of statewide concern and declares it a compelling public interest to protect individuals' ability to worship without obstruction.

The bill amends Sections 915 and 916 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, specifying that individuals who willfully disturb religious gatherings may face misdemeanor charges with penalties including fines up to $500 and imprisonment for up to one year. Repeat offenders may be charged with a felony, facing fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to two years. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of actions that constitute a disturbance, including knowingly obstructing access to religious meetings and approaching individuals within eight feet for the purpose of protest or distribution of materials. The bill also includes a declaration of emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-1031
Floor (Senate): 21-1031