Senate Bill No. 862 establishes a new legal framework regarding the role of government during emergencies and disasters in Oklahoma. It asserts that the primary responsibility of government personnel and agencies is to assist residents, while explicitly prohibiting any actions that would infringe upon the constitutional rights of individuals, even in times of crisis. The bill outlines specific actions that would be considered violations of these rights, including mandating vaccinations, requiring masks (with exceptions for first responders), restricting medical treatment based on vaccination status, and imposing any new laws or restrictions that were not previously codified.
Furthermore, the bill introduces severe penalties for government officials who violate these provisions, classifying such violations as felonies punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $50,000. Additional consequences for convicted officials include removal from office, a ban on future public office, and personal liability for damages. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.