Bill No. 2603, the Motor Carrier Public Safety Enforcement Act, seeks to enhance public safety in the motor carrier industry by transferring enforcement responsibilities from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) over a transitional period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. During this time, a task force will manage the transfer of duties, personnel, and resources, ensuring that employees retain their benefits and equal pay. The bill also dissolves the Corporation Commission's enforcement capabilities by the end of the transition and establishes a new training program for Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers. It grants the DPS exclusive authority to enforce Motor Carrier Laws while allowing the Corporation Commission to continue employing civilian enforcement auditors and inspectors for regulatory purposes.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Oklahoma law related to motor carrier permits, leasing, and vehicle registration. It introduces provisions for immediate movement permits during emergencies, clarifies permit validity conditions, and establishes penalties for violations. The bill mandates that leases between carriers and lessors specify payment timelines and insurance coverage requirements, while also making it unlawful to operate without a copy of the lease in the equipment. Furthermore, it updates vehicle registration laws, including penalties for expired registrations and provisions for biennial registration. The act aims to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance compliance, and ensure consumer protection within the motor carrier industry, with an effective date of November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47-1115, 47-1151, 47-116.13, 47-172.1
Floor (House): 47-1115, 47-1151, 47-116.13, 47-172.1
Engrossed: 47-1115, 47-1151, 47-116.13, 47-172.1