Bill No. 80 amends the powers and duties of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority as specified in 69 O.S. 2021, Section 1705. The bill removes the Authority's authorization to construct turnpikes at certain locations and modifies the locations of some authorized projects. It introduces new requirements for the Authority, including the necessity to hold public meetings and submit reports to the Governor, Legislature, and local officials regarding new turnpike projects. Additionally, the bill establishes that legislative authorization for new turnpike locations will expire five years after the act's effective date unless the Authority has approved a contract to commence project design in an open meeting.

The bill also updates statutory language to ensure property owners affected by new turnpike projects receive compensation and grants the Authority the ability to create rules related to its operations. It emphasizes public engagement by requiring the Authority to publish notices and hold meetings to inform the public about new projects. Furthermore, the bill enforces stricter regulations on conflicts of interest for Authority members, making it unlawful for them to engage in profit-driven business transactions with the Authority, with violations classified as a Class D1 felony. All meetings of the Authority must be open to the public, promoting transparency in its operations, with the act set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Engrossed: 69-1705