The bill amends the Oklahoma Scrap Metal Dealers Act by transferring regulatory authority from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). It clarifies key definitions, such as "Department," "scrap metal," and "scrap metal dealer," and outlines the requirements for scrap metal dealers, including record-keeping obligations, proof of ownership for purchased items, and restrictions on cash transactions exceeding $1,000 unless with exempted sellers. The bill also establishes penalties for violations, with increasing fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders, and mandates that dealers obtain a license from the DEQ, which involves a detailed application process including background checks.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that a scrap metal dealer license is valid only for the designated location in the application, requiring separate licenses for each location. The DEQ is responsible for establishing rules for the application and renewal of these licenses, which can be renewed within 60 days prior to expiration, contingent upon a national criminal history check and payment of a renewal fee. The bill outlines grounds for the DEQ to suspend, cancel, or revoke licenses, such as engaging in fraud or operating without a license, and grants the DEQ authority to impose administrative penalties and seek injunctions against violators. The provisions for recodifying existing sections of the law will take effect on November 1, 2026.