Senate Bill No. 2112 amends the existing law regarding open pasture road designations in Oklahoma. The bill modifies the definition of an "open pasture road" to specify that it is a road maintained by a county where the land on both sides is owned or leased by the same individual or entity, and the roadway is unfenced. It also removes the previous time limitation that required roads to meet certain conditions by November 1, 2025, allowing the board of county commissioners the authority to designate open pasture roads at any time if they meet the specified criteria. Additionally, the bill updates the requirements for designation, including the installation of cattle guards and the allowance for cattle to run at large through these roads.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that property owners must notify the board of county commissioners to request the designation of an open pasture road and provide a map showing the road's location. It also clarifies that neither the property owner nor livestock owners will be liable for damages caused by collisions with livestock on designated open pasture roads. Property owners are required to provide annual notice to the board to confirm that the property continues to meet the designation requirements, and if they no longer wish to maintain the designation, they must ensure livestock are fenced out of the roadway within thirty days. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2026.