The proposed bill, known as the Foreign Country Agent Political Activity Oversight Act, establishes a regulatory framework for foreign country agents operating in Oklahoma. It defines a foreign country agent as any individual representing the interests of a foreign government, political party, or business entity with a significant foreign ownership. The bill mandates that these agents register with the Secretary of State, providing details such as their identity, the foreign entity they represent, and the duration of their lobbying activities. Additionally, foreign country agents are required to pay a filing fee and notify the Secretary of State of any material changes in their status or representation.
The Secretary of State is tasked with maintaining a publicly accessible list of registered foreign country agents and providing semiannual reports on their lobbying activities to the Attorney General and the Legislature. The bill outlines exceptions for certain organizations, such as religious or charitable entities, and specifies penalties for willful violations of its provisions, including fines and potential imprisonment. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.