SB 1448 amends the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act’s exemption section, 15 O.S. 2021, Section 754. The bill revises and reorganizes the list of activities that are not subject to the Act, including conduct already regulated by the Corporation Commission, conduct required or authorized under other state or federal regulatory schemes, and acts done in good faith by retailers or others relying on information supplied by another person without knowledge of deception.
The bill also clarifies that the Consumer Protection Act does not apply to the collection of amounts denominated as gross receipts tax on mixed beverages, sales tax, or use tax, including claims for injuries or damages tied to those collected and remitted tax amounts. The measure takes effect November 1, 2026.
Impact
SB 1448 narrows or clarifies the reach of the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act by expanding and reorganizing statutory exemptions. It affects how consumer protection claims may be brought against regulated entities, good-faith actors, and parties handling certain tax collections, while leaving those matters to other regulatory or tax enforcement frameworks where applicable.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been received positively and moved with little resistance. It passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously, advanced through the Senate on a 47-0 vote, cleared House committees unanimously, and passed the House floor by a wide margin of 84-5. The available transcript reflects routine committee action rather than substantive debate, suggesting broad support for the clarification.
Contention
The main policy issue is the scope of exemptions from consumer protection liability. Supporters appear to favor clarifying that the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act should not overlap with conduct already governed by other regulators or with tax amounts collected and remitted to taxing authorities. Any opposition likely centers on whether the bill could limit consumer remedies or create broader immunity for businesses and tax collectors, but the recorded votes show only limited dissent.
Sales tax exemption; requiring Oklahoma Broadband Office and Oklahoma Tax Commission to administer certain rebate program; modifyingrebate limit; creating the Oklahoma Broadband Rebate Revolving Fund.