Cockfighting; modifying offenses and penalties. Effective date.
Summary
SB1111 would revise Oklahoma’s cockfighting statutes by changing several definitions, reworking offense classifications, and altering the penalty structure for conduct connected to cockfighting. The bill broadens and clarifies the definition of “cockfighting” to include not only fights between birds with or without weapons or wagers, but also training fights where birds are intended or encouraged to attack one another. It also defines equipment used to train or handle fighting birds as contraband subject to seizure.
The bill changes the criminal treatment of multiple cockfighting-related activities, including instigating or encouraging a cockfight, providing a place or equipment for one, and facilitating or refereeing one. It also updates statutory cross-references and repeals three existing sections of law dealing with related offenses and asset forfeiture provisions. The bill was set to take effect November 1, 2025, if enacted.
Impact
SB1111 would amend Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, specifically Sections 1692.1, 1692.2, 1692.3, 1692.4, and 1692.8, while repealing Sections 1692.5, 1692.6, and 1692.7. Its practical effect would be to reshape how cockfighting offenses are defined and punished, including making certain equipment contraband and subject to seizure, and changing the offense levels and penalties associated with participation, facilitation, and related conduct. The bill would affect individuals involved in cockfighting, property owners or operators who provide venues or equipment, and law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcement and seizure.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment appears negative toward the bill in committee, as it failed in the Senate Public Safety Committee by a 3-4 vote. With no recorded committee discussion transcript available, the available evidence suggests the measure did not secure enough support to advance, despite being amended before the committee vote. The vote history indicates limited backing and a divided committee response.
Contention
The main points of contention likely centered on the bill’s restructuring of penalties and offense classifications for cockfighting-related conduct. The introduced text contains internal inconsistencies and apparent drafting changes, including references that appear to shift some offenses from felony to misdemeanor treatment while also revising penalty provisions and repealing asset-forfeiture-related sections. Supporters of tougher anti-cockfighting enforcement would likely favor the expanded definitions and contraband seizure provisions, while opponents may have objected to the penalty changes, the repeal of existing provisions, or the bill’s overall approach to enforcement.