Oklahoma Senate Bill SB2109

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26
• Refer: 2/3/26

Caption

Disclosure of contributions; requiring disclosure of contributions from certain sources by certain charitable organizations. Effective date.

Summary

SB 2109 creates a new disclosure regime for certain charitable organizations in Oklahoma that engage in executive lobbying, legislative lobbying, or public policy advocacy. If such an organization receives $10,000 or more in the aggregate during a calendar year from a “foreign principal” or from funds directed by a foreign principal, it must file a disclosure with the Ethics Commission. The bill defines “foreign principal” broadly to include foreign governments and entities, foreign political organizations, non-U.S. persons, and anyone acting at the request or direction of a foreign entity. The required disclosure must identify the foreign principal, its country of origin, the amount and date of each contribution, any conditions or directives attached to the contribution, and the intended or actual use of the funds if known. Annual reports would be due by January 31 for the prior year, and any single contribution over $10,000 must be reported within 30 days. The Ethics Commission would also be required to maintain a publicly accessible online database of all filings.

Impact

The bill would add a new section to Title 18 of the Oklahoma Statutes governing charitable organizations that participate in lobbying or public policy advocacy. It would impose new reporting obligations, create public transparency through an online database, and authorize civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, along with possible suspension from lobbying or public policy advocacy for up to one year for willful noncompliance. Enforcement authority would be shared by the Attorney General and the Ethics Commission. The bill exempts contributions from federally recognized tribal nations, tribal governments, and tribal enterprises, as well as contributions to religious organizations used solely for worship, religious observance, or instruction.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a transparency and foreign-influence disclosure bill rather than a broad restriction on charitable activity. There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history provided, so there is no direct evidence of floor or committee sentiment. The inclusion of explicit exemptions and a constitutional savings clause suggests an effort to address anticipated legal and religious-liberty concerns while still advancing disclosure requirements.

Contention

The main points of contention likely involve the breadth of the term “foreign principal,” the scope of organizations covered, and whether the reporting requirements could burden advocacy groups or chill protected speech and association. The bill specifically targets charities engaged in lobbying or public policy advocacy, which may raise concerns from nonprofit and civil liberties advocates about regulatory overreach. At the same time, supporters would likely emphasize transparency and preventing foreign-directed influence in state advocacy. The exemptions for tribal entities and religious organizations indicate sensitivity to sovereignty and First Amendment issues, which are likely to be central to any debate.