Oklahoma Senate Bill SB948

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Discrimination; adopting certain definition of anti-Semitism. Effective date. Emergency.

Summary

SB 948 would add a new section to Title 25 of the Oklahoma Statutes adopting a non-legally binding working definition of anti-Semitism. The bill defines anti-Semitism as a perception of Jewish people that may be expressed as hatred toward Jewish people, and it notes that rhetorical and physical manifestations can be directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, property, Jewish community institutions, and religious facilities. The measure is framed as a codification measure rather than a substantive enforcement change. It sets an effective date of July 1, 2025, but also includes an emergency clause, which would make it effective immediately upon passage and approval. The bill’s stated purpose is to place this definition into state law for reference in Oklahoma statutes.

Impact

If enacted, SB 948 would create a new statutory provision in Oklahoma law under Title 25, Section 1911, adopting a state-recognized definition of anti-Semitism. Because the definition is expressly described as non-legally binding, the bill does not itself create a new offense, civil cause of action, or enforcement mechanism, but it could be used as a reference point in state policy, education, or discrimination-related discussions. Its practical effect would be to formally incorporate a definition into the Oklahoma Statutes and potentially influence how anti-Semitism is identified in state-related contexts.

Sentiment

The available record shows limited public debate: there are no committee transcripts and no recorded votes in the provided materials. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be presented in a supportive, declarative tone, emphasizing recognition of anti-Semitism and the need for an immediate effective date. With no recorded opposition in the supplied context, the overall sentiment cannot be measured from debate, but the bill’s introduction suggests an intent to affirm concern about anti-Jewish discrimination.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the adoption of a formal definition of anti-Semitism in state law, even though it is labeled non-legally binding. Supporters would likely view the bill as a symbolic and policy-oriented statement against anti-Jewish discrimination, while critics could question whether codifying a definition may have broader implications in education, government policy, or speech-related contexts. No specific objections, amendments, or opposing arguments are included in the provided record, so any contention is inferred from the subject matter rather than documented debate.