Bill > SB80

This bill establishes new requirements for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) before proposing any new turnpike or modifications to existing turnpikes. The bill mandates that the OTA must provide notice to affected property owners, offer a 30-day public comment period, schedule a public hearing within 30 days after the comment period closes, and carefully consider the potential impacts on property owners, businesses, governmental entities, and consumer groups. The notice must include a simple summary of the proposed turnpike, a map, the legal authority for the project, the circumstances necessitating the turnpike, and its intended effects. The OTA must also request businesses to provide estimated direct and indirect costs associated with the project. If the Authority finds that its proposed turnpike might adversely affect entities, it may modify the proposal. Any violation of these requirements would render the action null and void, and affected persons or entities would have legal standing to seek declarative or injunctive relief, potentially receiving court costs and attorney fees. The bill requires the OTA to promulgate rules to implement these provisions and will become effective on November 1, 2025, providing transparency and public input in the turnpike development process.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb80&Session=2600