Bill > SB960

This bill creates the Oklahoma Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires individuals and organizations acting as agents for foreign principals from "countries of particular concern" to register with the Attorney General and disclose detailed information about their activities. The act defines a "foreign principal" broadly to include foreign governments, political parties, organizations, and entities with significant foreign ownership. Agents must file comprehensive registration statements within ten days of becoming an agent, including details about their business, employees, agreements, financial transactions, and political activities. They must also file six-month supplements updating their information and label any informational materials they distribute as being from a foreign agent. The bill imposes significant penalties for non-compliance, including potential felony charges with fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Certain exemptions exist, such as diplomatic officers and lawyers engaged in legal representation. The Attorney General is tasked with maintaining these registrations, which will be public records, and must report to the Legislature every six months about registrations and political propaganda. The act aims to increase transparency about foreign influence in Oklahoma by requiring detailed disclosures from agents representing principals from countries deemed hostile or of particular concern.