Bill > HB1764

This bill amends existing Oklahoma law regarding unauthorized camping on public lands by expanding the prohibition to include county and municipal lands, in addition to state-owned lands. An "unauthorized camp" is defined as any tent, shelter, or bedding arranged for overnight use on a property not designated as a campsite. The bill maintains the existing misdemeanor penalty of up to $50 fine or 15 days in county jail for violations, with an important humanitarian provision that first-time violators must be issued a warning and cannot be cited if they accept assistance from law enforcement, such as transportation to a shelter or food pantry. Notably, the bill includes a new provision allowing individual counties and municipalities to opt out of this prohibition through a majority vote of their governing body. The law is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, giving local governments and law enforcement time to prepare for implementation. This legislation appears aimed at addressing public camping while attempting to balance enforcement with compassionate treatment of individuals experiencing homelessness.