Bill > SB1761

This bill amends Oklahoma law to protect churches' ability to offer overnight accommodations for religious retreats, ministry programs, or in emergencies, by removing a previous time limit on such stays and clarifying that these activities are a protected exercise of religious freedom. It explicitly prohibits any government entity, including municipalities or political subdivisions, from enforcing building codes or other regulations in a way that unduly burdens or infringes upon a church's prerogative to engage in these ministry activities. The bill also defines "church" as a facility primarily used for religious services owned by a religious organization, and "religious organization" broadly to include entities recognized under federal tax law, while clarifying that churches cannot charge fees in a way that converts the use to a non-ministry commercial purpose, like operating as a hotel.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1761&Session=2600