HB2426 Summary

• Creates the "Oklahoma Severe Weather Media Tracking and Research Regulatory Act of 2025" establishing a licensing system for professional severe weather trackers administered by Service Oklahoma.

• Licensed trackers may equip vehicles with green and yellow flashing lights visible at 500 feet and display identifying markings, and may travel closed roads, proceed through red lights (with caution), exceed speed limits, and disregard traffic regulations during significant weather events.

• Requires applicants to have minimum 1 year employment with a qualified media outlet or affiliation with a qualified institution, pass criminal background checks, complete emergency driving courses, carry $1 million liability insurance, and pay licensing fees of $500 (initial 3-year license) or $250 (renewal).

• Creates the Severe Weather Tracker Licensure Fund as a revolving fund to cover implementation and administration costs, with Service Oklahoma authorized to issue, suspend, or revoke licenses for violations.

• Violations subject trackers to fines up to $500 and license revocation, in addition to any other criminal or civil penalties; act becomes effective November 1, 2025.