OK SB158

Creates the Oklahoma Emergency Weather Response and Tracking Regulatory Act of 2025, allowing FCC-licensed media outlets and Oklahoma higher education institutions with meteorology programs to hire or contract with up to five professional severe weather trackers each

Requires professional severe weather trackers to complete an emergency driving course administered by law enforcement, maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance, and carry employer-issued credentials

Designates tracker vehicles as authorized emergency vehicles during significant weather events (tornado/severe thunderstorm watches and warnings, winter storms, red flag warnings, flood warnings), permitting them to use flashing green and white lights, exceed speed limits, proceed through red lights after slowing, and travel on closed roads

Trackers must yield right-of-way to traditional emergency vehicles (fire, ambulance, police) and remain liable for reckless driving; violations of the act carry fines up to $500 in addition to other penalties

Effective date is July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause for immediate effect upon passage