Two Oklahoma laws taking effect Nov. 1 will require state agencies to demonstrate legal authority for regulations and publish policy guidance, as the state continues efforts to limit agency overreach and increase government transparency.
House Bill 4319, authored by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, requires state agencies to justify regulations by pointing to specific legislation that authorizes them. Previously, agencies could rely on general rulemaking authority to issue rules. Under the new law, proposed regulations without explicit statutory authorization can be rejected by lawmakers. Existing rules must be reviewed within three years to verify they meet the standard, or they face repeal.
Senate Bill 1433, the Guidance Transparency Act, carried by Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, addresses a different regulatory area: agency guidance documents—policy interpretations and recommendations that carry official weight but are not formal administrative rules. The law requires agencies to publish these documents in a searchable, centralized format through the Secretary of State's office, keeping them current and publicly accessible.
"Administrative agencies have a responsibility to carry out the laws passed by the Legislature, but they must do so in a transparent way and within the bounds of what the law specifically allows," Kendrix said.
The measures build on reforms enacted in 2025. The Secretary of State's office has also launched rules.ok.gov, an online portal where the public can review proposed regulations, submit comments, and track rulemaking activity.