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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
SENATE BILL 1745 By: Jett
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to an Oklahoma Day of Prayer;
creating the Oklahoma Day of Prayer Act; providing
short title; providing legislative findings;
designating the Oklahoma Day of Prayer; requiring
Governor to issue certain proclamation; prohibiting
certain action; construing provisions; providing for
noncodification; providing for codification;
providing an effective date; and declaring an
emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law not to be
codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:
A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Oklahoma
Day of Prayer Act”.
B. The Legislature finds that:
1. The National Day of Prayer is a long-standing tradition
observed annually on the first Thursday in May, as established by
joint resolution of the United States Congress in 1952 and amended
in 1988;
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2. The President of the United States has issued an annual
proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as the National
Day of Prayer, calling upon Americans of all faiths and backgrounds
to engage in voluntary prayer, meditation, or reflection;
3. Prayer and spiritual reflection have played a significant
role in the history and culture of this state and the United States
since their founding; and
4. This state has a compelling interest in acknowledging and
preserving its historical and cultural heritage while respecting the
religious freedom of all citizens.
SECTION 2. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 90.31 of Title 25, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. The first Thursday in May is hereby designated as the
“Oklahoma Day of Prayer”.
B. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation:
1. Recognizing the Oklahoma Day of Prayer;
2. Encouraging citizens, consistent with their individual
beliefs, to engage in prayer, meditation, or personal reflection on
that day;
3. Calling for voluntary participation by residents, community
organizations, and faith-based groups in observances that respect
the diversity of religious expression in this state; and
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4. Inviting local governments, schools, and civic organizations
to acknowledge the day in a manner consistent with the First
Amendment to the United States Constitution.
C. Participation in any Oklahoma Day of Prayer observance shall
be entirely voluntary. No state agency, political subdivision,
public school, or public institution shall compel any person to
participate in religious exercise or penalize any person for
choosing not to participate.
D. Nothing in this act shall be construed to:
1. Endorse or establish any religion;
2. Prohibit or restrict private religious expression; or
3. Require the expenditure of public funds beyond the issuance
of the Governor’s proclamation and minimal administrative costs.
SECTION 3. This act shall become effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 4. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
60-2-3523 MSBB 1/14/2026 2:37:52 PM