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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
SENATE BILL 2073 By: Deevers
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to state government; creating the
Hire Oklahomans Act; providing short title; providing
legislative findings; defining terms; prohibiting
state entities from employing certain individuals;
clarifying applicability; construing provision;
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 to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 847 of Title 74, unless there is
created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Hire
Oklahomans Act”.
B. The Legislature finds that:
1. Immigration classification and visa issuance are federal
matters; however, Oklahoma public employment funded by Oklahoma
taxpayers is a matter of state sovereignty;
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2. No provision of federal law requires this state or its
political subdivisions to participate in discretionary federal visa
labor programs; and
3. This state has a compelling interest in prioritizing public
employment opportunities for its citizens.
C. For the purposes of this act:
1. “H-1B visa program” means employment authorized under
Section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act;
2. “Optional practical training” means employment authorization
granted pursuant to federal regulations governing F-1 nonimmigrant
student status; and
3. “State entity” means any agency, board, commission,
department, authority, public trust, political subdivision, or
public institution of higher education of this state.
D. 1. No state entity shall employ any individual pursuant to
either the H-1B visa program or the optional practical training
authorization.
2. No state entity shall sponsor, petition for, renew, or
extend employment under the programs described in paragraph 1 of
this subsection.
E. This act shall apply only to:
1. Employment agreements entered into on or after the effective
date of this act; and
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2. Renewals, extensions, or modifications of employment
agreements occurring on or after the effective date of this act.
F. Nothing in this act shall be construed to impair vested
contractual rights prior to the effective date of this act.
SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2026.
SECTION 3. 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.
60-2-3427 MSBB 1/15/2026 11:52:07 AM