Oklahoma : 2025 Regular Session : BILL SB430
Environment; prohibiting intentional injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus in this state; repealing the Oklahoma Weather Modification Act. Effective date.
Sponsor: Sen Kendal Sacchieri & Rep Brad Boles & Rep Shane Jett & Rep Avery Frix
Bill Details
Environment; prohibiting intentional injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus in this state; repealing the Oklahoma Weather Modification Act. Effective date.
GeoLawWatch Bill Summary
Prohibition: The bill bans the intentional injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus into the atmosphere within Oklahoma's borders when done with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or sunlight intensity. This language is identical to SB 1021.
Penalty: Breaking this law is a first-degree misdemeanour and can result in a fine of up to $10,000. Unlike SB 1021, this bill actually includes a penalty.
Repealer: The bill eliminates Oklahoma's existing Weather Modification Act (82 O.S. 2021, Sections 1087.1 through 1087.20, plus 1801.1, 1801.2, and 1801.4), which is identical to SB 1021.
Notable differences from SB 1021: SB 430 includes a criminal penalty (first-degree misdemeanour, $10,000 fine), but does not have SB 1021's Air National Guard interdiction and investigation features. The two bills take different approaches to enforcement. SB 1021 focuses on a military response without penalties, while SB 430 uses penalties but does not set up a special enforcement process.
Notable gaps: The bill does not name an enforcement agency. It also does not cover aircraft operations, evidence collection, or investigation steps. Since the penalty is only a fine and does not mention jail time, it may not be enough to stop well-funded groups.
History
SB 430 was introduced by Senator Sacchieri on February 3, 2025, the same day SB 1021 was introduced by Senator Jett. Notably, Senator Jett signed on as a coauthor of SB 430 on that same day, and Representative Boles was designated as principal House author, indicating early bicameral coordination. The bill was referred to the Senate Energy Committee on February 4, where it remains alongside SB 1021. Senator Frix joined as a coauthor on March 10, also the same day he joined SB 1021.
The parallel development of both bills suggests the Oklahoma legislature is exploring different approaches to weather modification regulation. SB 430's simpler structure (a prohibition plus a penalty, with no military provisions) may be intended as a more conventional alternative to SB 1021's aggressive interdiction approach. Both bills face the March 27, 2025, crossover deadline and remain in the Energy Committee without action. The drafting timestamps show SB 430 was actually drafted two days before SB 1021 (January 14 versus January 16), suggesting SB 430 may have been the original concept, with SB 1021 developed as an enhanced version.
- Mon 03 Feb 2025 First Reading
- Mon 03 Feb 2025 Authored by Senator Sacchieri
- Mon 03 Feb 2025 Coauthored by Representative Boles (principal House author)
- Mon 03 Feb 2025 Coauthored by Senator Jett
- Tue 04 Feb 2025 Second Reading referred to Energy
- Mon 10 Mar 2025 Coauthored by Senator Frix
Consolidated Bill Text
1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)
SENATE BILL 430 By: Sacchieri
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to environment and natural resources; prohibiting certain actions relating to weather modification; establishing penalty; repealing 82 O.S. 2021, Sections 1087.1, 1087.2, 1087.3, 1087.4, 1087.5, 1087.6, 1087.7, 1087.8, 1087.9, 1087.10, 1087.11, 1087.12, 1087.13, 1087.14, 1087.15, 1087.16, 1087.17, 1087.18, 1087.19, 1087.20, 1801.1, 1801.2, and 1801.4, which relate to the Oklahoma Weather Modification Act; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.
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 2-5-131 of Title 27A, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. The intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of sunlight is prohibited.
B. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor in the first degree and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00).
SECTION 2. REPEALER 82 O.S. 2021, Sections 1087.1, 1087.2, 1087.3, 1087.4, 1087.5, 1087.6, 1087.7, 1087.8, 1087.9, 1087.10, 1087.11, 1087.12, 1087.13, 1087.14, 1087.15, 1087.16, 1087.17, 1087.18, 1087.19, 1087.20, 1801.1, 1801.2, and 1801.4, are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. This act shall become effective November 1, 2025.