Oklahoma : 2026 Regular Session : BILL SB1797
Environmental and natural resources; prohibiting certain actions relating to weather modification. Effective date.
Sponsor: Rep Shane Jett
Bill Details
Environmental and natural resources; prohibiting certain actions relating to weather modification. Effective date.
GeoLawWatch Bill Summary
Prohibition: The bill prohibits 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. Enforcement Mechanism: The Governor may direct the Oklahoma Air National Guard to: Interdict violating aircraft Document aircraft identification tail numbers Secure photographic evidence Sample aerosolized effluents or particulates Utilize mass spectrometers and other scientific instrumentation Engage with and escort violating aircraft to the nearest airport for investigation, evidence collection, and violation documentation Statutory Repeals: The bill repeals the entire Oklahoma Weather Modification Act (82 O.S. 2021, Sections 1087.1 through 1087.20) and related sections (1801.1, 1801.2, and 1801.4), which currently provide the regulatory framework for permitted weather modification activities in the state. Penalties: None specified in the bill text. Effective Date: November 1, 2026
History
SB 1797 was introduced on February 2, 2026, the first day of Oklahoma's 2026 legislative session, and received its required First Reading that same day. The bill is authored by Senator Jett, a consistent champion of weather modification prohibition legislation in Oklahoma. In the 2025 session, Jett co-sponsored both SB1021 and SB430 — two Senate bills with near-identical intent introduced on February 3, 2025 — alongside the companion House Bill HB1429, also introduced the same day. None of the three 2025 bills advanced beyond introduction.
SB1797 follows the same broad approach as its 2025 predecessors, repealing the Oklahoma Weather Modification Act and replacing it with a flat prohibition, while adding the distinctive new provision authorising the Governor to direct the Oklahoma Air National Guard to intercept and escort violating aircraft.
On February 3, 2026, the bill received its Second Reading and was first referred to the Rules Committee, then to the Appropriations Committee—an unusual routing for a policy bill that may indicate leadership is parking it in a budget committee rather than scheduling substantive committee consideration. Oklahoma's Senate committee deadline falls on March 5, 2026, giving the bill a narrow window to receive a hearing and advance.
- Mon 02 Feb 2026 First Reading
- Mon 02 Feb 2026 Authored by Senator Jett
- Tue 03 Feb 2026 Second Reading referred to Rules Committee then to Appropriations Committee
Consolidated Bill Text
2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
SENATE BILL 1797 By: Jett
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to environment and natural resources; prohibiting certain actions relating to weather modification; providing for investigation; 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 the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of sunlight is prohibited.
B. The Governor may direct the Oklahoma Air National Guard to interdict, document identification tail numbers, secure photographic evidence, sample aerosolized effluents or particulate, utilize mass spectrometers and other appropriate scientific instrumentation, and engage with aircraft violating this section to escort them to the nearest airport for investigation, securing of evidence, and documentation of violation.
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, 2026.