The Oklahoma House approved Senate Bill 672 which keeps businesses open during a future pandemic. For the governor to close a business during a pandemic, scientific proof that it is necessary to prevent the spread of disease must be given. The business also has the right to a due process hearing to protest the declaration.
Representative Kevin West guided SB 672 through the House.
“This bill is not about actions taken in the past, but about how we’re going to move forward as a state to protect the free enterprise of our business owners in the same way we allow the public the freedom to choose how best to protect themselves,” West said. “What this bill does is ensure that due process will be afforded business owners even during a state of emergency.”
The principal Oklahoma Senate author is Senator Julie McIntosh.
“The passage of SB672 is a significant step toward ensuring that our small businesses are not unduly burdened during emergencies,” she said. “This legislation guarantees that any decision to close a business is backed by clear evidence and due process. It’s about safeguarding the rights of our entrepreneurs while still allowing for necessary public health measures. I appreciate my colleagues in both chambers for supporting this commonsense measure.”
The measure now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.
