Oklahoma Senate Bill 158 - Storm Chaser License

Oklahoma Senate Bill 158 - Weather Tracker Licensure

Subject: Analysis of Senate Bill 158, concerning the regulation and licensure of professional severe weather trackers in Oklahoma.

Sources:

• KFOR News Article: "Bill targets storm chasers with licensure requirements" (referred to as "KFOR Article")
• Senate Bill 158 Text (referred to as "SB 158")

1. Overview

Senate Bill 158 (SB 158), authored by Senator Mark Mann, aims to create a regulatory framework for "professional severe weather trackers" in Oklahoma. The bill, if passed, would establish a licensing process, set requirements for those who track severe weather, and grant certain privileges to licensed trackers, including the ability to operate with emergency vehicle status during significant weather events. The stated goal is to enhance safety by distinguishing professional trackers from amateur enthusiasts, and allow licensed storm trackers to act as emergency responders.

2. Key Provisions of SB 158

• Licensing Requirement: The bill mandates that individuals operating as "professional severe weather trackers" be licensed by Service Oklahoma.
• Definition of "Professional Severe Weather Tracker": SB 158 defines a "professional severe weather tracker" as an individual or company hired by a qualified media outlet or affiliated with a research program at a qualified institution of higher education. They must be employed or contracted with these organizations. ("Professional severe weather tracker’ means a licensed individual or company hired or contracted with by a qualified media outlet or affiliated with a research program at a qualified institution of higher education;")
• Qualified Media Outlet: A qualified media outlet is defined as a television station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that broadcasts via various platforms (broadcast, cable, streaming). ("Qualified media outlet’ means a television station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission for the broadcast or transmission of television programming via broadcast, cable, streaming, or other platforms as recognized by the Federal Communications Commission;")
• Qualified Institution of Higher Education: A qualified institution is defined as any college or university regulated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that offers a course or program in meteorology. ("Qualified institution of higher education’ means any college or university regulated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that offers a course or program in meteorology;")
• Significant Weather Event: The bill defines significant weather events that trigger the special privileges of a licensed tracker, including:
• Enhanced, moderate, or high-risk weather days by the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center.
• Any tornado or severe thunderstorm watch or warning issued by the National Weather Service or the chief meteorologist of a qualified media outlet.
• Winter weather advisories, warnings or watches, and red flag fire warnings. ("Significant weather event’ means: a. a day of enhanced, moderate, or high risk conditions… b. any tornado or severe thunderstorm watch… c. any storm… d. a blizzard warning…e. a red flag fire warning…f. a flash flood warning or flood warning")
• Licensing Requirements: To obtain a license, individuals must:
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Supply a letter of endorsement from a chief meteorologist of a qualified media outlet, or a designated individual from an institution of higher education, attesting to the applicant's knowledge and experience…