Oklahoma legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma HB4459: Waters and water rights; metering of wells; requiring Water Resources Board provide certain allocation of groundwater; permits; requirements; measurements; effective date.
Status: In committee, April 1, 2026
What the bill says
From the engrossed text, March 12, 2026:
ENGR OSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 4459 By: Newton of the House and Jech of the Senate [ waters and water rights - metering of wells - Oklahoma Water Resources Board - allocation of groundwater - existing permit holders - new permit requirements - excessive use of water - waste - voluntary groundwater use measurement program - distribution of board-approved measuring systems - annual certification - effective date ] BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 82 O.S. 2021, Section 1020.19, is amended to read as follows: Section 1020.19. Upon request of a majority of the landowners residing within a A. To encourage groundwater conservation, beginning January 1, 2027, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall provide a five-year flex allocation of groundwater usage based off ENGR. H. B. NO. 4459 Page the previously determined allocated annual use of the basin or subbasin, the Board is authorized to require that water wells be metered and that such meters as the Board shall approve be utilized by the applicant and placed under seal, subject to reading by the agents of the Board at any time. The Board may also require that the applicant report the reading of such meters at reasonable intervals. A five-year flex allocation shall not require a new permit for existing permit holders. …
Sponsors
- Carl Newton (R, HD-058) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Second Reading referred to Energy
- : First Reading
- : Engrossed, signed, to Senate
- : Referred for engrossment
- : Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 65 Nays: 28
- : Title stricken
- : Amended
- : General Order
- : CR; Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee
- : Authored by Senator Jech (principal Senate author)
Votes
- Third Reading (March 11, 2026): 65 yea, 28 nay, passed
- Floor Vote (March 4, 2026): 12 yea, 3 nay, passed
- Floor Vote (February 11, 2026): 8 yea, 2 nay, passed
- Energy Committee (February 11, 2026): 8 yea, 2 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HB4459?
- HB4459 is a bill in the Oklahoma Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Waters and water rights; metering of wells; requiring Water Resources Board provide certain allocation of groundwater; permits; requirements; measurements; effective date.
- What is the status of HB4459?
- In committee as of April 1, 2026. Latest action: Second Reading referred to Energy (April 1, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB4459?
- Carl Newton (R, HD-058).
- Where is the official record for HB4459?
- On the Oklahoma Legislature website: https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB4459&Session=2600
Source: official Oklahoma record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.