Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced a bill requiring storm chasers in the state to have a license to chase thunderstorms.
Senate Bill 158 would require a "weather tracking license" to chase storms, and only those working in the media industry or for a university could obtain the license with fees ranging from $250 to $500 per year.
An Act relating to weather tracking licensure; creating the Oklahoma Emergency Weather Response and Tracking Regulatory Act of 2025; providing short title; defining terms; establishing certain requirements for media outlets; establishing certain requirements for certain institutions of higher education; requiring certain fees; establishing certain violations; promulgating certain rules; creating the Severe Weather Tracker Licensure Fund; providing requirements for certain vehicles; authorizing certain actions; providing certain exceptions; establishing fines for certain violations; providing for codification; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
Senate Bill 158
The fees for a license issued pursuant to this section shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per year for the initial application, shall expire at the end of the calendar year, and may be renewed annually for Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00). Such fees shall be deposited into the Severe Weather Tracker Licensure Fund created pursuant to Section 4 of this act and shall be utilized by Service Oklahoma for the administration of the provisions of this act.
Senate Bill 158
If this bill passes, it will take place on July 1st, 2025. Download Oklahoma Senate Bill 158 for the complete reading.