Legislature Troubleshoots Cybercrime Bill, Sends to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma business owners may soon have a bit more protection against the growing threat of cybercrime as House Bill 1759 passed the House and moves to the Governor’s desk.

House Bill 1759, authored by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, and Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, updates language in the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act to better address computer security threats that continue to evolve.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has seen a spike in ransomware cases over the past few years. Just this month, the City of Tulsa was the target of a ransomware attack.

“This is a growing problem and like so many areas of government, we have to adapt to a changing world,” Ranson said. “I hope this legislation is the first step in creating innovative cybercrime legislation in the future.”

HB1759 passed the House a second time Wednesday. The update to the Computer Crimes Act was recalled from the Governor’s desk when one of his team members discovered an error in wording. The Senate corrected and sent it back to the House for approval.

“Beyond the tangible benefits of this legislation, I am appreciative of the bipartisan work to ensure this needed change happens now,” Ranson said. “This was a team effort to protect the Oklahoma economy.”

HB1759 is now eligible to be signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.