Stitt signs SB1027: Tighter rules on OK initiative petitions now law

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill on Saturday putting new restrictions on how many Oklahomans can sign an initiative petition and giving the Secretary of State new powers.

Senate Bill 1027 created many changes to the state’s constitutionally protected initiative petition process. The bill limits the number of people in each county who can sign a petition, who can pay people to collect signatures, and what must be on a petition.

The bill’s authors say it’s necessary to make sure rural voices are heard and keep out-of-state money out of the petition process.

The bill's emergency clause means the new law is already in effect, so any new initiative or referendum petitions will have to undergo the new process.

What are the changes?

SB1027 makes multiple changes.

1. Requires that the gist statement of any initiative petition or referendum petition be explained in simple terms
2. Requires the gist statement to show the fiscal impact on the state and a potential source of funding
3. Must list the petition is public record and subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act
4. Gives the Secretary of State the power to remove any gist found in violation
5. Requires signature gatherers to be registered Oklahoma voters
6. Requires signature gatherers to disclose if they are being paid and by whom
7. Establishes that only 11.5% of the total number of people in any county who voted for governor can sign a petition to change the Oklahoma statute.
8. Establishes that only 20.8% of the total number of people in any county who voted for governor can sign a petition to change the Oklahoma Constitution.

Related Story: How Do I Register To Vote In Oklahoma? Do I Need To Show ID?

What is an initiative petition?

Initiative and referendum petitions are a way for Oklahoma citizens to write or change laws in the state. The initiative and referendum are two instruments of direct democracy. Through the grassroots efforts, voters can write statutes and constitutional amendments that appear on the ballot when enough signatures have been collected. The state question must be approved by voters before becoming law.

Why were Senate Democrats opposed?

Almost all senate democrats questioned and debated SB1027 on the floor last week, in a last-ditch effort to strike down the bill before it headed to the governor. Most had the same concern with the bill, saying it diminishes the voice of the people.

“We are not doing the work of the people, and quite frankly, we should not even be here if we're not gonna listen to what people want and what they want us to do,” said Sen. Regina Goodwin, (D) Tulsa. “While we are in these seats, the least we could do is listen to the people.”

By the Numbers:

The new law states that only 11.5% or 20.8% of the number of voters who voted for governor in the last general election can sign a petition to change state statute or the state constitution, respectively. Here’s how the numbers break down for Tulsa County:

Total registered voters in Tulsa County (2025): 387,643

Total votes for governor in Tulsa County (2022): 194,095

Maximum signatures allowed for statutory amendment: 22,321

Maximum signatures allowed for constitutional amendment: 40,372