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SJR 46

Constitutional amendment; preventing infringement of the fundamental right of a citizen to grow and purchase food.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dusty Deevers

Oklahoma constitutional amendment establishing a fundamental right to grow and purchase food, potentially limiting food safety and agricultural regulations.

Second Reading referred to Rules
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 46

Legislative bill overview

SJR 46 proposes a constitutional amendment to Oklahoma's state constitution that would establish and protect a fundamental right for citizens to grow and purchase food of their choice. The amendment would constitutionally enshrine food production and procurement freedoms at the state level, potentially limiting government regulatory authority over food systems.

Why is this important

Food regulation is currently governed by state and federal agencies through existing statutory frameworks rather than constitutional protections. This amendment would elevate food choice and production to constitutional status, which could significantly impact food safety regulations, agricultural licensing, labeling requirements, and direct-to-consumer sales—issues that currently balance public health oversight with producer freedoms. The practical effect would depend heavily on how courts interpret the amendment's scope and what exceptions they allow for legitimate regulatory purposes.

Potential points of contention

  • Food safety standards: Whether food safety inspections, licensing, and pathogen testing could be required if deemed infringements on the "fundamental right"
  • Regulatory scope clarity: The amendment's language doesn't define what constitutes prohibited "infringement," creating uncertainty about which existing regulations would become unconstitutional
  • Agricultural vs. consumer intent: Ambiguity over whether this protects subsistence farming, commercial operations, processed foods, or all categories equally

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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