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SB 447

State property; permitting residents to forage for nuts, edible plants and fungi on state owned or state managed property. Effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Boren and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma law permits residents to legally forage for nuts, edible plants, and fungi on all state-owned and state-managed property beginning immediately.

Becomes law without Governor's signature 05/21/2025
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 447

Legislative bill overview

SB 447 permits Oklahoma residents to forage for nuts, edible plants, and fungi on state-owned or state-managed property. The bill became law without the governor's signature on May 21, 2025, and establishes new rights for public use of state lands for subsistence gathering activities.

Why is this important

This legislation expands public access to natural resources on state property, potentially benefiting residents seeking food sources, reducing barriers to traditional foraging practices, and clarifying what activities are legally permitted on public lands. It represents a shift in how Oklahoma manages state property by allowing non-extractive personal use that was previously unclear or prohibited.

Potential points of contention

  • Sustainability concerns: Unregulated foraging could deplete native plant and fungal populations if not properly managed or monitored by the state
  • Liability and safety issues: The state may face questions about responsibility if foragers are injured, consume misidentified toxic species, or cause property damage
  • Undefined limits: The bill's specifics on quantity limits, seasonal restrictions, or geographic boundaries on state property are not detailed in this summary, which could create enforcement challenges

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

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