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Bill

SB 776

Torts; creating Julie's Law; requiring the use of helmets for certain individuals engaging in certain equestrian activities. Effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Lay and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma bill mandates helmet use in specified equestrian activities and establishes related tort liability standards to protect riders from head injuries.

Coauthored by Representative Lay (principal House author)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 776

Legislative bill overview

SB 776, known as "Julie's Law," mandates helmet use for individuals participating in specified equestrian activities in Oklahoma. The bill establishes tort liability protections or standards related to helmet requirements in horseback riding contexts, with an effective date provision included.

Why is this important

Equestrian activities carry documented injury and fatality risks, with head trauma being a leading cause of serious injury. Helmet mandate legislation can influence insurance liability, assumption of risk doctrines, and whether riders or facility operators face legal consequences for non-compliance or injuries resulting from helmet non-use.

Potential points of contention

  • Personal freedom vs. safety regulation: Some riders and equestrian organizations resist mandatory helmet laws as government overreach into individual choice, while safety advocates cite medical evidence supporting head protection
  • Age or activity scope: Disagreement over whether helmets should apply to all riders or specific groups (children, certain disciplines), affecting different stakeholder groups differently
  • Liability framework: Unclear whether the law creates immunity for facility operators, shifts liability burden, or affects assumption of risk defenses—creating uncertainty for insurance and legal liability

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

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