Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1154

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Report Pass: 2/27/23
• Engrossed: 2/28/23
• Enrolled: 3/2/23
• Passed: 3/6/23

Caption

Appropriations; making an appropriation to the State Election Board; stating purpose; exempting appropriation from certain limits. Emergency.

Impact

The bill’s passage allows the State Election Board to effectively manage essential election-related expenses without being limited by traditional fiscal year constraints or agency budget limitations. This ensures that necessary operations can continue, particularly in light of upcoming elections. The infusion of funds is expected to bolster the administrative capabilities of the Election Board, thereby enhancing the security and efficiency of election processes in Oklahoma.

Summary

Senate Bill 1154 is an appropriations bill aimed at providing funding to the State Election Board of Oklahoma. Specifically, it allocates a total of $850,000 from the General Revenue Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The funds are designated to facilitate the conduct of elections, including a special election concerning State Question No. 820 scheduled for March 7, 2023. Furthermore, SB1154 includes provisions that exempt these appropriations from certain budgetary constraints, allowing for greater flexibility in fund utilization for the Election Board.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 1154 appears to be largely positive among its supporters, with acknowledgment of its importance in ensuring that elections can be conducted smoothly and fairly. The bill received significant support in the Senate, passing unanimously within the Appropriations and Budget Committee. However, there may be voices of concern regarding the reliance on appropriations as a response to electoral needs, suggesting a potential ongoing debate about the adequacy of funding mechanisms for electoral processes in the state.

Contention

While the bill generally enjoyed support, some may raise questions regarding the scale of appropriations and whether they are sufficient to cover all operational costs of the state’s electoral processes. There may be concerns regarding the accountability on how the funds are spent, especially given the unique exemption from usual budget limitations established by the bill. The description of this bill as emergency legislation also points to a pressing need that the legislature felt required immediate attention, reflecting the urgency surrounding electoral preparations.