Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1163

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

Appropriations; making an appropriation to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Emergency.

Impact

The stipulations of SB1163 mean that funds budgeted for FY-24 must be encumbered by June 30, 2024, and spent by November 15, 2024, or they will lapse to the general treasury fund. This creates a sense of urgency regarding the timely implementation of the appropriated funds. Additionally, the bill allows for any remaining funds that were not utilized in FY-24 to be budgeted for FY-25, provided that the proper revision processes are followed, thus adding an element of flexibility for the Department of Commerce's budgeting.

Summary

Senate Bill 1163 appropriates $100,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. This bill is essential as it allocates funding necessary for the department to fulfill its obligations. The appropriated funds are designated for specific duties imposed by law, reflecting the importance of financial resources for government agencies to operate effectively. The bill stipulates that the funds can be budgeted for either FY-24 or FY-25, with specific requirements for encumbrance and expenditure timelines.

Contention

While the bill is primarily a straightforward appropriation measure, the declaration of an emergency within the act indicates the urgency and significance of funding for the Department of Commerce. The emergency status implies that delays in funding could have critical implications for the department's operations and the services it provides. Such declarations often spark discussions about prioritizing state funding and the legislative processes involved in allocating emergency appropriations.