Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB4036

Introduced

2/5/24

Refer

2/6/24

Refer

2/6/24

Caption

Tourism; Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department State Park Emergency Maintenance Fund; Eight Year State Park Emergency Maintenance Plan; effective date; emergency.

Impact

The creation of this fund marks a significant effort by the state to improve infrastructure and facilities in state parks, which may have suffered from inadequate funding in previous years. The fund will be appropriated from generated revenue and can only be spent for direct maintenance efforts, limiting operational costs to a maximum of 20% of annual accruals. This specificity in funding is expected to bring a focused approach to preserving natural resources in Oklahoma and improving the state parks' infrastructure, which in turn could enhance the tourism experience.

Summary

House Bill 4036 establishes the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department State Park Emergency Maintenance Fund, designed specifically to address urgent maintenance needs in state parks over an eight-year period. The bill allocates a revolving fund to be used strictly by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, thus creating a dedicated source of revenue aimed at enhancing the condition of state parks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure the maintenance and safety of recreational areas which are crucial for tourism and public use in Oklahoma.

Contention

However, discussions surrounding the bill suggest potential concerns regarding its implementation and the sources of revenue for the maintenance fund. Some lawmakers may question whether existing tourism funds will be diverted to support these new maintenance plans or if new revenue streams will indeed be sufficient. Additionally, the stipulation prohibiting the transfer of these funds to other agencies raises questions about the allocation of resources and prioritization within the broader state budget, potentially leading to debates on fiscal responsibility and priorities in state governance.

Latest HB4036 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB675

State parks; transferring the Hugo Lake Park to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Effective date.

OK SB174

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department; making an appropriation requiring certain funds be used for certain purposes. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1922

Revenue and taxation; Oklahoma Tourism Development Act; cap amount; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2596

Tourism and Recreation Department; park ranger jurisdiction; effective date.

OK HB2866

Revenue and taxation; Oklahoma Tourism Development Act; cumulative inducement cap; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2749

State government; Oklahoma Tourism, Parks and Recreation Enhancement Act; authorizing Department to create a state employee information and promotion program; effective date.

OK HB2284

Tourism; Oklahoma Tourism Development Act; effective date.

OK SB314

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department; modifying apportionment limit for certain fiscal years; requiring certain report to contain certain information and recommendation. Effective date.

OK SB673

State parks; removing entrance and day-use fees unless entering state park with a recreational vehicle or travel trailer. Effective date.

OK HB2706

Tourism; Oklahoma Tourism Act of 2023; effective date.