Oklahoma House Bill HB2374

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Report Pass: 2/18/21
• Engrossed: 3/9/21
• Refer: 3/15/21
• Report Pass: 3/25/21
• Refer: 3/25/21
• Report Pass: 3/31/21
• Enrolled: 4/20/21
• Passed: 4/26/21

Caption

State military forces; establishing a program to reimburse funeral expenses when a certain person dies in the line of duty; directing payment of funds from specified revolving fund; effective date.

Impact

The passage of HB 2374 amends existing statutes regarding the Oklahoma Homeland Security Revolving Fund, enabling it to cover the new funeral reimbursement provision. This alteration is designed to streamline funding processes, allowing for quicker disbursal of financial aid to eligible families of fallen soldiers. The introduction of this program is expected to enhance the ability of the state to support military families and align state-level benefits with federal precedents for similar situations.

Summary

House Bill 2374 establishes a program in the state of Oklahoma aimed at providing reimbursement for funeral expenses incurred when members of the state military forces die while serving on state active duty. This new law is intended to ensure that the families of these service members receive financial assistance during a difficult time, reinforcing the state's commitment to its service personnel. The program places a reimbursement cap at $10,000, delineating the criteria for eligibility and oversight responsibilities assigned to the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2374 has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a bipartisan recognition of the sacrifices made by members of the military. Legislators from both parties have expressed strong support for the bill, viewing it as an important step in honoring and providing for service members and their families. The bill has been met with little to no opposition, indicating a consensus on its necessity and appropriateness.

Contention

Notable contentions regarding this bill have mainly focused on the specifics of implementation, including how the eligibility criteria will be enforced and the regulations set by the Director of the Department of Emergency Management. While there have been no major arguments against the bill itself, discussions have centered on ensuring adequate funding and regulation to prevent any misallocation of the funds or bureaucratic delays that could hinder timely assistance to families in need.