Oklahoma Senate Bill SB373

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Appropriations; making appropriations to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; making appropriations to the Historical Society. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The enactment of SB373 will have a direct impact on state resource distribution, specifically highlighting the legislative intent to prioritize urban agriculture and historical education. With the appropriated funds, the Department of Agriculture can enhance local food production efforts through urban gardening projects, which can cater to community needs and foster economic development in urban areas. In parallel, funding the Civil Rights Trail initiative is expected to facilitate the promotion of historical tourism, thereby potentially improving local economies and fostering a greater understanding of civil rights history in Oklahoma.

Summary

Senate Bill 373 (SB373) primarily focuses on appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The bill designates specific funds for two primary entities: the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, and the Oklahoma Historical Society. It appropriates $100,000 to the Urban Gardens Grant Revolving Fund, aiming to support urban gardening initiatives that can enhance food security and community engagement in Oklahoma. Additionally, the bill allocates $150,000 to the Oklahoma Historical Society to hire a coordinator who will develop plans for establishing a Civil Rights Trail visitor center, an effort to promote historical awareness and tourism related to civil rights in the state.

Contention

While there are no overt points of contention presented in the discussions or texts regarding SB373, the allocation of funds tends to reflect broader themes in state policy. Supporters of the bill may see the Urban Gardens Grant as a necessary investment in public health and community resilience, whereas critics may question whether the allocated funds are sufficient for meaningful impact or whether other areas of need are being overlooked. Furthermore, the establishment of a Civil Rights Trail visitor center could attract varying opinions depending on local perspectives regarding civil rights education and historical representation.