Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1155

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriations; making an appropriation to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. Emergency.

Impact

The bill mandates that funds budgeted for FY-24 can only be encumbered through June 30, 2024, and must be spent by November 15, 2024. It also stipulates that any remaining funds after this date that are not budgeted for FY-25 will lapse. This has implications for financial planning and resource allocations within the Department of Agriculture, emphasizing fiscal accountability and preventing misuse of funds across fiscal years. Additionally, the bill proposes that funds cannot be simultaneously budgeted for the two fiscal years, ensuring clarity in financial management.

Summary

Senate Bill 1155 focuses on appropriations, specifically allocating funds to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. The bill designates the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) to assist the department in performing its legally mandated duties for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2024. The proposed legislation outlines specific budget procedures, with provisions for the lapse dates of the appropriated funds and includes stipulations regarding encumbrances and expenditures for these funds during FY-24 and FY-25.

Contention

One notable aspect of SB1155 is the emergency declaration included within the bill. This provision asserts the immediate necessity for the legislation to be effective upon passage and approval, highlighting the urgency of ensuring financial resources are available for the agricultural sector's operational needs. While the declaration is aimed at preserving public peace and health, the necessity of this emergency status could potentially be a point of contention, as it may generate discussions around the appropriateness of urgent financial measures and their timing in relation to State Legislature's overall budgetary processes.