Oklahoma House Bill HB2438

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

State government; Oklahoma Pregnant Pigs Pilot Program Act of 2023; revolving fund; grants; effective date.

Impact

The pilot program will create a revolving fund allocated with a one-time appropriation of $4 million, intended for renovations and improvements of breeding sow pig housing facilities. Grant funds will be available to applicants who meet specific criteria concerning humane animal treatment and who commit to phasing out gestation crates within three years of receiving funds. This policy shift is poised to significantly influence animal care standards in Oklahoma's agricultural laws, contributing to an overall improvement in animal welfare practices in the state.

Summary

House Bill 2438, titled the Oklahoma Pregnant Pigs Pilot Program Act of 2023, aims to promote investment and job creation within the pig industry by improving animal husbandry practices. The bill establishes a pilot program overseen by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, providing financial assistance for farms to upgrade their facilities, specifically focusing on eliminating gestation crates and moving towards group housing systems for pregnant pigs. By doing so, the legislation seeks to align local practices with humane animal care standards while also adhering to government and corporate policies against extreme confinement methods.

Contention

Although proponents of HB2438 argue that it enhances animal welfare and aligns industry practices with evolving societal expectations around animal care, there may be concerns among farmers about the financial implications and feasibility of such upgrades. Critics could argue that complying with these new standards may impose additional costs or logistical challenges on smaller farms that might struggle to meet the stipulated requirements. Additionally, there is an emphasis on confidentiality concerning the submitted financial statements and proprietary information, which could raise questions about transparency and oversight in how the funds are allocated and managed.