Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1325

Introduced

2/5/24

Refer

2/6/24

Caption

Sow farms; creating the Oklahoma Rural Investment for Sow Farms Act of 2024; making an appropriation. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill is expected to create a positive impact on local economies by incentivizing farms to improve their facilities and operations. Through the Oklahoma Rural Investment for Sow Farms Program, farms may receive substantial grants to aid in compliance with evolving animal welfare standards. The program will additionally foster job creation in the swine industry, enhancing overall agricultural productivity in the state. New regulations established through the bill also aim to phase out gestation crates within three years for grant recipients, reflecting a shift toward more sustainable and humane farming practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 1325, known as the Oklahoma Rural Investment for Sow Farms Act of 2024, proposes the establishment of a program aimed at enhancing the welfare of pregnant sows in Oklahoma. The bill allocates significant financial resources to assist farms in transitioning from conventional individual gestation crates to more humane group housing arrangements. This involves funding for the removal of gestation crates, renovations to existing facilities to meet humane standards, and the training of workers in humane animal care practices. The ultimate goal is to ensure better living conditions for breeding sows and to align farming practices with traditional animal care values.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill may encounter opposition regarding regulatory implications and the financial commitment required from state resources. Critics may argue that such significant appropriations—totaling $47 million—could strain state budgets or detract from other agricultural needs. Furthermore, there might be pushback from some sectors of the agricultural community concerned about costs associated with upgrading facilities and practices to meet new standards. The provision for an exemption to the Oklahoma Open Records Act regarding grant applications also raises questions about transparency and public accountability in how the funds and programs are managed.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB66

State government; creating the Oklahoma Rural Investment for Sow Farms Act of 2023. Effective date.

OK HB2438

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

OK HB1866

Rural fire; Oklahoma Rural Fire Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB1844

Agriculture; Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2942

Oklahoma Water Resources Board; making appropriations; agreement; amount; purpose; creating special accounts; rules and procedures; emergency.

OK SB1101

Public finance; creating the Oklahoma Legacy Investment Board; designating board membership; creating the Oklahoma Legacy Fund; providing sources of funding; providing for appointment of investment managers; providing procedures. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2508

Revenue and taxation; income tax; apportionment; County Community Safety Investment Fund; Rural Economic Action Plan; Rural Economic Action Plan Supplemental Revenue Revolving Fund; effective date; emergency.

OK SB1187

Appropriations; making an appropriation to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. Emergency.

OK SB760

Oklahoma Capital Investment Board; dissolving Board; transferring management of certain investments and agreements. Effective date.

OK HB2042

Workforce solutions; Oklahoma Solutions Revolving Fund; appropriation; American Rescue Plan Act; funds; Oklahoma Department of Commerce; effective date; emergency.