Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1340

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24
• Report Pass: 2/6/24
• Report Pass: 2/14/24
• Engrossed: 2/28/24
• Refer: 3/25/24
• Refer: 3/27/24

Caption

Office of the Attorney General; creating certain revolving fund; providing for expenditures; providing purpose of fund. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB1340 will amend the existing statutes concerning the financial operations of the Attorney General's office, specifically creating a fund that is not subject to the typical fiscal year limitations. This continuous appropriations mechanism allows the Attorney General to respond more flexibly and rapidly to litigation challenges and to allocate resources toward fighting federal actions deemed detrimental to Oklahoma. The proposed legislation reflects a broader effort by some state officials to expand the authority and capacity of state governments to engage in legal battles with federal agencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 1340 proposes the creation of a new revolving fund, the 'Federal Overreach and Extraordinary Litigation Revolving Fund', to be managed by the Office of the Attorney General. This fund is intended to support the state's legal efforts to combat perceived federal overreach, address extraordinary litigation costs related to threats from foreign entities, interstate crime, terrorist organizations, significant violations of public trust, and issues related to statewide public safety. The establishment of this fund signifies an ongoing commitment by the state to assert its rights and interests in legal matters where it feels federal authority may be encroaching.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1340 appears to be largely supportive among proponents who view the bill as a necessary tool for protecting state sovereignty and ensuring that Oklahoma can effectively challenge federal actions perceived as overreach. The unanimous support in the Senate, with a vote tally indicating 43 in favor and none opposed, suggests a consensus among legislators about the importance of this issue. However, this bill may trigger part of a larger ideological clash about the limits of federal versus state authority, which could draw differing opinions from various advocacy and political groups in the future.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB1340 may revolve around the potential for increased litigation costs and how this fund will be financed. Critics might raise concerns about the implications of consistently engaging in legal battles with federal entities and whether resources would be better allocated elsewhere within public safety or service areas. Furthermore, there are strategic questions about what specific cases or instances will trigger use of the fund, which could fuel debate over the Attorney General's discretion in determining the priorities of the state's legal resources.