Regina Birchum

The committee discussed the Budget and Finance Act of 2025, focusing on the allocation of funds from the Legacy Capital Financing Fund. A key aspect was authorizing the utilization of a specific amount to benefit the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medicine Authority, including provisions for constructing, refurbishing, or expanding animal teaching hospitals and related facilities. The discussion also covered recapitalization payments over a set period and the authorization and limitations of memoranda of understanding to facilitate the act.

The act relates to appropriations, making an appropriation to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, stating its purpose, and declaring an emergency for the preservation of public peace, health, or safety.

The joint committee on appropriations and budget reviewed SB1126, concerning the State Board of Education. The act specifies the apportionment of appropriated funds, provides for budgeting funds in certain categories and amounts, and requires the development of certain performance measures. It also addresses the transfer of funds, limits authority to reduce certain apportionments, and requires certain funds to be expended for specific purposes. The legislative intent regarding expenditures for direct costs is stated, and the State Department of Education is prohibited from contracting for certain administrative costs in a particular program. The act also provides for the duties and compensation of employees, allows for the reduction or withholding of State Aid funds, and authorizes the State Board of Education to request the transfer of certain funds and early allocations. Additionally, it addresses proportional reductions of allocations under certain conditions and authorizes exemptions from budgetary limits for unanticipated federal funds.

The joint committee meeting on appropriations and budget addressed House Bill 2779 concerning public finance and the Budget and Finance Act of 2025. The committee recommended the bill for passage with a committee substitute, which included amendments. The bill allocates funds to the Department of Public Safety for the School Secure Program, transferred from the State Board of Education.

The committee reviewed SB647, concerning cities and towns and establishing requirements for legislative municipal procedures, and recommended its passage as amended. The title was stricken and amendments were adopted.