HB 1827 Summary

• Creates the Emergency Drought Protection Special Fund within the State Treasury under the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to provide cost-share funds for drought response activities.

• Fund activation requires a formal declaration of drought conditions by the Governor; no expenditures permitted without this declaration.

• Authorized drought response activities include pond cleanup and construction, water conservation methods, livestock water provision, rural fire suppression, red cedar eradication, and other activities identified by the Governor.

• All fund expenditures must be approved by the Commission and processed through the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

• Declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.