OK HB1923

Creates the "Emergency Drought Relief Fund" as a continuing fund in the State Treasury, receiving monies from state appropriations, gifts, grants, private donations, or federal funding for emergency drought relief activities.

Transfers $3,000,000 from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (as appropriated in Enrolled House Bill No. 2301 of the 54th Oklahoma Legislature) to the newly created Emergency Drought Relief Fund.

Establishes the Emergency Drought Commission consisting of the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, with authority to determine fund expenditures subject to Governor approval.

Designates the Emergency Drought Relief Fund for drought response activities including pond cleanup and construction, water conservation methods, livestock water provision, rural fire suppression, red cedar eradication, soil conservation, emergency infrastructure conservation, and other drought response activities identified by the Commission.

Declares an emergency, making the bill effective immediately upon passage and approval, with Section 2 (the transfer) becoming effective July 15, 2013.