SB 996 Summary

• Creates the Emergency Drought Protection Special Fund under the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to provide funding for drought response activities when a drought emergency is declared by the Governor.

• Establishes eligible expenditures including pond construction and cleanup, water conservation methods, livestock water provision, rural fire suppression, red cedar eradication, soil conservation practices, and other Governor-identified drought response activities.

• Requires all fund expenditures to be approved by the Commission with preference given to activities not receiving other legislative appropriations, and warrants must be approved by the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

• Makes the fund a continuing fund not subject to fiscal year limitations and under control of the Conservation Commission's administrative authority.

• Declares an emergency effective date for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.