SB 354 Summary

• Creates the Regional Water Planning Act establishing nine regional water planning councils aligned with Oklahoma Water Resources Board boundaries, with advisory roles to develop regional water plans and provide recommendations to state agencies.

• Each council comprises 9-15 members appointed equally by the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House Speaker by December 31, 2015, representing recreation, municipal/agricultural, and environmental water interests plus special district directors where applicable.

• Requires councils to develop water plans in three phases: Phase 1 (2 years) prioritizes projects and programs; Phase 2 (8 years) implements identified projects as funding allows; Phase 3 (10 years) completes a comprehensive 50-year regional water plan.

• Mandates councils submit annual reports by December 31 to leadership, hold public meetings with 45-day notice, and comply with Oklahoma Open Meeting and Open Records Acts; completed plans must be submitted to Oklahoma Water Resources Board for approval and incorporation into state comprehensive water plan.

• Provides funding divided equally among councils from legislative appropriations to the Water Resources Board, with additional competitive grants available for Phase 2 implementation, prioritizing councils that contribute cost-sharing; effective July 1, 2015.