The bill amends various sections of Oklahoma law to transfer the administration of public assistance programs, including the Weatherization Assistance Program, Community Services Block Grant, and Emergency Solutions Grants Program, from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. This transition includes the responsibility for receiving federal funds, managing records, and overseeing personnel. The bill also establishes protections for employees affected by the transfer and mandates the formation of a transition team to facilitate the process. Additionally, it updates statutory language related to the Energy Conservation Assistance Fund, ensuring that the Department of Human Services will manage the disbursement and implementation of these programs.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the management of the Weatherization Revolving Fund, allowing for fund disbursement without legislative appropriation, with expenditures authorized by the State Treasurer based on claims from the Department of Human Services. It emphasizes the necessity of energy audits before grants are issued and outlines a lien process for loans related to energy conservation. The bill deletes provisions concerning the transfer of unallotted cash balances and outstanding financial obligations from the previous Weatherization Revolving Fund, streamlining the management process. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, following its passage in the House of Representatives on March 26, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 74-5003.4, 74-5003.5, 74-5003.7
Amended And Engrossed: 74-5040.4