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OklahomaHB 1543Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionHouse

Oklahoma Conservation Commission; expanding powers and duties of the Commission; effective date.

Sponsored By: Kenton Patzkowsky (Republican)

Became Law

Senate Committee

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Conservation districts can transfer easements

Beginning November 1, 2025, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission can transfer easements between conservation districts by administrative order. This adds easements to its existing power to transfer land. The affected district boards must submit a written request. A majority of the members of each affected board must approve it.

More partnership options for conservation programs

Beginning November 1, 2025, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission can make contracts it considers useful for its legal powers. These support shared staff, statewide programs with conservation districts, and finding funds for conservation work and pilot projects. The Commission can work with tribes and others and accept money, services, grants, and gifts for the Conservation District Act. It can also review district agreements with tribal agencies or groups. These powers do not create direct household payments.

Farm certification services can carry fees

Beginning November 1, 2025, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission can charge service fees under two conservation laws. They cover the Conservation District Act and the Oklahoma Carbon Sequestration Enhancement Act. Services include certifying or verifying sustainable farming practices, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Condition Index. Fees must be set through rules under the Administrative Procedures Act and be fair and equitable to everyone concerned. The law sets no fee amounts or schedule.

Conservation district merger fund authority ends

Beginning November 1, 2025, the Commission no longer has authority to create or maintain the Conservation District Consolidation Fund. That fund was intended to help pay costs for conservation districts that chose to combine. The law removes this source of assistance. It gives no funding amount.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kenton Patzkowsky

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Tom Woods

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 284 • No: 69

Senate vote • 5/29/2025

OVERRIDE

Yes: 32 • No: 13

House vote • 5/29/2025

OVERRIDE

Yes: 70 • No: 10

Senate vote • 5/29/2025

OVERRIDE

Yes: 30 • No: 15

Senate vote • 5/6/2025

THIRD READING

Yes: 31 • No: 15

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Committee vote: Energy

Yes: 8 • No: 3

House vote • 3/13/2025

THIRD READING

Yes: 76 • No: 11

House vote • 3/4/2025

DO PASS

Yes: 30 • No: 0

House vote • 2/10/2025

DO PASS

Yes: 7 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Filed with Secretary of State

    5/29/2025House

  2. Measure returned to House

    5/29/2025Senate

  3. Veto overridden: Ayes: 32 Nays: 13

    5/29/2025Senate

  4. Veto override failed: Ayes: 30 Nays: 15

    5/29/2025Senate

  5. To Senate

    5/29/2025House

  6. Veto overridden: Ayes: 70 Nays: 10

    5/29/2025House

  7. Vetoed 05/13/2025

    5/13/2025House

  8. Sent to Governor

    5/7/2025House

  9. Enrolled measure signed, returned to House

    5/7/2025Senate

  10. Enrolled, signed, to Senate

    5/7/2025House

  11. Referred for enrollment

    5/6/2025House

  12. Engrossed measure signed, returned to House

    5/6/2025Senate

  13. Measure passed: Ayes: 31 Nays: 15

    5/6/2025Senate

  14. General Order, Considered

    5/6/2025Senate

  15. Remove as author Senator Green; authored by Senator Woods

    4/29/2025Senate

  16. Placed on General Order

    4/22/2025Senate

  17. Reported Do Pass Energy committee; CR filed

    4/17/2025Senate

  18. Second Reading referred to Energy

    4/1/2025Senate

  19. First Reading

    3/17/2025Senate

  20. Engrossed, signed, to Senate

    3/17/2025House

  21. Referred for engrossment

    3/13/2025House

  22. Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 76 Nays: 11

    3/13/2025House

  23. General Order

    3/13/2025House

  24. Authored by Senator Green (principal Senate author)

    3/5/2025House

  25. CR; Do Pass Appropriations and Budget Committee

    3/5/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled (final version)

    5/7/2025

    PDF

  • Floor (Senate)

    4/21/2025

    PDF

  • Senate Committee Report

    4/17/2025

    PDF

  • Engrossed

    3/17/2025

    PDF

  • Floor (House)

    3/9/2025

    PDF

  • House Committee Report

    3/5/2025

    PDF

  • House Committee Report

    2/10/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/16/2025

    PDF

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