Department of Human Services; making appropriations; source; amounts; creating certain special accounts; deposits or transfers; procedures; reports; requiring appearance before certain joint committee.

More funding for Oklahoma human services

The law gives Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services up to $5.523 million from the Statewide Recovery Fund for added project costs. It provides up to $195,000, $328,000, and $5 million for projects in House Bill 2884’s Sections 4, 7, and 1, respectively. Spending must follow the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding’s May 12, 2025 recommendations. The department can retain no more than 2% for administrative costs incurred by it or on its behalf. Retained funds must be allowed under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The law does not set direct household payments or benefit amounts. Each appropriation gets a separate account that carries money across fiscal years. These accounts hold only money tied to these appropriations or otherwise directed by law. The state management office must complete and confirm requested deposits or transfers within seven calendar days of a written request. Payments require legally filed claims approved by that office and warrants issued by the State Treasurer. The department can make agreements with other state agencies to help manage the funds, but must keep control over them. It can also adopt or use rules and procedures that do not conflict with or obstruct the law. The department must submit quarterly budget, spending, and management reports to the committee chairs, plus copies of interagency agreements and third-party contracts. It must appear before the committee within six months after the law’s effective date and whenever requested. The State Treasurer determines when the accounts end and when reporting and appearances end as funds stop being budgeted, spent, or managed. The Treasurer must report the end of the oversight period to the Governor and legislative leaders.