Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1333

Introduced

2/2/26

Refer

2/3/26

Report Pass

2/5/26

Refer

2/5/26

Report Pass

2/18/26

Caption

Oklahoma Water Resources Board; establishing the Water Infrastructure Enhancement Program. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB1333 will significantly impact state laws related to water infrastructure funding and management. The bill creates a revolving fund that will not only be available for grants and loans to local communities but also ensure continuous funding without fiscal year limitations. This will facilitate long-term planning and investment in water resources, which is crucial given Oklahoma's ongoing challenges with water scarcity and infrastructure aging.

Summary

Senate Bill 1333 aims to establish a 'Water Infrastructure Enhancement Program' overseen by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. This program is designed to secure the long-term stability and modernization of essential water infrastructure within the state. It includes provisions for delivering direct grants to communities, implementing a water education outreach campaign, promoting regional water system planning grants, and expanding existing programs to enhance water management and compliance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1333 is largely positive, as stakeholders recognize the pressing needs for improved water infrastructure and the potential benefits of state support. Supporters argue that the bill represents a proactive approach to managing one of the state's most critical resources. There appears to be broad consensus among legislators in favor of the provisions of the bill, as indicated by the unanimous vote of 23-0 in the Appropriations Committee during the latest discussion.

Contention

Despite its support, there may be points of contention regarding the appropriateness of the grant allocations and the extent of governmental control versus local autonomy in water management. Critics could raise concerns about how effectively the funds will be allocated or whether the program sufficiently addresses the specific needs of various communities, considering that water management can vary widely across different regions in Oklahoma.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB92

Water and water rights; creating the Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Investment Program. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB265

Water and water rights; creating the Oklahoma Water Infrastructure Loan Program and Revolving Fund; stating Program and Fund purposes. Emergency.

OK HB1817

Waters and water rights; stating legislative findings; creating the Oklahoma Water Resources Board Well Driller and Pump Installer Program; effective date.

OK HB1323

Waters and water rights; directing the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to conduct certain study; effective date.

OK SB1151

Oklahoma Water Resources Board; making appropriations; identifying sources of funds. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1813

Waters and water rights; authorizing the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to enter into memorandums of understanding or contracts with certain entities; effective date.

OK HB1438

Waters and water rights; Rural Economic Action Plan grant program; monetary cap; effective date.

OK SB259

Water and water rights; establishing procedures for permitting, monitoring, and reporting of groundwater use; making an appropriation to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Effective date.

OK SB1008

Water and water rights; metering of wells; requiring all permit holders to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to implement certain allocation to encourage conservation after certain date. Effective date.

OK HB1588

Oklahoma Conservation Commission; creating the Spring Creek Watershed Study Act; effective date.