Bill
SB 1163
DHS funding is shielded and bolstered to preserve senior, disability, and low-income program support, including meals, waivers, SNAP, and related services.
Baseline: Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1163, relating to the Department of Human Services (DHS). Emergency, with effective date July 1, 2026.
Purpose and overall intent
- The bill makes targeted appropriations and sets requirements to preserve funding levels for specific DHS programs, particularly those serving seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income populations. It aims to stabilize funding in light of federal changes (e.g., reduced federal matching dollars) and to ensure ongoing support for key DHS-administered services.
Key provisions and changes
- Section 1: One-time general revenue appropriation of $272,000 for FY ending June 30, 2027 to DHS to implement provisions of SB 1847 (2nd Session 60th Legislature).
- Section 2: From DHS funds appropriated in SB 1177 (2nd Session 60th Legislature), $7,729,197 to replace funding lost due to reduced federal matching dollars.
- Section 3: DHS must maintain funding levels for senior nutrition programs at the FY2026 level. Requires joint approval by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House before any senior nutrition sites may be closed in FY2027 due to attendance declines or higher costs.
- Section 4: Adds $2,500,000 to maintain the permanent second meal per day for the ADvantage Waiver Program (a waiver program serving individuals with disabilities).
- Section 5: Adds $5,000,000 to carry out provisions of SB 1806.
- Section 6: Adds $250,000 to carry out provisions of SB 1377.
- Section 7: Adds $4,560,000 to carry out provisions of HB 2778 (1st Session 60th Legislature).
- Section 8: Adds $25,575,000 to provide additional state funding for the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Section 9: DHS is authorized to transfer $3,000,000 to the 2-1-1 Hotline Revolving Fund (a line of funding for information and referral services).
- Section 10: Adds $38,993,761 to provide additional state funding for ADvantage waivers.
- Section 11: DHS must maintain funding levels for provider rates and service authorizations for Community, Homeward Bound, In-Home Supports for Adults and Children, and ADvantage waivers at FY2026 levels.
- Section 12: For the Developmental Disability Services Division, DHS may budget and expend funds beyond FY2026 for:
- family and self-advocate onboarding meetings/services
- professional development for case management and providers
- expansion of crisis services
- enhancements to intake processes
These are to strengthen service delivery for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities.
- Section 13: Funds transferred to the Developmental Disability Services Revolving Fund may not be used for administrative services, targeted case management, Medicaid match for ICF/IID or other non-described services.
- Section 14: DHS must transfer $5,600,000 to the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Account (10A O.S. statutes), with funds distributed per statute.
- Section 15: All federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and Child Care and Development Block Grant funds received in FY ending June 30, 2027 are appropriated to meet federal grant requirements.
- Section 16: DHS Director may request early transfer of tax collections to General Revenue via the OK Tax Commission to accelerate allocation to DHS to address cash-flow.
- Section 17: Budgetary discipline for inter-year transfers:
- OMES must transfer funds to DHS disbursing funds in amounts/ratios requested, but not exceeding cumulative equal monthly allotments.
- Funds may be transferred to satisfy encumbrances/obligations of the prior or current year, with a corresponding transfer back to maintain balance.
- DHS must maintain records of inter-year transfers.
- Section 18: DHS may transfer funds between DHS Support Service Providers Grant Program Fund and the DHS Disbursing Fund or DHS Medical and Assistance Fund as needed.
- Section 19: Effective July 1, 2026.
- Section 20: Emergency clause declaring immediate necessity for public peace, health, or safety; act takes effect upon passage and approval.
Who and what is affected
- Department of Human Services (DHS) as the primary administrator of the funds and programs addressed.
- Programs and services impacted or protected by funding levels:
- Senior nutrition programs
- ADvantage Waiver Program (disability services)
- Community, Homeward Bound, In-Home Supports for Adults and Children, and ADvantage waivers
- Developmental Disability Services Division activities (onboarding, professional development, crisis services, intake improvements)
- SNAP program administration
- 2-1-1 Hotline
- Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Account
- State agencies involved in budgeting and transfers: DHS, Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC)
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Emergency status with immediate effectiveness upon passage.
- Joint legislative approval required before closing senior nutrition sites (SB 1163 Section 3).
- Budgeting flexibility with inter-year transfers; explicit record-keeping requirements.
- Annual considerations tied to the FY2026/FY2027 funding levels and the fiscal year ending June 30.
- Provisions allow early allocation and transfers to mitigate cash-flow issues (Sections 16–18).
Note: The bill consolidates multiple prior appropriations and credits, aligning DHS funding with statutory programs and ensuring continued support for vulnerable populations amid changing federal funding.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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