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SB 1175

Oklahoma Water Resources Board; making an appropriation; requiring certain funds be used for certain purposes. Effective date. Emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Trey Caldwell

SB 1175 provides targeted funding for rural water projects and a regional northeast Oklahoma water-system design, with immediate effect via an emergency clause.

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Bill Summary · SB 1175

Summary of SB 1175 (2026) – Oklahoma

Overview
SB 1175 is a committee-substitute bill in the 2026 Oklahoma legislative session that authorizes appropriations to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and directs certain funds to targeted water-related programs. The act includes an emergency clause giving the bill immediate effect upon passage and approval.

Main purpose
- To provide targeted funding to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for specified water-related projects and programs, including:
- A designated appropriation to support the provisions of another enrolled bill (SB 259, 2nd Session).
- Transfer of funds to the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Water Projects Fund (Fund 225) for loan programs.
- A dedicated allocation for designing a regional water system in northeast Oklahoma.

Key provisions and changes
1. General Revenue appropriation to OWRB
- Appropriation: $925,000 from General Revenue (for FY ending June 30, 2027), to be used to carry out the provisions of Enrolled SB 259 (2nd Session of the 60th Legislature).
- Source: Monies not otherwise appropriated from the General Revenue Fund of the State Treasury.

  1. Transfer to REAP Water Projects Fund

    • Directive: From funds appropriated to the OWRB in Enrolled SB 1177 (2nd Session, 60th Legislature), the Board shall deposit $10,000,000 to the Rural Economic Action Plan Water Projects Fund (Fund 225).
    • Purpose: The REAP fund supports rural water projects; the transfer enables loan funds to be held and disbursed under applicable regulations and Board policies.
    • Mechanism: OWRB may contract with financial institutions and execute instruments necessary to manage the loan funds.

  2. Northeast Oklahoma regional water system project

    • Directive: From the funds appropriated to the OWRB in Enrolled SB 1177, $2,000,000 shall be used for a project to design a regional water system in northeast Oklahoma.
    • Scope: Design funding for a regional water system (presumably to improve supply reliability and regional cooperation in that region).

  3. Effective date and emergency designation

    • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
    • Emergency: The act includes an emergency clause, making the act take effect immediately upon passage and approval to address urgent public needs.

Additional context from supporting materials
- The bill was amended by a committee substitute and received favorable reports from the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget (DO PASS as amended).
- The action history shows rapid movement through the legislature with approvals, enrollments, and signatures occurring in April 2026.

Who is affected
- Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB): Receives specific General Revenue appropriations and is charged with transferring funds to the REAP fund and allocating funds for the northeast Oklahoma regional water system design.
- Rural communities and water projects: REAP-funded water projects will benefit from the $10 million transfer, enabling loan programs for rural water infrastructure.
- Northeast Oklahoma residents: The $2 million funding earmarked for designing a regional water system would potentially impact planning and development in that region.
- State treasury and general revenue: Overall appropriations alter the distribution of General Revenue for the specified fiscal year.

Timeline and fiscal notes
- FY covered: The General Revenue appropriation applies to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
- Transfers and allocations: Immediate effect upon enactment for the specified funds, with funds directed to REAP and to a regional design project.
- Legislative process: Passed through joint appropriations committees with emergency language, enabling rapid deployment.

Bottom line
SB 1175 redirects and earmarks funds to bolster rural water infrastructure financing and regional water planning, while providing a targeted, short-term General Revenue appropriation to support related water resources activities and ensuring rapid implementation through an emergency provision.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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