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HB 2115

Public assistance programs; directing the Department of Human Services to administer certain programs; federal funds; requirements; transferring certain powers, duties, records, assets and monies to the Department; effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Osburn and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2115 shifts Weatherization, CSBG, and Emergency Solutions Grants administration from Commerce to DHS, with a planned transition and preserved program rules.

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Bill Summary · HB 2115

Summary of HB 2115 (2026, Oklahoma)

HB 2115 is a comprehensive reorganization bill that primarily shifts responsibility for several federal and state public assistance programs from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services (DHS), with targeted associated changes to funding streams, administrative rules, and transition processes. The bill also modifies related Weatherization and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provisions and updates several program references.

1) Purpose and intent

  • To consolidate administration of specific public assistance programs under DHS, improving coordination of federal funds, program requirements, and service delivery.
  • To establish a structured transition plan, including personnel transfers (where voluntary), rule transfers, and a dedicated transition team.
  • To codify DHS as the recipient and administrator of certain federal funds (Weatherization, CSBG, and Emergency Solutions Grants) and align state statutes accordingly.

2) Key provisions and changes

  • New DHS-administered programs (Section 1, New Law in Title 56):
    • Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE)
    • Community Services Block Grant (HHS CSBG)
    • Emergency Solutions Grants Program (HUD)
  • DHS designated as the recipient of federal funds for these programs and responsible for meeting federal requirements (e.g., Consolidated Plans for HUD).
  • Transfer of program authority, records, assets, and obligations from the Department of Commerce to DHS on the effective date of the act.
  • Potential transfer of personnel from Commerce to DHS via agreement, with protections:
    • Transfers only with the employee’s written consent
    • No forced demotion or loss of accrued leave/retirement benefits
    • Coordination through the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES)
  • Transfer of administrative rules:
    • All Commerce rules governing these programs would transfer to DHS and continue as DHS rules.
    • The Secretary of State’s Office of Administrative Rules to publish the transfer in The Oklahoma Register.
  • Creation of a transition team to oversee the move, including DHS and Commerce representatives, plus community action agency stakeholders.
  • Related updates to Weatherization revolving funds and LIHEAP administration (Sections 2, 4, 5, and 6-12 of the bill, as amended in the conference substitute), including:
    • Continued funding mechanisms (Weatherization Revolving Fund) and LIHEAP administration by DHS/Commerce as updated.
    • Revisions to eligibility standards, grant amounts (cap of $3,000 per grant), income limits (125% of the federal poverty guidelines), audit and oversight requirements.
    • Requirements for energy audits prior to grant issuance.
    • Contractor oversight for weatherization work, with monitoring and audit duties assigned to the relevant department.
  • Effective date:
    • The act becomes effective January 1, 2028 (Sections 18 in both the conference committee substitute and final version).

3) Who/what would be affected

  • State agencies:
    • Transition of authority from Oklahoma Department of Commerce to Department of Human Services for Weatherization, CSBG, and Emergency Solutions Grants.
  • Funding and assets:
    • Transfer of funds, balances, encumbrances, and related obligations from Commerce to DHS.
  • Workforce:
    • Possible voluntary transfer of personnel from Commerce to DHS, with employee protections.
  • Service providers:
    • Community action agencies and nonprofit contractors engaged in weatherization and CSBG activities will operate under DHS rules and oversight, with transition planning.
  • Beneficiaries:
    • Low-income households benefiting from weatherization, CSBG services, and emergency housing/energy assistance programs.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Transition planning through a DHS-Commerce transition team.
  • Transfer of rules and funds to occur on the act’s effective date.
  • Annual reporting requirements maintained for RX/related health prescription provisions (5040.4 section retained and updated), with oversight.
  • Final effective date set for January 1, 2028, giving time for the transition period.

Overall, HB 2115 reorganizes administration of key federal funding streams to DHS, with careful transition provisions, while preserving program aims, eligibility standards, and accountability mechanisms.

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

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