OklahomaOklahoma law sets limits on history funds and Davis contracts
Starting November 1, 2026, the law limits how the Historical Society dispenses funds and bars certain Davis Commission contracts without secured funding.
What it does
The Oklahoma Historical Society must dispense funds only for historical purposes, with the text referring to a definition in the Oklahoma Historical Preservation Act.
The Davis Commission may not contract to hire people, buy property or equipment, or build facilities unless the needed money has been appropriated or received.
Argument forRequiring money first could help the Davis Commission avoid contracts for staff, property, equipment, or buildings that it cannot pay for.
Argument againstThe funding rule could delay Commission contracts to hire people, buy property or equipment, or build facilities until money is secured.
More detail
The Oklahoma Historical Society must dispense funds only for historical purposes. This applies to funds the Oklahoma Historical Society dispenses. The text refers to historical purposes as defined by a paragraph of the Oklahoma Historical Preservation Act, but the amendment wording does not clearly show the final reference. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
The J.M. Davis Memorial Commission may not authorize certain contracts unless it has the necessary funds. This applies to the J.M. Davis Memorial Commission. This applies to contracts to hire people, buy property or equipment, or build facilities. The needed money must have been appropriated by the Legislature or actually received through gifts, grants, or contributions. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 13Approved by Governor Kevin Stitt 05/12/2026Became Law
- May 6Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6Signed, returned to Senate
- May 6Enrolled, to House
- May 6Referred for enrollment
- May 6Signed, returned to Senate
- May 6Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 76 Nays: 14Major
- May 6Coauthored by Representative(s) Hill
- May 6General Order
- Apr 23CR; Do Pass Appropriations and Budget CommitteeMinor
- Apr 21
- Vote recorded Appropriations And Budget Committee: Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 13Recommendation to the full committee; Do Pass Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources SubcommitteeMinor
- Apr 6
- Vote recorded Appropriations And Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee: Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 31Referred to Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources SubcommitteeMinor
- Mar 30Second Reading referred to Appropriations and BudgetMinor
- Mar 24First ReadingMinor
- Mar 24Engrossed to HousePassed House
- Mar 23Referred for engrossment
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 23Measure passed: Ayes: 39 Nays: 6Passed Senate
- Mar 23General Order, Considered
- Mar 9Coauthored by Representative Lepak (principal House author)
- Feb 19Placed on General Order
- Feb 17Reported Do Pass Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism committee; CR filedMinor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 3Second Reading referred to Economic Development, Workforce and TourismMinor
- Feb 2Authored by Senator Daniels
- Feb 2First ReadingIntroduced
Government & Ethics