OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today approved legislation to bring more federal funding to counties across the state.

Senate Bill 858 was presented by Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater. The bill was authored in the Senate by Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater.

Senate Bill 858 empowers a board of county commissioners to expand federal funds made available to the counties through the CARES Act or similar federal relief measures. The legislation dictates that receipt by the county of this federal funding will not be considered a supplemental appropriation, and will not be considered revenue when setting the county’s budget for the next fiscal year.

“Senate Bill 858 would ensure our 77 counties across the state can receive and utilize federal relief funds without worrying about potentially losing significant portions of their state funding,” Talley said. “This gives more opportunities for our counties to continue recovering from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for their support.”

Talley said the language is supported by the Association of County Commissioners.

SB858 passed the House 87-0 and now returns to the Senate for their consideration.