Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1627

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  

Caption

Appropriations; Oklahoma Department of Commerce; Tulsa Race Massacre; revolving fund; effective date; emergency.

Impact

The establishment of this fund represents a significant step towards addressing historical grievances related to the Tulsa Race Massacre. By enabling the Department of Commerce to administer payments directly to victims and their descendants, the bill attempts to provide a formal mechanism for compensation, which could have lasting implications on state laws surrounding reparations and civil rights. This initiative showcases Oklahoma's commitment to acknowledge past atrocities and seek some form of justice for the victims of the massacre.

Summary

House Bill 1627 proposes an appropriation of $300 million to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce with the purpose of implementing a reparations program for victims and descendants of the Tulsa Race Massacre that occurred on May 31 through June 1, 1921. The bill aims to provide compensation for damages experienced during these events, acknowledging the historical injustices faced by the affected community. It establishes a revolving fund specifically designated for this reparations program, known as the 'Tulsa Race Massacre Victims' Compensation Revolving Fund.'

Contention

While the bill is a move towards historical recognition and reparative justice, it may encounter various points of contention. Critics may argue about the allocation of funds and how effectively they will be distributed among the victims and their families. Additionally, there may be broader discussions regarding the implications of reparations in Oklahoma and beyond, including debates on funding sources, eligibility criteria, and the overall effectiveness of such programs in addressing systemic inequalities.

Companion Bills

OK HB1627

Carry Over Appropriations; Oklahoma Department of Commerce; Tulsa Race Massacre; revolving fund; effective date; emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK SB278

Department of Commerce; requiring Department to create program; establishing requirements for program; creating the Tulsa Race Massacre Victims' Compensation Revolving Fund; making appropriation. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB278

Department of Commerce; requiring Department to create program; establishing requirements for program; creating the Tulsa Race Massacre Victims' Compensation Revolving Fund; making appropriation. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB74

Department of Commerce; making appropriation; providing for implementation of program of compensation related to the Tulsa Race Massacre. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB74

Department of Commerce; making appropriation; providing for implementation of program of compensation related to the Tulsa Race Massacre. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB4228

Original Justice for living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act

OK HR155

Commends Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, on the occasion of her one hundred eleventh birthday

OK HB1502

Appropriations; Oklahoma Department of Commerce; HAZMAT facilities; construction; operation; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1502

Appropriations; Oklahoma Department of Commerce; HAZMAT facilities; construction; operation; effective date; emergency.

OK SB1350

Oklahoma Department of Commerce; making an appropriation; identifying source of funds. Emergency.

OK HB1540

Appropriations; Oklahoma Workforce Education Partnership Revolving Fund; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

OK HB4104

Crimes and punishment; Class B5 offenses; adding offenses; loitering; felony offenses; Sex Offenders Registration Act; adding offenses for registration; effective date.

OK SB1460

Crimes and punishments; modifying offenses in certain classes of felonies; creating felony offenses for second or subsequent offenses; adding offenses for which registration pursuant to the Sex Offenders Registration Act applies. Effective date.

OK SB1936

Crimes and punishments; creating felony offense related to false impersonation of peace officers; broadening scope of allowable seizure. Effective date.

OK HB3268

Motor vehicles; classifying the knowing display or manufacture of a fictious license plate as a Class D3 offenses; effective date.

OK SB881

Crimes and punishments; authorizing certain petition under certain circumstances. Effective date.

OK SB881

Crimes and punishments; authorizing certain petition under certain circumstances. Effective date.