Agricultural education; Ag in the Classroom Education Revolving Fund; Agricultural Awareness license plates; funding; program expansion; effective date.
Summary
HB2917 amends Oklahoma law governing the Ag in the Classroom Education Revolving Fund. The bill increases the amount of money from Agricultural Awareness license plate fees that is deposited into the fund from $24 to $27 per plate. It also expressly allows the fund to receive appropriations and other monies from additional sources, including federal grants, municipal contributions, private donations, and other receipts related to the program.
The bill further directs that any monies received above the $24 baseline from the license plate fee be used to expand the Ag in the Classroom Education Program into urban areas. The measure is set to take effect November 1, 2025.
Impact
HB2917 would amend 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1104.3, by changing the allocation of Agricultural Awareness license plate revenue and broadening the funding sources for the Ag in the Classroom Education Revolving Fund. It would increase dedicated revenue for the State Department of Agriculture and make those monies continuously appropriated for program use, while specifically earmarking additional funds for urban program expansion. The bill affects the Department of Agriculture, the revolving fund, and purchasers of Agricultural Awareness license plates.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests generally favorable support, as the bill advanced from the House Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee by a 6-4 vote and was recommended to the full committee as amended. The committee action indicates the measure had enough support to move forward, though not unanimously.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be the funding increase and how the additional license plate revenue should be used. Supporters likely favor strengthening agricultural education and expanding outreach, especially into urban areas, while opponents may have concerns about increasing the amount diverted from license plate fees or about the scope of the program expansion. The 6-4 committee vote suggests some disagreement over the fiscal and policy priorities behind the fund increase and earmark.
Carry Over
Agricultural education; Ag in the Classroom Education Revolving Fund; Agricultural Awareness license plates; funding; program expansion; effective date.
Agricultural education; Ag in the Classroom Education Revolving Fund; Agricultural Awareness license plates; funding; program expansion; effective date.
Agriculture; Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; National School Lunch Act; School Lunch Workshop Revolving Fund; funds; State Board of Education; repealer; effective date.
Agriculture; Expanding Access to Local Foods Act of 2025; definition; Expanding Access to Local Foods Program; Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; revolving fund; effective date.