Bill > SB1325

This bill creates the Oklahoma Rural Investment for Sow Farms Act of 2024, which establishes a program within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to provide funding for sow farms to transition from individual gestation crates to group housing pens. The program aims to offset the costs of complying with state and federal regulations on animal agriculture facilities, while promoting more humane treatment of pregnant sows. The bill appropriates $47 million to a revolving fund to be used for the program, which will provide grants to eligible applicants based on criteria such as licensing, employee qualifications, and demonstrated commitment to humane treatment of animals. The bill also includes provisions to keep certain applicant information confidential and creates a review committee to analyze and recommend projects for approval.