Bill > SB159

This bill establishes a comprehensive veterans support initiative in Oklahoma by requiring the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to create a centralized headquarters and resource center in Del City, which will serve as a single location for connecting veterans with public and private services. The bill mandates that all state agencies providing veteran services must collaborate and support this center, and requires the development of a publicly accessible online interactive portal that will comprehensively list all veteran services available in the state. Additionally, the bill creates the Oklahoma Unified Veteran Services Commission, a diverse 11-member group comprising legislators, state agency heads, and key administrative officials, tasked with studying and evaluating the resources and costs associated with establishing the veterans headquarters and resource center. The Commission is required to submit detailed reports of its findings, including potential sites, architectural plans, and financial assessments, by December 31, 2026, to various legislative leaders and committee chairs. The bill is set to become effective on November 1, 2025, signaling a strategic, long-term approach to improving veteran support services in Oklahoma by creating a centralized, collaborative, and technologically integrated system.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb159&Session=2600