Oklahoma HB4246: Waters and water rights; authorizing the Department of Environmental Quality to contract with certain parties; effective date.

What the bill says

An Act relating to waters and water rights; amending 27A O.S. 2021, Section 2-6-103.1, which relates to contracts for technical assistance programs; authorizing the Department of Environmental Quality to contract with certain vendors; authorizing certain use of funds; stating how contracts shall be awarded; authorizing promulgation of rules and regulations; and providing an effective date.

From the engrossed text, April 20, 2026:

An Act relating to waters and water rights; amending 27A O.S. 2021, Section 2-6-103.1, which relates to contracts for technical assistance programs; authorizing the Department of Environmental Quality to contract with certain vendors; authorizing certain use of funds; stating how contracts shall be awarded; authorizing promulgation of rules and regulations; and providing an effective date. BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 27A O.S. 2021, Section 2-6-103.1, is amended to read as follows: Section 2-6-103.1. A. The Department of Environmental Quality may, to the extent funds are available, contract with the Oklahoma Rural Water Association and technically qualified vendors, as defined in the Department's regulations, for technical assistance programs to rural water and wastewater system operators throughout the state. The Department may use a portion of the funds appropriated for grants and assistance programs to rural water and SENATE FLOOR VERSION - HB4246 SFLR Page (Bold face denotes Committee Amendments) smal l systems to contract with technically qualified vendors to provide technical assistance programs to rural water and wastewater system operators throughout the state. Assistance in response to drinking water or wastewater emergencies is also eligible. The Department may contract with other nonprofit entities in addition to the Oklahoma Rural Water Association or technically qualified vendors for this purpose if the Department, in …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Chris Kannady (R, HD-091) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. April 20, 2026: Placed on General Order
2. April 20, 2026: Withdrawn from Appropriations committee
3. April 9, 2026: Referred to Appropriations
4. April 9, 2026: Reported Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Energy committee; CR filed
5. April 1, 2026: Second Reading referred to Energy Committee then to Appropriations Committee
6. March 24, 2026: First Reading
7. March 24, 2026: Engrossed, signed, to Senate
8. March 23, 2026: Referred for engrossment
9. March 23, 2026: Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 89 Nays: 4
10. March 23, 2026: General Order

Votes

• Senate Energy Committee (April 9, 2026): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate CORRECTED Energy Committee (April 9, 2026): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third Reading (March 23, 2026): 89 yea, 4 nay, passed
• Floor Vote (March 4, 2026): 11 yea, 1 nay, passed
• Floor Vote (February 17, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Committee (February 17, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB4246?

HB4246 is a bill in the Oklahoma Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Waters and water rights; authorizing the Department of Environmental Quality to contract with certain parties; effective date.

What does HB4246 do?

In its own words: An Act relating to waters and water rights; amending 27A O.S. 2021, Section 2-6-103.1, which relates to contracts for technical assistance programs; authorizing the Department of Environmental Quality to contract with certain vendors; authorizing certain use of funds; stating how contracts shall be awarded; authorizing promulgation of rules and regulations; and providing an effective date.

What is the status of HB4246?

Failed as of April 20, 2026. Latest action: Placed on General Order (April 20, 2026).

Who sponsored HB4246?

Chris Kannady (R, HD-091).

Where is the official record for HB4246?

On the Oklahoma Legislature website: https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB4246&Session=2600