Environment

HB 1817 creates the Oklahoma Water Resources Board Well Driller and Pump Installer Program to license professionals and prevent groundwater pollution. It requires well drillers and pump installers to meet training standards, partners with Oklahoma's Tier 1 research universities to develop groundwater workforce training, and establishes a revolving fund for program funding. The bill directly affects well drillers, pump installers, and groundwater industry professionals by mandating licensing and providing skills-based training. It aims to address groundwater protection through standardized practices and workforce development, effective November 1, 2025.

HB 1814, the "State Parks Emergency Maintenance Act," requires Oklahoma's Tourism and Recreation Department to submit an annual "Eight-Year State Parks Emergency Maintenance Plan" starting December 31, 2025. The plan must detail priority maintenance and construction projects, their costs, completion timelines, and status of previously funded work. It also establishes a revolving fund to finance these projects, limiting operational spending to no more than 20% of annual fund deposits. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, to address critical infrastructure needs across Oklahoma's state parks system.