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Committee approves bill to create revolving funds, allow part‑time hiring and ease purchases for veterans homes amid audit cautions

Veterans and Military Affairs Committee · February 12, 2026
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Summary

SB 21‑15 would establish revolving funds to expedite purchases, authorize part‑time or as‑needed health workers for veterans homes, and includes a purchase‑act exclusion that raised questions about safeguards; ODVA staff answered committee questions and the measure passed 9‑0.

Senator Stanley presented SB 21‑15 (committee substitute), describing several operational provisions for veterans homes: authority to hire part‑time or as‑needed nurses and health care providers to address staffing shortages (with examples at the Sallisaw veterans home), creation of a revolving fund to allow quicker procurement of supplies (laundry detergent, bedding, etc.), and other fiscal and staffing details.

Sean Kirkland, deputy director at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), explained one line item referring to a 'canceled warrant fund' as funds that may have been previously encumbered and returned to treasury (for example, duplicate purchase orders that require refunds), and said the language aims to allow those funds to be routed back into operating use without lengthy appropriation delays.

Several senators expressed concern about a proposed blanket exclusion from the state's purchasing act for veterans homes. Senator Kirk (member) cautioned that removing purchasing‑act safeguards could permit unfair or backroom deals; Senator Stanley and other proponents said they had discussed the matter with the department and planned audits and guardrails, and emphasized the need to be able to respond quickly when supplies are needed.

The committee ultimately voted to report SB 21‑15 do pass with a recorded tally of 9 ayes and 0 nays. Senator Stanley asked members to continue dissecting the bill as it moves forward to ensure appropriate protections and fiscal safeguards are in place.

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