From The House Communications Division
Under legislation filed by state Rep. Elise Hall, Oklahomans could go to one online site to learn about state debt.
House Bill 2857 authorizes the creation of checkbook.ok.gov, where information would be provided on all obligation and revenue bonds, debt, bonds issued by enterprise funds and component units of state government and higher-education master lease agreements.
“Even for a small state like Oklahoma, the complexity of the state’s finances are such that it takes quite a bit of work to break it down and make it easy to understand, even for lawmakers,” Hall (R-Oklahoma City) said. “Checkbook.ok.gov will make it possible for Oklahomans to understand their state government’s obligations like never before.”
Checkbook.ok.gov would also provide the amount paid on an annual basis to retire the debt, the amount attributable to interest and fees on an annual basis and the complete debt repayment schedule. Historical data would also be available.
“Technology has opened up all sorts of possibilities for greater transparency and I am proud to author this legislation to make more information easily accessible to the general public,” Hall said.
House Bill 2857 will be eligible for a committee hearing once the legislative session begins on Feb. 6.
