Oklahoma Attorney General Seeks $5 Million Budget Increase

Attorney General Requests Budget Increase as Responsibilities Expand

Oklahoma’s attorney general is seeking additional funding from lawmakers, arguing his office faces expanding duties under new state laws and increased enforcement demands.

Oklahoma Attorney General Budget Request Explained to Lawmakers

Attorney General Gentner Drummond appeared before the House Judiciary Subcommittee requesting $5 million more for the next fiscal year. Drummond said the funding would support staffing, legal operations, and enforcement responsibilities added by recent legislative changes.

The request is part of broader budget discussions underway at the Capitol as agencies outline their financial needs ahead of the next fiscal year.

Federal Enforcement Partnerships Questioned

During the hearing, Representative Aletia Timmons, a former district judge, questioned how agreements with federal agencies such as ICE and Homeland Security are handled in Oklahoma. She specifically asked whether federal agents are required to wear identification or visibly display credentials.

Drummond responded that he is not aware of federal agents operating in the state while concealing their identities.

Budget Debate Reflects Growing Legal Workload

Lawmakers acknowledged that the attorney general’s role has expanded in recent years, particularly in areas involving federal cooperation, litigation, and enforcement of new state mandates.

The budget request will move through the legislative process alongside other agency funding proposals as lawmakers weigh priorities for the coming year.

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