OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — House and Senate legislative committees have approved $13 million in supplemental funding to help Oklahoma's prison system pay for operational costs for the rest of the fiscal year that ends June 30.
Budget panels in both the House and Senate on Monday approved a bill that authorizes the $13 million and gives the Department of Corrections more authority to tap an internal agency revolving account.
The bill still must be approved by the full House and Senate and signed by the governor.
Norman Republican Rep. Scott Martin who sponsored the bill in the House says the money will be used to pay for private prison beds, a backup of inmates in county jails, and inmate medical services.
DOC Director Robert Patton says he appreciates the additional funding.