OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation by Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, to ensure Oklahoma participates in the federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children program has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Beginning with the 2027 program year, House Bill 3638 requires the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to administer the program in coordination with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which will assist in determining eligibility.

"This is a fiscally conservative, targeted approach to support Oklahoma families while responsibly leveraging federal resources," Gise said. "For every state dollar invested, Oklahoma can draw down roughly twelve dollars in federal funds. That is a strong return for taxpayers and a smart use of dollars already being collected at the federal level."

Gise says she believes benefits should be a trampoline to self-sufficiency, not a hammock for dependency.

"This program reflects that principle. It is temporary, targeted and focused solely on low-income children during a gap in the school year when meals are not otherwise available because we know that hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation," Gise said.

Under HB3638, benefits would only allow for essential food purchases and would not be used for soda, candy or other non-nutritive products, something she says ensures strong guardrails and accountability for taxpayers.

Gise gave the example of a $4.9 million state investment under the measure, Oklahoma would unlock more than $63 million in federal funds to support over half a million low-income children.

"That’s a strong return for taxpayers, with an estimated $75 million in economic activity benefiting local communities across the state," Gise said.

The legislation also would create the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program Revolving Fund, structured to operate with both public and private support. This fund would allow Oklahoma to accept private donations and partner with community organizations to offset administrative costs and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

"We are building this the right way," Gise said. "A revolving fund supported by both public and private partners ensures long-term sustainability without growing government. This is about maximizing resources, minimizing state cost and ensuring Oklahoma’s most vulnerable children don’t go hungry."

HB3638 now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, is the Senate author.