The Oklahoma Senate gave approval on Tuesday to Senate Bill 1427 which would approve the funding for a reboot of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary Prison Rodeo.
The bill intends to create a revolving fund for the Department of Corrections and allocate $8.3 million to fund the revitalization efforts for the rodeo.
Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, the author of the bill, stated the return of the rodeo will boost morale for the prisoners, in addition to promoting tourism and generating revenue.
“The sport of rodeo is a classic American pastime that brings communities together,” Hamilton said. ” Our partners at DOC are committed to improving the lives of incarcerated Oklahomans, and revitalizing the prison rodeo is one way we can help them carry out their mission.”
The revitalization efforts are being widely supported across the state as the enhancements to the rodeo arena will make it suitable for additional events such as concerts and other rodeos. Organizations such as the Professional Bull Riders and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association have expressed interest in using the venue once construction is complete, further impacting the economies for the surrounding communities as well as the entire state.
SB 1427 can now be considered by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
