OKLAHOMA CITY — A day after the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a law that would have altered the governance of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), state leaders formally launched nearly $150 million in long-term health infrastructure investments aimed at strengthening care statewide and improving Oklahoma’s quality of life.
The court’s 8-1 ruling invalidated House Bill 2783, which would have allowed board members of TSET to serve at the pleasure of their appointing authorities rather than for fixed 7-year terms set in the state constitution. The decision preserved the independence of the trust just as it begins implementing one of the largest investment efforts in its history.
TSET announced the statewide rollout of 14 “Legacy Grant” projects funded through a competitive process that drew 167 applications. The projects, spread across rural and urban communities, target health care access, workforce development, clinical research, nutrition and communitybased prevention. Individual awards range from $500,000 to $30 million.
Governor Kevin Stitt said the initiative builds on momentum from federal rural health funding and ensures investments reach every corner of the state. Projects include cancer clinical trials in Tulsa, nursing education in Ada and food security programs for students.
TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee said the focus is on longterm capacity rather than short-term programs. “This work is about building durable systems and staying focused on prevention that reduces chronic disease over time,” she said.
TSET Board Chair Ken Rowe noted the launch reflects the intent of voters who created the trust 25 years ago to safeguard settlement funds and invest them strategically.
“These investments were designed to last,” Rowe said. “As the endowment matures, Oklahoma can make big strides in transforming health for all Oklahomans.”
The Supreme Court decision underscored that independence. Writing for the majority, Vice Chief Justice Dana Kuehn said HB 2783 conflicted with the constitutional amendment establishing TSET by undermining fixed board terms and making members dependent on appointing authorities. “HB 2783 doesn’t clarify TSET, it subverts it,” Kuehn wrote.
The ruling blocked implementation of the law, which emerged during last year’s budget process after lawmakers sought greater influence over how settlement funds might be used for state projects.
Attorney Bob Burke, who represented TSET board members, praised the decision, saying voters intended to protect Oklahoma’s share of the tobacco settlement from legislative diversion. He encouraged continued dialogue between the board, the governor and legislative leaders.
The court’s lone dissenter, Justice Travis Jett, argued the case should have first been heard in district court.
With governance questions settled, TSET officials said funded projects are now entering early execution, including staffing, planning and procurement, with regular updates to be provided as implementation continues.
