LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 49Th Oklahoma Legislature First Session – 2003

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 49th Oklahoma Legislature First Session – 2003

OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

From: Carolyn McCoy & Lesa Jolly-Borin

Wednesday, June 11, 2003

This is the final legislative update for the First Session of the 49th Oklahoma Legislature, which adjourned Sine Die at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2003.

The first legislative update for the Second Session of the 49th Oklahoma Legislature will be sent on Friday, January 30, 2004.

The Second Session of the 49th Oklahoma Legislature will convene at 8:00 a.m. on Mon- day, February 2, 2004.

Thank you for working with us this session. We look forward to next year! Lesa & Carolyn

Highlights This Week:

Democrat Wins Special Election for Stipe’s Spot By John Greiner - From The Daily Oklahoman

State Rep. Richard C. Lerblance of Hartshorne was elected Tuesday to finish out the state Senate term of Gene Stipe, who resigned in March.

Lerblance, a Democratic freshman in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, defeated Republican Jess Davis of McAlester in the special general election to fill the remaining year of Stipe’s term.

Lerblance, an attorney, captured 55.2 percent of the vote to 44.8 percent of the vote for Davis, 62, in the heavily Democratic southeastern Oklahoma state Senate district.

With all 86 precincts reporting, Lerblance defeated Davis, 5,595 to 4,544, according to unofficial returns tabulated Tuesday night.

The district includes Pittsburg, Latimer and Haskell counties and a portion of Sequoyah County.

“We’re extremely pleased we won. It was a lot closer than we thought it would be. I think this is a classic example of voter apathy,” Lerblance, 57, said of the election margin.

Voter registration in the Senate district is 7-1 Democratic, he said.

The election shows Democrats must work hard in every election, he said.

Lerblance said he carried every county, but his heaviest margins came from eastern Pittsburg County and Latimer and Haskell counties, as well as the portion of Sequoyah County that is in the Senate district.

He hopes to be sworn in as senator next week, he said.

Lerblance said he will represent all the people of the district.

His issues remain the same as they were while he was in the House, he said. Those include education, jobs, eldercare, the economy, veterans and health care, he said.

Lerblance and voters of the district kept intact a record of electing only Democrats to this Senate seat since Oklahoma became a state.

Official returns will be certified by the state Election Board on Friday.

The election of Lerblance means another special election must be held to fill the remaining year of his term in the House of Representatives. He represents House District 17.

The governor will have to issue a proclamation declaring a special election for the House seat.

Stipe, who had served in the Legislature 53 years, resigned March 11. He later pleaded guilty in federal court to charges he gave more than $245,000 to Democrat Walt Roberts’ unsuccessful congressional campaign and then lied to federal investigators about the source of the money.

Stipe’s sentencing is pending.

Veto of student testing measure completes action on bills By Jeff Packham - Staff Writer

(GIT) Gov. Brad Henry took his final action on bills Tuesday as he signed 21 measures and vetoed one related to student performance levels in the Oklahoma School Testing Program Act.

HB 1476, by Rep. Joan Greenwood, R-Moore, and Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City, would have standardized performance levels for criterion-referenced tests to what the average student should know, as opposed to a standard of what the average student does know, relative to content, pursuant to the Oklahoma School Testing Program Act.

"The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires the establishment of a single system of accountability," Henry explained in his veto message. "SB 1414, previously signed into law, provides a good system of accountability and complies with the requirement of the federal act.

"This legislation would set up a dual system of accountability and would be out of compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act," Henry concluded.

2 Among the final bills signed by Henry this session was HB 1158, by Mitchell and Morgan, makes an appropriation of $3,864,077 to the Oklahoma Arts Council, a decrease from the previous fiscal year of $454,406.

HB 1180, by Mitchell and Morgan, authorizes the transfer of certain real property to the Military De- partment of the State of Oklahoma.

HB 1207, by Mitchell and Morgan, makes an appropriation of $7,997,813 to the Oklahoma Corpora- tion Commission, a reduction of 17.9 percent or $1,737,808.

HB 1211, by Mitchell and Morgan, makes an appropriation of $2,072,157 to the State Insurance De- partment, a $799,856 decrease from the current fiscal year.

HB 1218, by Mitchell and Morgan, makes an appropriation of $501,088 to the Department of Securi- ties, a decrease of $193,527.

HB 1227, by Morgan and Mitchell, relates to the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Train- ing.

HB 1356, by Rep. Clay Pope, D-Loyal, and Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, merges and repeals a duplicate section relating to revenue and taxation.

HB 1467, by Rep. William R. Paulk, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Angela Monson, D-Oklahoma City, creates the Oklahoma Catastrophic Health Emergency Planning Task Force and require a plan to be submitted no later than Dec. 31, 2003.

HB 1771, by Rep. Jari Askins, D-Duncan, and Sen. Sam Helton, D-Lawton, allows each district attorney the discretion to include "[Crimes] punishable by not more than one year in the county jail, except violations alleged pursuant to Sections 11-902 and 11-904 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes and domestic abuse, and to monitor conditions of probation as agreed to by the parties." to the criminal complaints which may be deferred from prosecution. The measure allows the accused and the state to execute an agreement, through the district attorney, to waive rights to a speedy accusation, trial and the statute of limitations, so as to include but not limit to the accused, to the fulfillment of restitution and community service for deferred prosecution.

HB 1814, by Rep. Danny Hilliard, D-Sulphur, and Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, provides for the "delivery sale" and "delivery service" of cigarettes and require that all state laws be followed concerning the sale of tobacco.

SB 24, by Morgan and Mitchell, makes an appropriation of $4,095,100 to the Commissioners of the Land Office, which is equal to the previous year's allocation.

SB 30, by Morgan and Mitchell, makes an appropriation of $6,166,270 to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, a decrease of $725,139.

SB 64, by Morgan and Mitchell, makes an appropriation of $2,958,570 to the Department of Labor, a decrease of $720,000.

SB 148, by Morgan and Mitchell, makes an appropriation of $6,220,557 to the Oklahoma Conserva- tion Commission, a decrease of $1,066,537.

3 SB 154, by Morgan and Mitchell, makes an appropriation of $6,228,494 to the Oklahoma Water Re- sources Board, a reduction of 22.81 percent or $1,840,649.

SB 155, by Morgan and Mitchell, relates to the Rural Economic Action Plan and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

SB 180, by Morgan and Mitchell, appropriates $12,210,888 to the Department of Central Services, a decrease of $2,104,731.

SB 325, by Sen. Robert Milacek, R-Enid, and Rep. Greg A. Piatt, R-Ardmore, sets fees for reinstate- ment of driver license following suspension of the license.

SB 353, by Sen. Charles R. Ford, R-Tulsa and Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, allows the manu- facture, wholesale and retail of low-point beer (3.2 or under) and the brewing and wholesale of beer above 3.2 in Oklahoma.

SB 358, by Sen. Keith Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Jerry W. Hefner, D-Wagoner, relates to the filling of vacancies on state and county election boards, and would extend overseas absentee ballot deadline.

SB 643, by Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, and Rep. Larry R. Ferguson, R-Cleveland, allows for members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System who retire on or after the member's nor- mal retirement date to be entitled to receive an annual retirement benefit equal to 2.5 percent of the member's final average compensation.

The signings were announced as the last of the bills that had been submitted to the Secretary of State's office.

"Overall, I think it was a fairly productive session, given the revenue challenges we faced," Henry said. "We didn't solve every problem confronting the state, but we certainly made significant progress on a number of pressing matters. We will be working on the unresolved issues in the months to come and will be ready to address them when lawmakers return to the Capitol for their next session."

Approximately 500 bills and resolutions were passed and submitted to Henry for consideration this session with only 12 measures vetoed and one line-item vetoed. Two bills were recalled from Henry's desk at the request of the authors and were not resubmitted.

State agencies begin announcing reductions in force From OPEA

(OKLAHOMA) Only one week after the adjournment of the 2003 Legislative session, several Okla- homa state agencies began announcing reductions in force (RIFs) in response to slashed budgets caused by lack of revenue in state coffers.

Oklahoma Public Employees Association (OPEA) Executive Director Gary Jones expressed his concerns over the recent RIF announcements Tuesday.

“It’s disheartening that state employees will have to feel cuts so soon after the legislature concluded this year’s session,” Jones said. “These are real cuts that agencies must make, and unfortunately, it’s only going to get worse.”

4 However, Jones says the Legislature has an opportunity to correct this dire situation.

“Oklahomans care about our state and the services state employees provide, and they want the legislature to do the right thing which should include reconvening in a special session to address the extreme budget crisis,” Jones said. “It’s in the hands of our lawmakers, and we hope they make the right decision for the future of our state. Without much needed assistance, agency cuts will be a tragedy for the people of Oklahoma who are going to lose much needed services for our children, elderly and needy.”

While the numbers are just beginning to surface, OPEA had been given some estimated numbers of the reductions from various agencies including 120 positions at the Department of Health (through VOBO and RIF), 56 positions at the Office of Juvenile Affairs, 90 positions at the Military Depart- ment, 26 positions at the Department of Commerce, 46 positions at the Corporation Commission, and 91 positions at the Department of Education.

Collections enough to avoid increase in budget cuts By Jeff Packham - Staff Writer

(GIT) Despite revenue collections lower than the prior year and the estimate, state agencies will not have to increase budget reductions implemented earlier this year.

Preliminary reports showed the General Revenue Fund collections for May to be $314.1 million, which was $31.7 million or 9.2 percent below the prior year and $49.6 million or 13.6 percent below the estimate.

Office of State Finance Director Scott Meacham said the agency allocations for June would continue to be reduced 13.74 percent, which was the same amount as the May reduction.

"May collections were sufficient to allow us to avoid increasing the budget cuts," he said.

According to Meacham, collections were higher for the corporate income tax, sales tax and the natural gas gross production tax, but they were not enough to offset lower than expected individual income tax collections.

"In the individual income tax area, we saw more refunds being paid than we had expected," Meacham said. "According to the Tax Commission, all remaining refunds ready for processing were processed in May, which is significantly earlier than the prior year."

Income tax collections yielded $104.6 million to the General Revenue Fund, which was $44.6 million or 29.9 percent below the prior year and $54.1 million or 34.1 percent below the estimate. This included individual and corporate returns.

Individual returns generated $98.9 million, which was $47.4 million or 32.4 percent below the prior year and $56.6 million or 36.4 percent below the estimate. Corporate returns produced $5.6 million, which was $2.8 million or 95.3 percent above the prior year and $2.5 million or 76.9 percent above the estimate.

The state's sales tax collections produced $102.6 million, which was an increase of $2.5 million or 2.5 percent from the prior year but a decrease of $6.5 million or 6 percent from the estimate.

The gross production taxes were up $44.1 million, which was $21.4 million or 94.6 percent higher than the prior year and $20.3 million or 85.1 percent above the estimate.

Other sources of revenue generated a total of $62.9 million to the General Revenue Fund. Those sources included tax collections on motor vehicles, cigarettes, liquor, insurance and inheritance, as well as money from interest and investments.

Workshop on graduate education innovations held From NSF

(ARLINGTON, Va.)Advanced education faces significant challenges from the impact of changing population demographics, the information technology revolution, the globalization of science, and evolving workforce needs, but lacks key data needed to evaluate educational innovations, according to participants of the National Science Foundation-hosted “Future of Graduate Education Workshop.”

The workshop, held March 19-20, sought to identify the potential impact of forces changing the future environment of graduate education, to define the desirable characteristics of graduate education, and to identify what is necessary to ensure graduate-level education meets the emerging needs of the nation.

Participants included scientists, educators, students, and executives from academia, government, nonprofit organizations and industry.

“It’s recognized that graduate education is evolving right now at an unprecedented rate as student populations change and new methods of learning emerge along with new disciplines,” said Joan F. Lorden, dean in residence at NSF’s Division of Graduate Education and a workshop organizer. “The workshop participants pointed out that graduate education still faces competing pressures and struc- tures that tend to perpetuate the status quo and there is a massive gap in graduate education research. Without this body of research, meaningful institutionalized change won’t be possible.”

The workshop’s participants took note of burgeoning features of graduate education such as on-line learning and mobile student populations and surmised that for-profit colleges and professional mas- ter’s degrees will also become more prevalent as future generations seek knowledge that will allow them to immediately capitalize upon employment opportunities.

Jennifer Slimowitz, an American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow with NSF’s Di- vision of Graduation Education and the workshop’s co-organizer, said, “It’s expected that business and industry will seek targeted knowledge to reach specific objectives using international teams comprised of interdisciplinary members. ‘Just-in-time’ knowledge may ultimately become as commonly practiced as ‘just-in time’ manufacturing and distribution. To find out how to meet this demand will require research-driven change.”

Water heater violations pose hazards at Panhandle University From OK Dept. of Labor

(OKLAHOMA) Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau Wynn announced the discovery of hazardous conditions on the campus of Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell.

She said the situation requires “immediate attention and corrective action by the school and by the contractor who did the work improperly.” The commissioner released the text of a letter from the La- bor Department to campus leadership concerning the problem.

According to the letter by Marion Holloway, chief boiler inspector at the Oklahoma Department of Labor, “extremely hazardous conditions were found to exist” in married student housing at the school.

6 The findings detailed in his letter to the university were the result of inspections of water heaters per- formed May 22. The water heaters for “approximately 75 units” at campus married student housing were inspected by professional staff from the state Department of Labor, and “most, if not all” of the units were “improperly installed,” Holloway said.

According to Holloway, “During recent re-roofing operations the exhaust flues were removed.” When reinstalled, “they were not properly reattached to the water heaters. Approximately one third of the exhaust flues were found to be completely disconnected from the water heaters. Most of the remaining two thirds were found to be misaligned.” Holloway wrote, “These conditions pose a serious threat of carbon monoxide poisoning and create a significant fire hazard. Until the water heater exhaust flues are properly reconnected, a serious hazard to public safety exists.”

Holloway notified OPSU that “the certificates of operation for each water heater located in married student housing are immediately suspended.” The suspension, Hollway wrote, “will remain in effect until such time as each water heater exhaust flue has been properly reconnected.”

OU Medical Center nurse marries in hospital emergency room From OU Medical Center

(OKLAHOMA CITY) Love can really find two people in the strangest places.... but an emergency room at OU Medical Center... now that is really different.

But an uncommon beginning would not be complete without an unusual ending; and that is exactly how this love story concluded on June 6, 2003 with the wedding ceremony of Carrie Baker and John Blumenthal at the very spot they met - the OU Medical Center Emergency Room.

In May 2000, Baker, a nurse just a few weeks removed from her nursing school graduation date, was working the night shift in the emergency department at the hospital. It was a very busy night with pa- tients in nearly every room and the last thing on Baker’s mind was finding her soul mate. In fact she was so busy, she almost let him slip by.

Blumenthal, or “Blu” as he is known by all his friends, was investigating an assault case that was brought to the OU Medical Center emergency department. He approached Baker for some assistance and she barely had time to look up at him.

“I was sitting at the nurses station filling out paper work and this Oklahoma City officer came up and asked for help,” said Baker. “I barely had time to look up at him. I told him he had to fill out his report before I could help him and then went back to my work. I am sure he thought I was kind of rude to him.”

Interestingly, the two had quite a bit in common. Baker was a brand-new nurse and Blumenthal had just graduated from the police academy, both rookies in their careers. After that night, Blumenthal, who works the south side of Oklahoma City, would came in again and again and again. Each visit to the emergency room was legitimate, but he was also looking for reasons to “pop” in and say hello.

“He was always very professional when he came to the hospital; but he always had a legitimate reason to come here,” said Baker. “But some of the information he was looking for could have been done over the phone.”

And so began a friendship that lasted more than two years. Blumenthal would come to the hospital while doing his job and he and Baker would have conversations. They both worked the night shift and

7 he would occasionally call during the night to talk or would bring her dinner - things friends do for each other. But he always remained professional.

However, their relationship began to intensify about two years ago when Jeff Rominger and Matt Ev- ans, two Oklahoma law enforcement officers, were killed in the line of duty on an Oklahoma City highway in the early hours of the morning. Evans was friends with Baker and Rominger was Blumen- thal’s partner and their loss hit the pair hard. As friends often do, they turned to each other for comfort during the grieving process.

“He would sometimes call me at the hospital during the night when he needed to talk to somebody about them,” Baker said. “We worked through their deaths together.”

Then one day, Blumenthal asked Baker if she wanted to do a ride along (when a civilian rides with a police officer during one of the officer’s shifts) with him. She accepted and spent 10 hours in the pas- senger seat of a police car with Blumenthal and the foundation for their relationship was beginning to become solid.

“When you spend 10 hours in the car with somebody, it is hard not to really get to know the person,” said Baker. “That was the first time I had seen him out of the Emergency Room since we met two years earlier.”

After the ride along, Blumenthal still continued to come to the hospital on police business and remained professional in his visits. A second offer for a ride along was declined by Baker and so Blu- menthal asked her if she wanted to get dinner instead.

“It was not like he was asking me out,” said Baker. “He asked if I wanted to do a second ride along and I did not really want to go. So he said, ‘well let’s just go get something to eat instead,’ but he said it to me like you would to any friend.”

But, half way through dinner, Baker realized that she had fallen in love with Blumenthal over the previous two years and it was obvious he felt the same way - and they have not gone a day without seeing each other since. One year later, they decided to get married.

“We wanted to get married at the hospital because this is where we met and this is really where we dated. It only seemed natural to do it in the emergency room,” Baker said. “Surrounded by our friends and the people who were here with us while we dated, it is a perfect place.”

With Blumenthal dressed in his formal uniform and Baker in pure white nurse’s scrubs, the pair were married by one of the OU Medical Center chaplains in the exact spot where they had met three years before. It’s a really fitting place, after all; for the relationship that nearly never was, to be completed right were it began.

And now Blumenthal does not need an excuse to come to the hospital to see her anymore.

Deadline for state grant program extended for college students in military By Erin Israel - Staff Writer

(GIT) Oklahoma college students serving as part of the U.S. military who were either deployed to the Middle East or reassigned following Sept. 11, 2001, would now have more time to apply for a state- supported, student financial aid program as a result of actions taken by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

The Regents recently approved a one-time exception to the deadline for submitting Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) applications for the next year to accommodate students ordered to active military duty and for active personnel whose duty station was changed as a result of a military mobilization.

Students returning from qualified military assignments will have 60 days from the time of return from their assignments to submit their OTAG applications. Students will be able to submit their applications by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The final deadline will be Jan. 15, 2004, rather than June 30, 2003.

OTAG is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents who attend colleges, universities and career technology centers in Oklahoma. The maximum annual award at public institutions is currently 75 percent of enrollment costs, or $1,000, whichever is less. Students at private colleges may receive up to $1,300.

In addition, the State Regents also approved an exception to the five-consecutive-year limit on the use of the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) scholarship for students falling under the same post-Sept. 11 scenarios.

For those students already in college and receiving an OHLAP scholarship, the five-consecutive-year limit would be extended proportionate to the amount of time lost as a result of their military service.

"The State Regents are very sensitive to the needs of our students in the military who have served so bravely here in the U.S. and abroad since Sept. 11," Chancellor Paul Risser said. "They have put them- selves in harm's way to defend the freedoms that all Americans enjoy. Extending these deadlines and time limits are ways we can recognize and thank them for that sacrifice."

All students affected by the policy changes for OTAG and OHLAP must submit a copy of military orders or other appropriate documentation that confirms their military assignment and supports their eligibility for the exceptions.

For more information on the OTAG extension, one can call 1-877-662-6231 or 225-9378 in the Okla- homa City area. Additional information regarding the OHLAP extension can be obtained by calling 1- 405-225-9152.

State undergoes extreme change in makeup of boards, commissions By Jeff Packham - Staff Writer

(GIT) With a new governor, expectations were high that there would be some new faces on many of the boards and commissions. At last count, that total had already reached 230 confirmations.

Among those were expected changes to the Cabinet of advisors that Gov. Brad Henry will rely upon for information on key issues. The confirmations of Cabinet advisors include the following:

Thomas Andrew Adelson of Tulsa to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of Health; Howard H. Hendrick of Bethany to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of Human Services; Oscar B. Jackson of Norman to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of Human Resources and Administration; Norman A. Lamb of Enid to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Scott Meacham of Elk City to serve as the Cabinet Secre- tary of Finance and Revenue; Terry Peach of Mutual to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of Agriculture; M. Susan Savage of Tulsa to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of State; Kathryn L. Taylor of Tulsa to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of Commerce and Tourism; Miles Tolbert of Oklahoma City to serve as

9 the Cabinet Secretary of Environment; Phil Tomlinson of Shawnee to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of Transportation; and Harry Wyatt of Vinita to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of the Military.

Several other boards and commissions had their makeup changed or are just beginning. They included the following:

The Air Quality Advisory Council added Sandra Rae Rose of Norman, replacing Fred A. Grosz; and Rick W. Treeman of Enid, replacing himself.

The Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission added Joe Ralph Perkins of Owasso, replacing Delbert Foltz.

The Board of Dentistry added Jamie Ann Carpenter of Oklahoma City, replacing Steven Dobbs; and Gary Madison of Tulsa, replacing Ray Thomas.

The Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology welcomed Michael Allan Grim, replacing Richard Talbot; John Dean Mowry of Tulsa, replacing Mark Wood; and Nuala South of Norman, replacing Jan Goldman.

The Board of Juvenile Affairs welcomed Jay Keel of Ada, replacing himself; and Lonelia Lee of Simmons of Muskogee, replacing Angie Moore.

The Board of Pharmacy added Gordon Smith Richards of Shawnee, replacing Robert Summers.

The Board of Regents for the Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges added Joe Duke Hall of Elk City, replacing Jack Givens.

The Board of Regents for Carl Albert State College welcomed R. Carroll Huggins of Stigler, replacing himself; and Ron Lawson of Spiro, replacing himself.

The Board of Regents of Eastern Oklahoma State College added Ken Bass of Wilburton, replacing Joan Sutton; and Mark Clay Jordan of McAlester, replacing William Milligan.

The Board of Regents for Murray State College added Wendell Ray Blair of Tishomingo, replacing Val Wheeler; Kenneth Lavanze Delashaw of Marietta, replacing Michael Hobson; and E.J. Tolbert of Tishomingo, replacing Johnarline Hudson.

The Board of Regents for Northern Oklahoma College welcomed Linda Brown of Ponca City, replacing herself; and George Paczkowski of Ponca City, replacing Bill Bridwell.

The Board of Regents for Oklahoma City Community College added Loyal Edward Chappell of Okla- homa City, replacing Darrell McAllister; and Alice Mae Coe Mecoy Musser of Oklahoma City, replacing Lea E. Anderson.

The Board of Regents for Oklahoma Colleges welcomed Belva Howard of Tulsa, replacing herself.

The Board of Regents for Redlands Community College added Leroy Wade Bridges of Shawnee, replacing Claudette Brownlee.

The Board of Regents for Rose State College welcomed Ken Bartlett of Del City, replacing himself.

10 The Board of Regents for Seminole State College added Jonathon Dwaine Flowers, replacing Dorothy Forth.

The Board of Regents of the Tulsa Community College welcomed Martin D. Garber of Bartlesville, replacing himself.

The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma added Aaron Max Weitzenhoffer of Norman, replacing Mary Jane Noble.

The Board of Regents of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma added Kenneth Wesley Johnston of Oklahoma City, replacing Beverly R. Carter.

The Board of Regents for Western Oklahoma State College added Mark Steven Dodson of Altus, replacing Brenda Hickerson.

The Board of Trustees for the Ardmore Higher Education Program added Thomas Haskell Worsham of Healdton, replacing Leslie Reser.

The Board of Trustees for the McCurtain County Higher Education Program added Gloria Anderson Gulley of Idabel, replacing Robert Bryan Stauter; Joy Smith of Valliant, replacing Mary Hodge; Robert Bryan Stauter of Idabel, replacing Louis Coleman; and Jimmy W. Tucker of Broken Bow, replacing Jerry Dansby.

The Board of Trustees for Oklahoma State University/Tulsa added Kara Gae Neal of Tulsa, replacing Sidney Anderson.

The Board of Trustees for Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center and Nature Park added Linda Frazier of Tulsa, replacing Cynthia Cope; and Harry L. Seay of Tulsa, replacing Marsha Lindsey.

The Capitol-Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission welcomed John E. Johnson of Mustang, replacing himself.

The Commission on Consumer Credit welcomed Darrell Chabino of Oklahoma City, replacing himself; and Shirey Odell Roland of Tulsa, replacing Stephen Hayes.

The Commission on Marginally Producing Oil and Gas Wells welcomed Bill Gifford of Tulsa, replacing himself; John Godwin of Okmulgee, replacing himself; and Robin Stead of Noble, replacing herself.

The Committee of Home Inspector Examiners added Lillian P. Jayne of Muskogee, replacing John Jones; and Brad Scott Stringer of Owasso, replacing Robert S. Johnson.

The Construction Industries Board added Louis Jay Barlow of Oklahoma City, replacing Ron W. Metheny; William Michael Burton of Tulsa, replacing Dave Norwood; Ken Callahan of Sallisaw, replacing himself; Monty Ketner of Crescent, replacing himself; Ron W. Metheny of Edmond, replacing Zearl McAllister; and Larry Shea of Oklahoma City, replacing himself.

The Council of Bond Oversight created a new position for Cliff Elliott of Enid and Robert B. Holland of Edmond.

11 The Crime Victims Compensation Board added Sonia Diane Leonard of Edmond, replacing Jason Ledlow.

The Department of Central Services retained Pamela M. Warren of Edmond as Director.

The Environmental Quality Board added Brita Haugland Cantrell of Tulsa, replacing Joseph Meiber- gen; Jack T. Coffman of Oklahoma City, replacing himself; and Herschel J. Roberts of Oklahoma City, replacing himself.

The Oklahoma Accountancy Board added Janice L. Gray of Norman, replacing Archer Honea; and Tom Volturo of Ada, replacing Jeanette Timmons.

The Oklahoma Arts Council added Jennifer MacIvor Dunning of Oklahoma City, replacing Ann Al- spaugh; Martha W. Griffin of Muskogee, replacing Milann Siegfried; Clarence Alvin Hedge of Coyle, replacing himself; Jean Richardson of Oklahoma City, replacing Patricia Evans; James R. Tolbert of Oklahoma City, replacing Melvin Moran; and Maxine Foreman Zarrow of Tulsa, replacing Albert Johnson.

The Oklahoma Capital Investment Board welcomed Jerry Austin of Oklahoma City, replacing himself.

The Oklahoma Conservation Commission added George Walter Stunkard of Coweta, replacing Sandra Drummond.

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries added Betty Gray Bass of McAlester, replacing Clyde Petete; and Glenda Carolyn Kilmer of Tulsa, replacing James Carter.

The Oklahoma Development Finance Authority and the Oklahoma Industrial Finance Authority added Craig Billingsley of Lawton, replacing Hatton McMahan.

The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority added Suzanne Renee Lair of Tulsa, replacing An- drea Chancellor; and Mark R. Norman of Cache, replacing Clifton L. Taulbert.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission added Julius Carlysle Hilburn of Oklahoma City, replacing George Ollie; and John Michael Wester of Shawnee, replacing DeWayne Goodman.

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission added Eugene Everett Bledsoe of Bristow, replacing Doug Aldridge;Randall Keith Calvert of Edmond, replacing Sherry Strebel; and Joseph Henry Carter of Norman, replacing Jim Bowers.

The Oklahoma Human Rights Commission added Mark Alfred Ashton of Lawton, replacing Charles W. Morgan, III; Ann P. Cong-Tang of Mustang, replacing Deyo Paddyaker; Glenda Francine Love of Tulsa, replacing Bobbie Allen Booker; Rita Jo Maxwell of Midwest City, replacing Quang H. Pham; Keith Overton McArtor of Tulsa, replacing Stanley Evans; and Sammie Rosales Vasquez of Shawnee, replacing Ervin Keith.

The Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission welcomed Bennett Arkeketa of Ponca City, replacing himself; Kenneth Blanchard of Newalla, replacing himself; Mary Virginia Cooksey of Marble City, replacing herself; Charles Dwayne Enyart of Vinita, replacing Tim Tallchief; Bill Follis of Miami, replacing himself; and Wanda Stone of Newkirk, replacing herself.

12 The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board added Donnie Gene Pope of Norman, replacing Ben Curtis; and Rod Wiemer of Okmulgee, replacing himself.

The Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board added Dave Baltes of Oklahoma City, replacing himself; Russell Glen Howard of Lavern, replacing Steve Madden; James Kenneth Knutson of Harrah, replacing himself; and George William Velotta of Oklahoma City, replacing Brad Fuller. William A. Glass was also approved as the State Liquefied Petroleum Gas Administrator.

The Oklahoma Mining Commission welcomed Pat Lair of Vinita, replacing himself.

The Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Commission added Charlotte Lynn Britton of Shawnee, replacing Eugene Chumbley; Eugene Chumbley of Edmond, replacing Walter J. Gillispie; and Patrick Mark Moore of Norman, replacing Leonard Northcutt.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Board welcomed George Carney of Stillwater, replacing himself; and James K. Howard of Tahlequah, replacing himself.

The Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission added Kelly Dee Burden of Bethany, replacing Ron DeCost; Martin Alan Tippie of Norman, replacing himself; and Glen Franklin Vernnon of Pryor, replacing Mark T. Hanstein.

The Oklahoma Real Estate Commission added Peter Towne Galbraith of Sapulpa, replacing Martin VanMeter; Harrison Levy of Oklahoma City, replacing John Mosley; and Stephen A. Sherman of Oklahoma City, replacing John Snodgrass.

The Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board will begin with Greg Allen of Enid; George Charlton of Tulsa; Sam Curl of Stillwater; John Harley of Oklahoma City; Bob Law- less of Tulsa; Marsha Jane Lindsey of Oklahoma City; Frank McPherson of Oklahoma City; Karl Reid of Stillwater; and Johnny Roy of Edmond.

The Oklahoma Securities Commission added Wesley D. Brantley of Ada, replacing Don Criswell; and William O. Johnstone of Oklahoma City, replacing John Shelley.

The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority welcomed Joseph King of Norman, replacing himself; Harry Phillips Kliewer of Cordell, replacing Tom Stafford; Ken McGill of Tulsa, replacing himself; and Louis Sims of Hobart, replacing Chris Shove.

The Oklahoma StateBoard of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators added John Alfred Belzer of Shawnee, replacing Sharon Parker; Marie Bernard of Edmond, replacing Terri Heritage; Judy Crane of Oklahoma City, replacing herself; Kelly Dean Hardin of Enid, replacing Ron Lessley; and Gary Porter of Oklahoma City, replacing Linda McCormick.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Commission welcomed Stanley D. Glanz of Tulsa, replacing himself; Anne T. Holzbeierlein of Edmond, replacing Ray Tompkins; Rob Hudson of Guthrie, replacing Kay Christianson; and Michael Ray Perry of Claremore, replacing Richard Mask, Sr.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control Commission added Donald Lee VanAlstine of Muskogee, replacing Ted Jones.

The Oklahoma State Credit Union Board welcomed Steve Rasmussen of Edmond, replacing himself.

13 The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education added Ronald Hugh White of Oklahoma City, replacing Leonard Eaton, Jr.

The Oklahoma Student Loan Authority welcomed Thomas Sterling Wetzel of Stillwater, replacing himself.

The Oklahoma Tax Commission added a new secretary, Constance Irby of Edmond, replacing Don Kilpatrick, and Jerry Johnson of Oklahoma City was approved as vice chairman, replacing himself.

The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission added Jennifer Diane Colbert of Sulphur, replacing Boyd Lee; Melvin Moran of Seminole, replacing Stan Clark; James Louis Schlimpert of Stillwater, replacing Joe Martin; Rebecca Marie Switzer of Norman, replacing Hal Smith; and Wayman L. Tisdale of Tulsa, replacing Sidney Smith.

The Oklahoma Transportation Authority added Clint Kendric Ferguson of Altus, replacing Steve La- Forge; Jack Art Griffith of Stillwater, replacing Albert Kelly; Michael Stephens Leonard of Fort Gib- son, replacing Robert M. Kane; Gregory Lewis Massey of Durant, replacing James Caudle; Douglas Frank Riebel of Oklahoma City, replacing Fred Hall; and Robin Siegfried of Tulsa, replacing Dewey Bartlett, Jr.

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will add Jack Vernon Begley of Goodwell, replacing Ed Sutter; Bradley Warren Burgess of Lawton, replacing Gib Gibson; Jackie Ray Cooper of Oklahoma City, replacing Tom Love; James H. Dunegan of Calera, replacing David Burrage; Danny Blaine Overland of Shawnee, replacing Jimmie Austin; and Larry Raymond Wade of Elk City, replacing Bill Crawford.

The Oklahoma Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission added Sam Grubb of Miami, replacing Terrance P. Quinn.

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board added Jack W. Keeley of Ada, replacing Wendell E. Thomas- son; and Glenn A. Sharp of Grove, replacing Dick Seybolt.

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission added Bennett Wade Brinkman of Altus, replacing Douglas Schones;

The Organ Donor Education and Awareness Program Advisory Council added Marcy Lynn Calvert of Mustang, replacing Cheryl Manley; Shelley Brady Koontz of Tulsa, replacing Keith Givens

The Ottawa Reclamation Authority Board of Directors welcomed Rayma Grimes of Picher, replacing herself.

The Physician Manpower Training Commission welcomed JoAnn Carpenter of Ada, replacing herself; and Edward Warren of Muskogee, replacing himself.

The Polygraph Examiners Board added David Kerr Seals of Ardmore, replacing Larry Carter.

The Science and Technology Council created a new position for Jack Baldwin of Enid.

The State Banking Board added Cheri Denise Cartwright of Norman, replacing Brad Burgess; Chris- topher Dale Conn of Tulsa, replacing himself.

14 The State Board of Agriculture added David Lee Holcombe of Jay, replacing Virgil Jurgensmeyer.

The State Board of Career and Technology Education added Harold Francis Anglin of Pryor, replacing Kirk Hoster; Randall R. Gilbert of Tecumseh, replacing Mark Roberts; and Toney Stricklin of Lawton, replacing Leo Baxter.

The State Board of Corrections added Ernest F. Godlove of Lawton, replacing Hugh Reed; and Ear- nest DeWayne Ware of Spencer, replacing James Boykin.

The State Board of Education added Mary Sue Curnutte of Ardmore, replacing Casey Killblane; Clau- dia Pat Frank of Tahlequah, replacing Linda Gragg; and Gayle P. Miles-Scott of Oklahoma City, replacing Luke Corbett.

The State Board of Health added Jim Lee Anderson of Enid, replacing John Carmichael.

The State Board of Licensed Social Workers added Tim O'Connor of Oklahoma City, replacing Chris- topher Markwood; and Robert Columbus Weeks of Owasso, replacing Susan Lashment.

The State Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services welcomed Dwight Holden of Tulsa, replacing himself; and Jack Turner of Oklahoma City, replacing himself.

The State Board for Property and Casualty Rates added James David Cawthon of Shawnee, replacing T. Pat Quinn.

The State Board of Registration for Foresters added Charles George Tauer of Glencoe, replacing Ron Masters.

The State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors welcomed Theodore A. Sack of Sand Springs, replacing himself

The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners added Daniel George Danner of BrokenArrow, replacing Mary Ballenger.

The State Election Board welcomed Glo Henley of Edmond, replacing herself; Kenny Monroe of Le- Flore, replacing himself; and Thomas E. Prince of Edmond, replacing himself.

The State Fire Commission added Michael Lee Anderson of Oklahoma City, replacing Charles Stone; Harold Crews of Yukon, replacing himself; and Kelley Elaine Mattocks of Moore, replacing herself.

The State Textbook Committee added Sherry Lorene Bryant of Shawnee, replacing Margaret Fields; Janet M. Gaiche of Choteau, replacing Becky Brock; Rita Jo Martin of Tulsa, replacing Juanita Wil- liams; Melissa Ann Rice of Ada, replacing Don Klein; Mary Kathryn McLaughlin Stuart of Shawnee, replacing Tim Cain.

The Teachers' Retirement System Board of Trustees added Cathy Ann Conway of Durant, replacing John Kahre.

The War Veterans Commission of Oklahoma welcomed Jerry Ball of Guthrie, replacing himself; John L. Dilbeck of Oklahoma City, replacing himself; and Frank Zanbrano of Lawton, replacing himself.

15 The Will Rogers Memorial Commission welcomed Jim Hartz of Alexandria, replacing himself; and Stephen Robert Pazzo of Claremore, replacing Kent Frizzell.

Oklahoma City physician sworn in as state regent From OK Regents

(OKLAHOMA) Dr. Ronald H. White has officially assumed duties as an Oklahoma State Regent for Higher Education after being sworn in recently by Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger.

White, who was appointed by Gov. Brad Henry and confirmed by the State Senate, will serve a nine- year term. He replaces Leonard J. Eaton Jr., whose term has expired.

As a State Regent, White is one of nine board members who oversee the state system of higher education.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. White to the State Regents,” said Chancellor Paul G. Risser. “His background of professional, medical and civic service will be a great asset to the board and the economic development efforts of Oklahoma higher education. It will be particularly useful to bring to the State Regents someone quite knowledgeable about medical education.”

White is president of Oklahoma Cardiovascular Associates and serves as a member of the Board of Managers for Oklahoma Heart Hospital and as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Okla- homa College of Medicine.

He served two consecutive terms on the OU Board of Regents from 1977 through 1991 and was a member of the OU Foundation’s Board of Trustees. He has been a member of the Oklahoma Gas and Electric board of directors since 1989 and is a founding member of the Board of Commissioners for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

White earned his medical degree from the OU College of Medicine. He and his wife, Lynn, live in Oklahoma City and have two grown children, Mason and Melissa.

Lottery, horse racing, tribal gaming dominant during session By Erin Israel - Staff Writer

(GIT) Editor's Note: The following is the first in a series of articles focusing on specific issues of interest that arose during the First Session of the 49th Oklahoma Legislature.

Education lottery

Gov. Brad Henry's campaign platform centered on an education lottery, and after he was elected he and Oklahoma legislators worked tirelessly to pass an education lottery bill.

HB 1278, by Rep. Ron R. Kirby, D-Lawton, and Sen. Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, calls for a vote of the people to establish the "Lottery for Education Act." It became law without the signature of the Gover- nor.

Paul Sund, communications director for Henry, said the measure was not signed due to confusion related to the procedural rules. The bill was sent to the governor's desk and became law after five days.

16 As a companion measure to the Lottery Act, SJR 22 allows the people to vote on a constitutional amendment that would require lottery proceeds to be placed in a trust fund that can be used only for education.

The Lottery Act itself is headed to a public vote. Henry said SJR 22 guarantees that lottery funds would be used only for education, and it should be sent to the people for a vote.

After the House initially passed the measure, the Senate added several provisions that some public officials had proposed in an effort to improve the bill.

Although public surveys indicate an overwhelming majority of Oklahomans wants to vote on the education lottery, it took a flood of phone calls, letters and emails to the state Capitol for that message to be clearly heard.

The state's public education system is weathering the worst budget crisis in the state's history. An education lottery is not the cure-all, but it would help the schools cope with anemic funding.

Henry said, "I believe there is a reason 39 other states and the District of Columbia currently reap the benefits of an education lottery. In per-pupil spending, Oklahoma ranks at the bottom in its region. Meanwhile, all but one state adjoining ours boasts a lottery. Perhaps it is time we embark on a bold new plan for the sake of our children."

HB 1278 provides that at least 45 percent of the gross proceeds of the lottery would be reserved for prizes, and 35 percent of the proceeds would be earmarked for education. Of the amount dedicated to education, 45 percent would be allocated to public primary and secondary schools and early childhood programs, and may also be used to compensate public school teachers and support personnel.

The bill prohibits the sale or gift of lottery tickets to any person under the age of 18, and would further ban any prize to be paid to a minor.

Another provision in the bill dedicates the first $500,000 of unclaimed prize money each year to treatment and education programs for compulsive gamblers.

"The enactment of a lottery in Oklahoma is game-specific and shall not be construed to allow the operation of any Class III gaming," the bill states. As further protection, HB 1278 states that should the Oklahoma Supreme Court find that the operation of the lottery permits the operation of other Class III games under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the lottery shall cease to exist. However, under federal law, Indian tribes would be entitled to operate a similar lottery game.

Under the provisions of HB 1278, net proceeds from the proposed state lottery would be earmarked exclusively for public education, including college scholarships, endowed chairs, teacher compensation and retirement, school technology and equipment, early childhood education programs and capital improvements.

Gaming bills passed out of the Legislature:

HB 1469, by Rep. David Braddock, D-Altus, and Sen. J. Paul Gumm, D-Durant, requires background checks and fingerprinting for appointees to the Horse Racing Commission and the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission; for applicants for licenses to practice law; applicants for a bail bondsman license; applicants for a license to sell precious gems or rare metals; applicants to the state Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training for a license to be a police officer or security

17 guard; applicants for certified teaching licenses from the state Department of Education; and for any Education Department employees who work directly with children. Additional occupational licenses would require the background checks.

HB 1790, by Rep. Jerry W. Hefner, D-Wagoner, and Sen. Kevin A. Easley, D-Broken Arrow, after passing through the Legislature was vetoed by the governor on May 29. The measure would have prohibited any organization that falls under the Oklahoma Charity Games Act from expending more than five percent of the total revenues collected in conducting charity games, excluding salaries and pay- outs, for expenses.

Easley, the measure's author, said the bill's purpose was to ensure the organizations would receive a larger part of the monies collected through bingo.

Henry said in his veto statement, "This bill could dramatically expand the type and nature of charity games beyond the bingo-related games currently permitted. The language appears to be broad enough to permit electronic gaming devices and could dramatically expand Class III gaming in the state."

SB 837, by Sen. Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, and Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon, was signed into law by the governor on May 7. The measure allows certain charitable and non-profit organizations to participate in fund raising activities without breaking lottery laws. Charitable raffles are among the activities allowed under the measure.

Shurden, in explaining the measure, said many organizations held raffles without any knowledge that law prohibited it. He said penalizing people for trying to raise money for churches and schools was not the intent of the prohibition on raffles.

An amendment to SB 837 removed a $2,500 limit on the value of a prize. The prize cap was lifted to allow for the raffle of items such as four-wheelers.

Another House amendment postponed the legalization of such raffles until voters approved the statewide lottery, meaning that if the lottery passes so will charitable raffles, but if the lottery fails, so does this measure. The lottery will be voted on during the next general election.

Another House amendment mandates that, if courts rule that a lottery or the charitable raffles lead to Class III gaming, the raffle would end.

The bill did not glide easily through the Legislature; it met stiff opposition. The measure failed to pass through the House initially, but it squeaked by on a motion to reconsider. Opponents of the measure argued that such games could teach children inappropriate lessons, saying that gambling teaches suc- cess can be achieved through luck instead of hard work. They said there are better ways to raise money.

Supporters of the measure said charitable raffles are one of the most effective ways for schools and charitable organizations to raise funds.

Dormant measures:

Dormant measures are not yet dead. They can be recalled next session. A measure that could theoreti- cally be voted on the first day of the next session is SB 553.

18 SB 553, by Hobson and Rep. Larry Adair, D-Stilwell, would create the State-Tribal Gaming Act. The bill contains several provisions related to gaming, including the following:

* it would allow for a limited "electronic instant ticket" and "electronic amusement" games at Reming- ton Park in Oklahoma City, Fair Meadows in Tulsa, Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw and Will Rogers Downs in Claremore;

* it would ensure that a portion of the proceeds from the machines at the racetracks will be used for much needed increases in horse racing purses;

* it would impose a tax on the proceeds from the machines at the racetracks;

* it would allow Native American tribal casinos to have the same type of machines if they choose to compact with the state in the manner prescribed in a model compact contained in the measure;

* it would give the state regulatory authority over the tribal casinos through the compact;

* it would provide new revenue for Oklahoma from the tribal casino operations who compact with the state for use of the expanded gaming machines; and

* it would ensure the expansion of gaming in Oklahoma will not go beyond those games specifically mentioned in the bill.

The bill is an attempt to bring more revenue to the horse racing industry, which has failed to keep up with other states. Proponents of horse racing in Oklahoma have pointed to the lack of gaming machines at the tracks as a deterrent in combination with the growth of the Indian casinos.

Opponents to the education lottery pointed to a fear of expanded gaming.

Supporters of the bill said a measure dealing with horse racing relates to expanded gaming but would not be Class III gaming.

The Senate and the House passed the measure, but the Senate failed to adopt the House's amendments. The Senate rejected the first conference committee report but adopted the second. The measure was on the agenda of the House on the last day of session, but supporters of the bill did not bring it up because reportedly they did not have the votes for passage.

When the bill failed to pass through the Legislature, Rep. Wayne Pettigrew, R-Edmond, pointed out that discussions would continue during the interim on the classifications of types of games and the negotiations of Indian compacts. The bill will remain alive in conference committee and can be brought up again next session.

HB 1082, by Rep. Larry Rice, D-Pryor, would transfer the Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco and Oklahoma Charity Games from ABLE Commission to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investiga- tion (OSBI). The measure died in the Senate Judiciary Committee after being passed in the House.

The measure would transfer 10 employees from the ABLE Commission who were part of the Tobacco and Charity Games Division.

HB 1376, by Armes, failed to be heard in the House Committee on Rules. The measure would modify exceptions to lottery prohibition to allow certain raffles.

HB 1594, by Rep. Clay Pope, D-Loyal, also failed to be heard in the House Committee on Rules. The measure would enact new law allowing organizations licensed for horse racing to also conduct Class II gaming, and require them to be regulated by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission.

HB 1649, by Pettigrew, failed to be heard in the House Committee on Rules. The measure would grant the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission authority to regulate Class II gaming. It would allow organ- izational licensees to conduct Class II "Bingo," or any gaming or machine used by a federally recognized tribe that has been approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission, or federal or state ap- pellate court.

SB 593, by, Shurden, failed to be heard in the Senate Committee on Finances. The measure would create the "State Lottery Act."

SB 650, by Easley, failed to be heard in the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Public Safety and Judiciary. The measure would create the Commission on Low-Point Beer, Tobacco, Boxing and Gam- ing consisting of seven members to be appointed by the governor.

Common Cause Oklahoma speaks out about bond issues By Erin Israel - Staff Writer

(GIT) After the Oklahoma Supreme Court issued an opinion to reject an application of the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority (OCIA) for approval of $155 million in CIP state facilities revenue bonds and another $20 million in taxable bonds earlier this week, Common Cause Oklahoma issued a statement about how such bonds would have affected the state budget and public services.

According to Common Cause Oklahoma, little information has been provided about other impacts that would have occurred if the court had approved the funding. The organization states that, this year, approximately $75 million was appropriated to pay off previously issued “moral obligation” bonds. Rep- resentatives said the $75 million was taken from the general revenue fund, where it would have other- wise been used to bolster services such as health care, corrections and education.

Common Cause Oklahoma states, if the bond issue rejected by the Supreme Court last Tuesday had been approved and issued, transfers from the general revenue fund would have been increased to pay off bonds. It points out that more vital services would have been jeopardized.

Last May 21, SB 117 was approved by the Legislature and sent to the governor. This measure authorizes a bond issuance up to $18 million in order to complete the Oklahoma Museum of History, but Common Cause Oklahoma said this was not accompanied by a direct tax. The organization states the reason a bond issue was chosen over a direct appropriation to pay for the project was due to severe budget shortfalls. The group calls such legislation is “irresponsible.” The statement from Common Cause stated, “If the proposed bonds are issued, vital services would be reduced in the future by the need to amortize the bonds.”

The group advocates additional taxes, such as an additional one-cent tax on gasoline and diesel fuels for a set period of time, to pay for those projects. It states that voters should be able to vote on a tax for bond issues, and that is what is called for in the Oklahoma Constitution.

Common Cause Oklahoma states, “Our state is suffering from a lack of fiscal discipline…an informed public should help to save our state by returning us to an era with fiscal discipline enforced by the bal- anced budget provisions of our Constitution.”

The Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority had filed an application seeking approval to issue bonds totaling $175 million, pursuant to Title 73, Section 301, of the Oklahoma Statutes, which had been amended in 2000 to allow for such bond issues; however, three individuals - John Cassidy, Jerry R. Fent and Edwin Kessler, vice chair of Common Cause Oklahoma, - protested the application based upon unconstitutionality. The issue centered around whether the amended law satisfied the purpose-of- borrowing requirement in the Oklahoma Constitution.

The concurring opinion was 27 state agencies that had been designated to receive the funds could not use the bond issues because the proposed bonds were not properly authorized in the law.

“This payment plan is in the state’s best interest,” Scott Meacham, OSF director, said, “because it guarantees state agencies that receive federal funds that the flow of those funds, on which they have made budgeting decisions and plans, will not be interrupted. It guarantees that those services will continue to be provided and that the employees providing those services will be paid.”

The total amount withheld thus far from the state was $2,825,206 with the funds not being dispersed from as early as May 23 up through Tuesday. Prior to the agreement, agencies anticipating federal funds had been encouraged to contact the federal granting agency to determine if the payment was subject to the reduction.

State, federal officials reach agreement on payment of funds By Jeff Packham - Staff Writer

(GIT) An agreement was reached between state and federal officials to stop the withholding of federal funds due the state, Office of State Finance Director Scott Meacham announced on Thursday.

Meacham said $4 million was appropriated by the Legislature on the last day of session to be used as a payment to satisfy the debt. He said the federal government agreed to accept that money and an agreement was reached that would allow Oklahoma to pay the same amount every fiscal year until the debt no longer exists.

"Federal officials accepted our proposed payment plan," Meacham said. "Under the plan, the state will pay $4 million each fiscal year until the debt is satisfied."

The issue began with a judgment from a 1996 law that diverted certain state employee benefit payments from the Oklahoma State Employees and Educators Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB) to a special account from which the money was transferred to the Regents for Higher Education. The payments, which were used to satisfy part of the regents' annual appropriation, totaled $31.5 million from October 1996 through May 1997.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services objected that federal government funds were included in that redirected money, which would be an inappropriate use of federal money. The 10th Cir- cuit Court of Appeals ruled against the state in the case last year, and an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was not granted a hearing.

Meacham said federal officials were considering giving Oklahoma back some of the funds that had been withheld thus far. Approximately $2.8 million was withheld between May 23 and June 3 with a total of $13 million owed to federal authorities, including $7.4 million in principal and $5.6 million in interest.

21 Numerous state agencies receive federal funds through grants to administer federal programs and combined state/federal programs. Several state agencies were affected by the withholding of funds, including the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, the Oklahoma Health Department, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

"This payment plan is in the state's best interest," Meacham said, "because it guarantees state agencies that receive federal funds that the flow of those funds, on which they have made budgeting decisions and plans, will not be interrupted. It guarantees that those services will continue to be provided and that the employees providing those services will be paid."

Lawmaker applauds leadership at Panhandle State University From House Media

(OKLAHOMA CITY) Oklahoma Panhandle State University has a new president who has set a new agenda for the learning institution that has been beset by problems in the past several years.

“Dr. David Bryant has been on the job for less than six months but has already set a new tone of excel- lence and vision for the regional university,” said state Rep. Gus Blackwell, an OPSU alumnus.

This is readily apparent in the handling of a problem that recently surfaced involving an inspection by the Oklahoma Department of Labor. The report cited the university for faulty hot water heater vents, which may have occurred from recent tornadoes that passed through the area, Blackwell said.

Though the problem was found on only 13 occupied apartment units, Bryant responded immediately, Blackwell said. Within two days, all the units were repaired and a plan was in place to install carbon dioxide alarms in each apartment to alert OPSU personnel of future problems and to provide students with immediate safety precautions.

The university also recently opened a new $5 million state-of-the-art activity center, which will be available to students this fall. The center will feature basketball and racquetball courts, a running track, a swimming pool and a computer work area.

This will give students something else to do at the university, said Blackwell, who noted that OPSU is best known for its national championship rodeo team, which has won the NCAA title three of the last six years.

The university is establishing a name for itself in the computer field, having placed fifth in national competition. In addition, plans are on the board for a new university apartment complex and a new science and agriculture building.

The university has opened a new art studio in Guymon, which is a part of an innovative new business venture. The studio will join art students and businesses into an Artist Incubation Project.

Students to receive scholarships commemorating Tulsa Race Riot From OK Regents

22 (OKLAHOMA) The bitter legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot has yielded some positive news to twenty Tulsa High School graduates, named recently as the first-ever recipients of special scholarships.

Two seniors from each of Tulsa’s ten public high schools will receive $1,000, one-time scholarships for the 2003-2004 school year as part of the Tulsa Reconciliation Education and Scholarship Program. The scholarships were created by the 2002 Oklahoma Legislature to preserve the awareness of the history and meaning of the civil unrest that occurred in Tulsa 82 years ago.

“Nobody can change what happened in Tulsa, but some good things can still come out of bad situa- tions,” Chancellor Paul G. Risser said. “We are pleased to honor these students with the state’s first Tulsa Reconciliation Scholarships. Their character and conduct contribute to greater communication and understanding among persons of diverse backgrounds.”

Tulsa high school seniors receiving the scholarships are Willis Ray and Robert Walker, Central; Holly Forster and Jennifer McLutcheon, East Central; Nakimbra Alexander and Andrew Herd, Edison; San- dra Flores and Thomas Louis, Hale; Salinda Crawford and Don Horn, Tulsa High School for Science and Technology; Lisa Lowen and Christy Williams, Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences; Lisa Holmes and Ronald Thomas, Memorial; Mildred Daniels and Kourtez Kelley, Will Rogers; Wendell Peters and Marisha Vann, Washington; and Deshuttaney Mosley and John Weygandt, Webster.

To be eligible to receive the Tulsa Reconciliation Scholarship, students must be enrolled in the Tulsa public high school in which they were nominated and their family income cannot exceed $70,000. The scholarships will be good for courses at any institution in Oklahoma, as well as any career technology center.

Bills Added

SB 126 – Appropriations, Commerce Dept. for OSU programs SB 138 – Appropriations, Military Strategic Planning Commission HB 1189 – Appropriations to Health Department for contractual programs HB 1201 – Appropriations to Department of Agriculture, for OSU programs HB 1219 – Appropriations to Tourism and Recreation Department for the Summer Arts Institute and the Jazz Hall of Fame

Bills Deleted from Tracking List

SB 6 – School testing SB 28 – Appropriations, Teacher Preparation Commission SB 29 – Appropriations, Teacher Preparation Commission SB 49 – Appropriations, University Hospitals Authority SB 70 – Appropriations, OETA SB 71 – Appropriations, Teacher Preparation Commission SB 76 – Appropriations, Tourism & Recreations Dept. for Summer Arts Institute & Jazz Hall of Fame SB 77 – Appropriations, Tourism & Recreations Dept. for Summer Arts Institute & Jazz Hall of Fame SB 129 - Appropriations, Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) SB 170 – Appropriations, Physician Manpower Training Commission

23 SB 171 – Appropriations, Physician Manpower Training Commission SB 173 – Appropriations, State Regents SB 186 – Appropriations, General SB 197 – Deferred Savings Incentive Plan SB 203 - Appropriations, Tourism & Recreations Dept. for Summer Arts Institute & Jazz Hall of Fame SB 342 - Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative SB 453 – Direct deposit of payroll, requiring participation SB 509 - Open Meeting, Open Records SB 553 – Gaming Act, funds for OHLAP SB 565 – Pornography on computers SB 566 - Smoking in Public Places SB 661 – Purchasing from prison industries SB 713 – Leave No Oklahoma Child Behind Act SB 747 – OU/OSU Graduate Center in Tulsa SCR 2 – Congratulating University of Oklahoma Sooners for Rose Bowl victory SCR 5 – Urging federal funding for special education HB 1168 – Appropriations, OCAST HB 1192 – Appropriations, University Hospitals Authority HB 1257 – General appropriations to State Agencies HB 1292 – Promoting Support Education License Plates HB 1357 - College Savings Plan, income tax deduction (duplicate sections) HB 1380 – Workforce Investment HB 1382 – Emergency exemptions from statutory requirements for schools HB 1385 – Gasoline tax increase HB 1418 – Purchasing, emergency agreements HB 1444 – Physicians, dentists HB 1466 - Workers’ Compensation HB 1500 - Administrative procedures HB 1528 – E-mail with false or misleading subject line HB 1577 – Performance audits HB 1670 – Open meeting, receiving public comments HB 1770 - Economic Development Agency Coordination Task Force HJR 1011 – Smoking in indoor work places HCR 1006 – Calling for implementation of zero-based budget system HCR 1012 – Annual OU/OSU/UT basketball games HCR 1016 – 4-H Day HCR 1024 - Military Base Closing Prevention HCR 1030 – Southwestern Oklahoma State University revenue bonds

Action on Bills this Week:

Bills Signed by Governor

SB 126 – Appropriations, Commerce Dept. for OSU programs SB 128 – Appropriations, Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) SB 138 – Appropriations, Military Strategic Planning Commission SB 172 – Appropriations, State Regents SB 201 – Transferring higher education funds to Ad Valorem Reimbursement Fund SB 633 – Motor vehicle equipment requirements

24 SB 636 - Flexible benefits SB 686 – Community Hospitals Authority SB 834 – Firearms, exemption from prohibition of carrying SJR 21 - Smoking in Public Places HB 1115 – Privatization of state functions HB 1161 – Appropriations, OETA HB 1162 – Appropriations, educational entities HB 1165 – Appropriations, Physician Manpower Training Commission HB 1167 – Transferring Office of Accountability to the State Regents HB 1169 – Appropriations, Teacher Preparation Commission HB 1201 – Appropriations to Department of Agriculture, for OSU programs HB 1219 – Appropriations to Tourism and Recreation Department for the Summer Arts Institute and the Jazz Hall of Fame HB 1397 – Military base closure prevention HB 1414 – School testing HB 1438 – Superintendent certification HB 1465 – Athlete agents HB 1467 – Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers HB 1593 – State employees and state taxes HB 1646 – Education records, confidentiality HB 1767 – Mandates for schools, transferring Office of Accountability

Bill Vetoed by Governor

HB 1476 – School testing

If you are unable to print copies of the bills in this report, please contact Carolyn McCoy at (405) 225-1965 or e- mail her at [email protected].

25 INDEX BILLS OF INTEREST TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Administrative Rules Electronic notification for interested persons, SB 437 Small Business concerns, HB 1075 Ad valorem reimbursement fund, SB 201 Alcohol and drug abuse courses, SB 634, HB 1266 Alternative education programs, SB 801 Animal and crop research facilities, SB 584, SB 833 Appropriations Agriculture Department for OSU services, HB 1201 Commerce Department for Small Rural Manufacturer Program at Oklahoma State University, SEOSU Small Business Development, and Bid Assistance Program OSU/CATT, SB 126 Education Leadership Oklahoma, HB 1162 Great Expectations Summer Institutes for Teachers scholarships, HB 1162 Health Department for contractual services with OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s health education centers, HB 1189 OUHSC pediatric endocrinology department, HB 1189 OU College of Medicine perinatal continuing education, HB 1189 National Assessment of Educational Progress, HB 1162 OETA, HB 1161 Office of Accountability, HB 1167, HB 1767 Office of State Finance for Military Strategic Planning Commission, SB 138 Oklahoma Alliance for Geographic Education, HB 1162 Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), SB 128 Physician Manpower Training Commission, HB 1165 Rainy Day Fund, HB 1249 State Regents, SB 172 Summer Arts Institute, HB 1162 Teacher Preparation Commission, HB 1169 Tourism for Summer Arts Institute and Jazz Hall of Fame, HB 1219 University Hospitals Authority, SB 48 Virtual Internet School in Oklahoma Network (VISION) Pilot Program, HB 1162 Architectural Act Task Force, HB 1451 Athlete agents, HB 1465

Benefit information, SB 715 Bond refinancing, SB 200 Brisch, Hans, SR 32 Budgeting, HB 1256

Campus police membership on Drug Dog and Bomb Dog Advisory Councils, HB 1313 Capital projects authorization, SB 200 Carbon Sequestration Enhancement Act , HB 1051 Career and Technology Education, SB 628, HB 1068, HB 1654 Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers, HB 1467 Climatological Survey, SB 547 College Savings Plan, SB 312 Communications infrastructure task force, SB 556

26 Community Hospitals Authority, SB 686 Complaint System for Persons with Disabilities, Task Force to Review, HB 1495 Confidentiality of educational records, HB 1646 County equipment use by two-year colleges, HB 1149 Credit transfer, HB 1123

Dental hygienists, HB 1445

Education Leadership Oklahoma, HB 1767 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Task Force, HB 1342 Emergency preparedness, HB 1512 Employee information, SB 703 Employment security, SB 741

Firearms, SB 834 Flag, American Ex-Prisoner of War and POW/MIA, HB 1059 Flexible benefits, SB 636

Governmental Tort Claims, HB 1406 Graduation requirements, HB 1065

Higher Education Capital Revolving Fund, SB 201 Hospital facilities, SB 620

Insurance, health Child enrollment, SB 431 HMOs, SB 635 Retiree options, SB 409, SB 414 Vision plans, SB 354 Internet -based courses, HB 1343 Pornography, SB 755

Leave accrual, SB 647 Leave of absence for military duty, SB 703 Lottery, SB 837, SJR 22, HB 1278

Mentor executives, SB 703 Mesonetwork, SB 547 Military base closure prevention, SB 138, HB 1396, HB 1397 Motor vehicle equipment requirements, SB 633

Nanotechnology Initiative, SCR 23 National Board Certification, HB 1767 Northeastern State University basketball championship, SR 18

Office of Accountability transfer, HB 1167, HB 1767 Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents, SB 793, SCR 21 Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP), SB 326 Oklahoma State University representative on Architectural Act Task Force, HB 1451 Oklahoma Tuition Scholarship Revolving Fund, SB 201

27 Olmstead Decision planning committee, SB 750 Open meetings, SB 395 Open records, SB 395

Payroll deduction for Oklahoma Today magazine, SB 371 Personnel Act, SB 703 Pornography on Internet, SB 755, HB 1562 Postage stamps, SB 247 Privatization, HB 1115 Product vendor information, HB 1114 Public building construction, SB 246, HB 1329 Purchasing Contracts, SB 646, HB 1393 Lease-purchase, SB 646 Online bidding, HB 1329 Pharmaceuticals, SB 830 Postage stamps, SB 247 Prison industries goods and services, HB 1279 Statewide contracts, SB 830

Raffles, SB 837 Reduction in force, SB 703 Residency policies, HCR 1004 Retirement Alternate plan, HB 1362 Deduction of dues, SB 4 Health insurance, SB 409, SB 414 Partial lump-sum payment, HB 1440 Salary cap, SB 663 Rural development, HB 1300

School Lands, SB 318 Readiness, HB 1094 Testing, HB 1414, HB 1476 Sex offenders, SB 554, HB 1501 Smoking, SJR 21 Southwestern Oklahoma State University, transfer of property to, HCR 1013 Statutory mandates, HB 1767 Student records, HB 1646 Superintendent certification, SB 628, HB 1438

Tax, state employees, HB 1593 Teacher Certification, HB 1767 Competency, HB 1151 Mathematics, HB 1767 Preparation, HB 1151 Technology center schools, SB 628, HB 1654 Telecommunications, SB 556 Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund, HB 1457

28 Tuition Equalization Grant, SB 520 Increase, HB 1748 Two-year colleges using county equipment, HB 1149

Undocumented immigrant students, SB 596 University of Oklahoma representative on Architectural Act Task Force, HB 1451

Vaccinations, SB 787 Veterinary practice, SB 393 Videoconferencing, HB 1030

Warrants, HB 1580 Weapons, SB 834 Whistleblower Act, HB 1058

Zero-based budgeting, HB 1256

29 BILL SUMMARIES

Status Reported as of June 10, 2003

SENATE BILLS

SB 4 (Lawler/McCarter) – TEACHERS RETIREMENT. Requiring the Teachers’ Retirement Sys- tem to provide retiring members with an application to participate in a retired teachers’ organization along with an election form to have membership dues prorated and withheld from retirement benefits. (70 §§ 17-122, 17-122.1) 5/23/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/4.pdf

SB 48 (Morgan/Mitchell) – APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriating to the University Hospitals Author- ity; stating purpose; providing for duties and compensation of employees; providing budgetary limitations; providing lapse dates; requiring certain budget procedures; prohibiting certain budget procedures. 5/26/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/48.pdf

SB 126 (Morgan/Mitchell) – APPROPRIATIONS/COMMERCE DEPT. Appropriating to the De- partment of Commerce for specific programs, including $300,000 for the establishment of a Small Rural Manufacturer Program at Oklahoma State University (Sections 7, 12 and 26), $600,873 for the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Statewide Small Business Development Centers Program (Sections 12 and 17) and $124,830 for the Bid Assistance Program OSU/CATT (Sections 12 and 24). 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/126.pdf

SB 128 (Morgan/Mitchell) – APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriating $11 million to the Oklahoma Cen- ter for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST); stating purpose; requiring deposit of certain funds; requiring OCAST to budget in certain categories and amounts; requiring performance measures; providing for duties and compensation of employees; limiting salary of Executive Director; providing budgetary limitations; providing lapse dates; requiring certain budget practices; prohibiting certain budget practices. 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/128.pdf

SB 138 (Morgan/Mitchell) – APPROPRIATIONS/MILITARY STRATEGIC PLANNING. Ap- propriating $1.5 million to the Office of State Finance to be transferred to the Oklahoma Military Stra- tegic Planning Commission Incentive Fund. 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/138.pdf

SB 172 (Morgan/Mitchell) – APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriating $767.9 million to the State Re- gents; stating purposes; authorizing expenditures of certain funds; requiring budgeting of certain funds in certain years; requiring certain budgeting procedures; prohibiting certain budgeting procedures; providing lapse dates. 5/30/03 To Governor - http://www2.lsb.state.ok.us/2003-04SB/sb172_ccs.rtf 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/172.pdf

SB 200 (Morgan/Mitchell) –BOND REFINANCING. Providing authority to the Oklahoma Building Bonds Commission to issue bonds for the purpose of refunding and/or restructuring outstanding obligations regarding bonds issued under the 1992 Oklahoma Building Bond and College Savings Bond Act; providing for the determination of the method of sale, maximum maturity and other terms and conditions of sale of such bonds; providing authority to the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority to issue bonds for the purpose of refunding and/or restructuring outstanding obligations; providing for determination of the method of sale, maximum maturity, and other terms and conditions of sale for such bonds. 4/22/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/200.pdf

SB 201 (Morgan/Mitchell) –TRANSFERRING FUNDS TO AD VALOREM REIMBURSEMENT FUND. Transferring funds from the Higher Education Capital Revolving Fund, the Oklahoma Tuition Scholarship Revolving Fund and the Common Education Technology Revolving Fund to the Ad Valorem Reimbursement Fund to reimburse counties for school districts that claim a loss of revenue due to a tax exemption granted for a new or expanded manufacturing or research and development facility. 6/04/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/201.pdf

SB 246 (Leftwich/Paulk) – PUBLIC BUILDING. Modifying language relating to Public Building Construction and Planning Act; deleting limiting language related to rulemaking; adding certain duties to the Division; authorizing Division to provide contracts and collect certain fee for construction project; specifying provisions for certain divisions of state agencies to follow. (61 §§ 202.1, 204, 208.1, 209) 5/26/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/246.pdf

SB 247 (Robinson/Staggs) – PURCHASING/POSTAGE STAMPS. Providing an exception to limi- tation on purchasing postage stamps for state agencies that are engaged in scientific research or community development. (74 § 90.1) 5/16/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/247.pdf

SB 312 (Morgan/ Blackburn) – COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN. Modifying language relating to property exempt from forced sale for payment of debts; exempting interest in an Oklahoma College Sav- ings Plan account. (31 § 1) 4/29/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/312.pdf

SB 318 (Helton/Brannon) –SCHOOL LANDS. Relating to the Commissioners of the Land Office; amending sections relating to publication of notice requirement for lease sales; modifying procedure for entering into certain leases; requiring Commissioners to pay the fee for obtaining a real estate ap- praiser license for any employee who is required to obtain such license to perform job duties. (64 §§ 92, 281) 5/12/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/318.pdf

SB 326 (Horner/Deutschendorf) – OKLAHOMA HIGHER LEARNING ACCESS PROGRAM (OHLAP). Modifying enrollment qualifications for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program

31 (OHLAP); allowing eighth-, ninth-, and tenth-grade students to enter into participation in the program. (70 § 2605) 4/25/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/326.pdf

SB 354 (Helton/Askins) – HEALTH INSURANCE/VISION PLANS. Relates to state employee vision plans; amending dates; defining “providers”; prohibiting optical shops and retail optical loca- tions from being listed as providers; requiring a provider to require anyone electing a vision plan to submit an annual election form. (74 § 1374) 4/21/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/354.pdf

SB 371 (Shurden/Wilson) – PAYROLL DEDUCTION/OKLAHOMA TODAY MAGAZINE. Au- thorizing state employee payroll deduction for subscriptions to the Oklahoma Today magazine. (62 § 7.10) 4/21/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/371.pdf

SB 393 (Harrison/Covey) – VETERINARY PRACTICE. Relating to the Veterinary Practice Act; expanding the scope of practice of veterinary medicine. (59 § 698.11) 4/15/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/393.pdf

SB 395 (Dunlap/Winchester) – OPEN MEETINGS/OPEN RECORDS. Relating to open meetings and open records and executive sessions; adds the discussion of the investigation of or plans regarding the deterrence of acts of terrorism to permissible topics for executive sessions and to list of information that may be kept confidential. (25 § 307; 51 § 24A.27) 5/05/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/395.pdf

SB 409 (Corn/Ray Miller) – HEALTH INSURANCE/RETIREMENT. Requiring a feasibility study by certain state retirement systems, including the Teachers’ Retirement System, and the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board to look at alternative plans to help retired members of the state retirement systems, their dependents, and beneficiaries pay for health care expenses after retirement; requiring report by Nov. 1, 2003. 5/26/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/409.pdf

SB 414 (Corn/Braddock) – HEALTH INSURANCE/RETIREMENT. Relating to continuation of health and dental insurance benefits authorized by the State and Education Employees Group Insur- ance Act; deleting provisions allowing participation in certain plans if the educational entity was not a participant or employee was not a participant in certain plans. (74 § 1316.3) Section 1 amended by Section 3 of HB 1362. 4/28/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/414.pdf

SB 431 (Cain/Vaughn) – HEALTH INSURANCE/CHILD ENROLLMENT. Relates to health plan enrollment of child; updating language; imposing fine for failure to comply with requirements of the National Medical Support Notice; providing that an employer may not be fined under this section when an employee fails to contribute his or her portion of a health insurance premium; directing deposit of certain funds. (36 § 6058A, 43 § 118.2, 56 § 225)

32 3/31/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/431.pdf

SB 437 (Rabon/Pope) – ADMINISTRATIVE RULES/ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION. Amend- ing Section 3 of HB 1075, which relates to agency rulemaking procedures; authorizing agencies to electronically notify interested persons that a copy of the proposed rule and the rule impact statement may be viewed on the agency’s web site; prohibiting charges for the cost of downloading or printing the proposed rule or impact statement. (75 § 303) 5/28/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/437.pdf

SB 520 (Robinson/Staggs) – TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANT. Enacting the Oklahoma Tui- tion Equalization Grant Act; creating the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant Program; authorizing the State Regents to award tuition equalization grants to undergraduate resident students enrolled in approved private or independent higher education institutions; providing eligibility criteria; stating amount of grant; providing for procedures for payment of grants; authorizing the State Regents to im- plement policies and procedures for administration; stating requirements for eligible institutions; stating priority for awarding grants; setting certain conditions for maximum grant award; authorizing exceptions for hardship circumstances; directing State Regents to provide certain annual report; creating Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant Trust Fund; authorizing use of certain fund; stating composition of principal of certain fund; authorizing income and investment return to accrue to certain fund; authorizing State Regents to adopt certain rules and allocate certain funds; prohibiting allocation of funds for certain expenses; amending sections which relate to duties of Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education as trustees of certain funds; making State Regents trustees for Oklahoma Tuition Equaliza- tion Grant Trust Fund. (70 §§ 2630 et seq., 3954, 3955) 5/12/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/520.pdf

SB 547 (Nichols/Nations) – CLIMATOLOGICAL SURVEY/MESONET. Relates to the Okla- homa Climatological Survey; modifying appointment of the state climatologist; adding to the duties of the Survey that of maintaining and operating the Mesonetwork, a statewide environmental monitoring network which is overseen by the Mesonet Steering Committee, comprised of representatives of the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. (74 § 245) 5/12/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/547.pdf

SB 554 (Nichols/Cox) – SEX OFFENDERS/DAY CARE SAFETY ZONE. Creating a safety zone against sex offenders around schools and licensed child care facilities and playgrounds. (21 § 1125) 5/12/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/554.pdf

SB 556 (Price/Pope) – COMMUNICATIONS TASK FORCE. Creating the 16-member Task Force on Oklahoma’s Communications Infrastructure, membership of which would include the Director of OneNet, the state telecommunications network within the State Regents, one member representing the Oklahoma Government Telecommunications Network and one member representing OETA; stating duty of task force. (74 § 9004) 5/21/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/556.pdf

33 SB 584 (Price/Covey) – FARM ANIMAL, CROP, AND RESEARCH FACILITIES PROTEC- TION. Creating the “Oklahoma Farm Animal, Crop, and Research Facilities Protection Act”; prohibiting certain acts relating to animals, animal facilities, crops, and crop facilities. 4/10/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/584.pdf

SB 596 (Leftwich/Lindley) – UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT STUDENTS. Directing the State Regents to adopt a policy allowing certain students to be eligible for enrollment in a State System institution and for resident tuition; establishing criteria; requiring compliance with certain admission criteria; requiring high school counselors to inform immigrant students that they should apply for legal status as soon as possible to enhance their opportunity for higher education in Oklahoma; prohibiting disqualification from scholarships or financial aid on the basis of the student’s immigration status. (70 § 3242) 5/12/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/596.pdf

SB 620 (Monson/Askins) – HOSPITAL FACILITIES. Relates to hospitals and related institutions; modifying method of verifying certain revenues; modifying certain fee assessments and determina- tions; authorizing Commissioner of Health to obtain certain copies of reports; modifying placement of funds; removing requirement for distribution of certain funds; modifying definitions; requiring promulgation of rules. (63 § 1-702b) 5/20/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/620.pdf

SB 628 (Fisher/Wells) – TECHNOLOGY CENTER SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. Relates to licensure and certification; stating requirements for a certificate for a superintendent of a technology center school district; amending Section 1 of HB 1068, modifying term dates for certain State Board of Career and Technology Education members. (70 §§ 6-189, 14-101) 5/20/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/628.pdf

SB 633 (Smith/McCarter) – EQUIPMENT ON MOTOR VEHICLES. This is a comprehensive bill relating to required equipment on motor vehicles. 6/05/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/633.pdf

SB 634 (Cain/Balkman) – ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE COURSES. Relating to mental health and substance abuse; Section 6 amends Section 22 of HB 1266 which increases enrollment fees for alcohol and drug substance abuse courses which are offered only by nonprofit higher educational institutions, governmental or nonprofit organizations. (43A § 3-453) 5/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/634.pdf

SB 635 (Monson/Cox) – HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS (HMO). This is a comprehensive bill enacting the “Health Maintenance Organization Act of 2003”. (36 § 6901 et seq.) 5/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/635.pdf

SB 636 (Corn/Brannon) – FLEXIBLE BENEFITS. Relating to the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Council; amending language relating to the flexible spending account benefits plan; clarifying language; deleting exception; requiring the Council to prescribe certain forms and procedures; provid-

34 ing right to a hearing; providing for notice; applying provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act; requiring promulgation of rules for notice of denial, requests for explanation and hearing for certain claims denial; deleting certain provisions of the notice of claim denial. (74 § 1372) 6/03/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/636.pdf

SB 646 (Corn/Wilson) – PURCHASING/CONTRACTS. Relates to the Central Purchasing Act; provides that certain information be made within the contract rather than through a separate statement; requires the lease-purchase of data processing or other equipment by any state agency to be processed by competitive bids through the Purchasing Division of the Department of Central Services; provides that the Council of Bond Oversight shall have the authority to determine the most cost-effective method for obtaining financing for lease-purchase agreements. Section 2 amends Section 1 of HB 1393 and Section 7 amends Section 7 of HB 1329. (74 §§ 85.4, 85.5, 85.7, 85.12, 85.42) 5/29/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/646.pdf

SB 647 (Leftwich/Hefner) – LEAVE ACCRUAL. Changing leave accrual basis in regard to state employees; providing that leave shall be accrued based upon hours worked, paid leave, and holidays, but excluding overtime, not to exceed the total possible work hours for the month. (74 § 840-2.20) 4/28/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/647.pdf

SB 663 (Maddox/Deutschendorf) – RETIREMENT. Relates to retirement; modifying certain salary cap for certain nonclassified personnel who return to work after retirement. (70 § 17-116.10) 5/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/663.pdf

SB 686 (Smith/McIntyre) – COMMUNITY HOSPITALS AUTHORITY. Relates to the Commu- nity Hospitals Authority Act; clarifying definition; expanding powers and modifying composition of Authority, membership of which includes the presidents of Oklahoma State University and the Uni- versity of Oklahoma or their designees; prohibiting supplanting of specified funding; clarifying language; deleting provisions related to state fund appropriations, appointment of an executive director and prohibitions on employing personnel; specifying method of distribution for specified reimbursement. (63 §§ 3240.2, 3240.3, 3240.5, 3240.6) 6/05/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/686.pdf

SB 703 (Braddock/Leftwich) – LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR MILITARY DUTY/EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE/REDUCTION IN FORCE/MENTOR EXECUTIVES. An Act relating to state employees; amending sections which relate to leave of absence of employees on active National Guard duty; providing for benefit and pay adjustments to acting incumbents; amending section which relates to voluntary payroll deductions; clarifying treatment of certain online forms; amending section which relates to leave of absence during active service; providing for benefit and pay adjustments to acting incumbents; amending sections which relate to the Oklahoma Personnel Act; making testimony of an Employee Assistance Program professional not subject to subpoena; extending confidentiality of employee information; deleting requirement for sending copies of materials related to excess payroll er- rors; deleting certain reduction-in-force plan requirements; providing for reduction-in-force notice requirement; removing provisions relating to unclassified employee reduction-in-force; providing for reduction-in-force implementation plan; amending references; removing provisions relating to unclassified employee reduction-in-force; removing certain written explanation requirement; deleting certain exemption from approval by the Administrator; making certain severance benefits to unclassified em-

35 ployees permissive; deleting obsolete language; clarifying language concerning repayment of certain severance benefits; providing for intermittent Mentor Executive rotations; deleting certain requirements for posting certain announcements; requiring agencies to describe method certain announcements in the promotional posting plan; adding certain information to be included in posting; authorizing Administrator to prescribe certain compliance form; providing for submission of plan to the Office of State Finance; providing requirements for the Office of State Finance to reject such plans; authorizing agencies to appoint nurses in the unclassified service. Amended by HB 1101. 5/12/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/703.pdf

SB 715 (Corn/Ray Miller) – BENEFITS INFORMATION. Requiring inclusion of certain information related to salary and benefits in contracts or information worksheets for certain certified personnel; requiring school districts to furnish statement of certain salary and benefits paid to certain employees; requiring school districts to include in certain annual personnel report certain information related to salary and benefits paid; requiring certain report concerning State Aid funds; modifying requirements for certain sworn statements for certain certified personnel. (70 §§ 6-101.6, 18-202) 5/27/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/715.pdf

SB 741 (Price/Hamilton) – EMPLOYMENT SECURITY. Relates to the Employment Security Act of 1980; providing for the release of certain confidential employee information to the Bureau of the Census of the U.S. Department of Commerce for the purpose of economic and statistical research; providing that subpoenas for confidential information must be administrative subpoenas issued by federal, state or local governmental agencies with subpoena power granted by statute or ordinance; providing that confidential information can be obtained by a written court order authorizing the release of records. (40 § 4-508) 5/05/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/741.pdf

SB 750 (Cain/Gilbert) – OLMSTEAD DECISION. Relates to the Strategic Planning Committee on the Olmstead Decision; expanding and clarifying voting membership. (56 § 1021) 4/10/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/750.pdf

SB 755 (Pruitt/Hopper Smith) – PORNOGRAPHY ON INTERNET. Requiring interactive Internet service providers to remove or disable access to child pornography items from services when con- tacted by the Attorney General. (21 § 1040.80) 5/23/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/755.pdf

SB 787 (Monson/Nations) – VACCINATIONS. Beginning with the 2004-2005 academic year, requiring first-time enrollees in all public or private postsecondary educational institutions who reside in on-campus housing to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease; providing for exemption; requiring the State Regents, with consultation from the State Department of Health, to provide informational material and waiver forms to all higher education institutions with on-campus student housing; requiring written documentation of vaccinations against hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); providing for exemption; requiring institutions to notify students of the vaccination requirements and provide educational information on hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) upon enrollment. (70 §§ 3242, 3243) 5/28/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/787.pdf

SB 793 (Morgan/Paulk) – OKLAHOMA A&M BOARD. Relating to boards, commissions and authorities; correcting statutory language and reinstating structure of certain boards, commissions and authorities affected by congressional redistricting; Section 6 amends section which relates to the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges; removing conflicting language requiring certain congressional district representation; updating reference to certain at-large appointment; making certain references gender neutral. (70 § 3409) Recalled from Governor’s desk by SCR 21; Second Enrolled bill signed by Governor. 5/20/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/793.pdf

SB 801 (Rozell/Staggs) – ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION. Relates to the statewide system of alternative education programs; establishing certain condition for continued funding of alternative education program; allowing certain school districts to request an evaluation review hearing. Section 1 is amended by Enrolled HB 1767. (70 § 1210.568) 5/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/801.pdf

SB 830 (Cain/Leist) – PURCHASING. Relates to the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act; amending Section 7 of HB 1329, as amended by Section 1 of HB 1280; requiring specified entity to participate in certain purchase. (74 §§ 85.5, 85.12) 5/23/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/830.pdf

SB 833 (Shurden/Leist) – ANIMAL FACILITIES PROTECTION. Reducing certain penalty pursuant to a violation of the Animal Facilities Protection Act. (21 § 1680.2) 3/31/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/833.pdf

SB 834 (Shurden/Stanley) – FIREARMS. Excepting the use of firearms and other weapons for living history re-enactment from prohibited carrying of weapons; defining term; amending section relating to possession of firearm on school property; modifying requirements for a concealed handgun license; modifying language relating to instructor’s CLEET approval. (21 §§ 1272, 1283, 1290.9, 1290.14) 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/834.pdf

SB 837 (Shurden/Armes) – RAFFLES/LOTTERIES. Providing that certain activities of churches, schools and affiliated entities, and certain nonprofit organizations not be deemed violation of lottery or gambling laws. (21 § 1051) 5/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SB/837.pdf

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTIONS

SJR 21 (Hobson/Adair) – SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES. Restricting areas in which smoking is permitted; changing the “Smoking in Public Places Act” to the “Smoking in Public Places and Indoor Workplaces Act”; modifying and deleting definitions; prohibiting smoking in all State-owned vehicles; providing exceptions for prohibition of smoking in certain places; modifying requirements for signs prohibiting smoking. 6/06/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SJ/21.pdf

SJR 22 (Hobson/Kirby) – LOTTERY. Calls for a proposed constitutional amendment creating the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund; requiring the trust fund to be expended only for certain education-related purposes, including compensation and benefits for public school teachers and support employees, early childhood development programs, tuition grants, loans and scholarships for postsecondary students, construction of educational facilities, capital outlay projects, technology, endowed chairs, programs and personnel of the Oklahoma School for the Deaf and the Oklahoma School for the Blind, the School Consolidation and Assistance Fund, and for the Teacher’s Retirement System Dedi- cated Revenue Revolving Fund; prohibiting the Legislature from using the trust fund to replace other state funds supporting education; requiring the State Board of Equalization to examine appropriations from the trust fund; providing appropriation procedure under certain circumstances; making the measure effective only on approval of HB 1278. (State Question 706) 4/28/03 To Secretary of State - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SJ/22-SQ706.pdf

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS

SCR 21 (Morgan/Paulk) – OKLAHOMA A&M BOARD. Recalling SB 793 from the Governor’s desk; SB 793 relates to boards, commissions and authorities; correcting statutory language and reinstating structure of certain boards, commissions and authorities affected by congressional redistricting; amending section which relates to the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechani- cal Colleges; removing conflicting language requiring certain congressional district representation; updating reference to certain at-large appointment; making certain references gender neutral. (70 § 3409) . 4/21/03 To Secretary of State - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SC/21.pdf

SCR 23 (Capps/Deutschendorf) – NANOTECHNOLOGY. Establishing an Oklahoma Nanotechnol- ogy Initiative for the purpose of creating statewide awareness of the emerging nanotechnology industry and its potential impact on this state, promoting this state and its resources as a valuable site for industry location, and serving as a clearinghouse for information to the academic, financial, industrial and business communities; stating legislative intent that the Secretary of Science and Technology convene technology-business representatives from the public and private sectors for the purpose of form- ing a nanotechnology organization and its governing board. 5/05/03 To Secretary of State - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SC/23.pdf

SENATE RESOLUTIONS

SR 18 (Rozell) – NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL. Congratulating the Northeastern State University Redmen basketball team and coaching staff for winning the NCAA Di- vision II National Championship. 4/09/03 To Secretary of State - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SR/18.pdf

SR 32 (Williams) – HANS BRISCH. Recognizing Chancellor Hans Brisch for his 15 years of service to Oklahoma higher education as Chancellor of the State System of Higher Education and honoring him on his retirement. 5/21/03 To Secretary of State - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/SR/32.pdf

HOUSE BILLS

HB 1030 (Piatt/Robinson) – VIDEOCONFERENCING. Authorizing a board of education of a technology center school to hold meetings by videoconferencing; requiring each member be visible by certain means; providing certain restrictions; providing for public participation or input; prohibiting public bodies from holding executive sessions by videoconference. (25 § 307.1) 5/29/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1030.pdf

HB 1051 (Pope/Price) – CARBON SEQUESTRATION ENHANCEMENT. Expanding the scope of the Oklahoma Carbon Sequestration Enhancement Act; modifying the Carbon Sequestration Advi- sory Committee to include the director of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey; modifying the committee’s report to the legislature to include improved natural resources conservation practices as well as the capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide emissions through injection of carbon dioxide in marginal and abandoned oil and/or gas wells. The advisory committee includes a member representing Oklahoma State University. (27A §§ 3-4-101/3-4-103, 3-4-105) 5/20/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1051.pdf

HB 1058 (Ellis/Corn) – WHISTLEBLOWERS. Prohibiting taking disciplinary action pursuant to the Whistleblower Act against an employee for discussing operations and functions of an agency with the print or electronic media. (74 § 840-2.5) 4/21/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1058.pdf

HB 1059 (McCarter/Crutchfield) – AMERICAN EX-PRISONER OF WAR/POW/MIA FLAGS. Modifying the prohibition against displaying flags over tax-supported property to permit the display of the American Ex-Prisoner of War flag and the POW/MIA flag. (21 § 375) 4/21/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1059.pdf

HB 1065 (McCarter/Crutchfield) – TRANSFER STUDENTS/GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS. Requiring the State Board of Education, before Sept. 1, 2003, to adopt rules ensuring that students who transfer into an Oklahoma school district from out of state after the junior year of high school not be denied, due to differing graduation requirements, the opportunity to be awarded a standard diploma. (70 § 11-103.6f) 4/10/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1065.pdf

HB 1068 (Ray Miller/Rozell) – CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION BOARD. Modi- fying membership of the Board of Career and Technology Education; requiring that five Governor- appointed members be from a business or industry where a significant number of the workforce per- forms a task for which training or other educational services may be obtained from the career and technology education system; requiring members to have resided in the relevant congressional district for at least six months prior to appointment; providing that one member who represents the public, private and/or educational interests of the state be appointed by the Governor with the advice and con- sent of the Senate; specifying certain orientation and continuing education requirements. Section 1 amended by Section 2 of SB 628. (70 §§ 14-101, 14-102) 4/08/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1068.pdf

HB 1075 (Plunk/Maddox) – ADMINISTRATIVE RULES/SMALL BUSINESS. Requiring the submission of a copy of proposed rules and rule impact statement to the Small Business Regulatory Review Committee prior to submitting rules for adoption, amendment, revision or revocation if the rules may have an adverse economic effect upon small business. Section 3 amended by SB 437. (75 §§ 303, 503, 504) 4/15/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1075.pdf

HB 1094 (Peters/Fisher) – SCHOOL READINESS. Creating the "Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Act"; creating an Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Board, until July 1, 2009, to promote school readiness supporting community-based efforts to increase the number of children who are ready to succeed by the time they enter school; including the Chancellor or designee on the board; requiring the board to submit an annual report; designating the Department of Human Services as the lead public agency; authorizing the establishment of a not-for-profit school readiness foundation to raise funds and to assist in implementation and achievement of goals of the act. (10 §§ 640/640.3) 4/22/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1094.pdf

HB 1114 (Erwin/Gumm) – PRODUCT VENDOR INFORMATION. Requiring state agencies, beginning July 1, 2003, to allow product vendors that have an authorized payroll deduction for state employees reasonable access to state employees to provide information concerning their products; specifying conditions for such access. (74 § 842) 3/31/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1114.pdf

HB 1115 (Nations/Rabon) – PRIVATIZATION. Relating to the Oklahoma Privatization of State Functions Act; adding definitions; requiring a cost analysis and report prior to privatization of certain state functions; modifying notification requirement; making certain proposals confidential; adding certain requirements of agencies prior to entering into a contract to privatize a state function; requiring such contracts to contain certain provisions; requiring certain certification by agencies. (74 §§ 588, 589) 6/03/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1115.pdf

HB 1123 (Greenwood/Dunlap) – TRANSFER OF CREDITS. Stating legislative intent that State System institutions, private institutions accredited by the State Regents, technology center school districts, schools or training programs licensed, accredited, approved or regulated by any state agency, and private schools licensed by the Board of Private Vocational Schools be prohibited from placing statements in documents or brochures given to students or advertising in publications that credits earned at the institution, training program, or school are fully accepted at another institution without having a written agreement with the other institution or school stating that the credits will be fully accepted. (70 § 3207.1) 4/15/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1123.pdf

HB 1149 (Ray Miller/Corn) – TWO-YEAR COLLEGES/USE OF COUNTY EQUIPMENT. Au- thorizing the use of county equipment, labor and supplies on property owned by State System two- year colleges or technical branches of colleges. (19 § 339) 5/21/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1149.pdf

HB 1151 (Dale Smith/Laster) – TEACHER COMPETENCIES. Expanding required teacher competencies to include skills in effective classroom management and student discipline. (70 §§ 6-185, 6- 194) 5/28/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1151.pdf

HB 1161 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriating to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority. 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1161.pdf

HB 1162 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriating to common education, including funds to be apportioned for the Summer Arts Institute, Education Leadership Oklahoma, the Virtual Internet School in Oklahoma Network (VISION) Pilot Program, scholarships to the Great Expecta- tions Summer Institutes for Teachers, program development and evaluation by the Teacher Preparation Commission and curriculum enhancement and monitoring programs for teacher applicants on a contract basis with a State System institution, participation in the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and contracting with the Oklahoma Alliance for Geographic Education. 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1162.pdf

HB 1165 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriating to the Physician Manpower Training Commission. 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1162.pdf

HB 1167 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS/OFFICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY. Appro- priating to education entities; contingent upon the enactment of HB 1767, transferring the Office of Accountability to the State Regents and reappropriating $500,823 to the State Regents for the Office of Accountability. 5/30/03 To Governor - http://www2.lsb.state.ok.us/2003-04HB/hb1167_enr.rtf 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1167.pdf

HB 1169 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriating to the Teacher Preparation Commission. 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1169.pdf

HB 1189 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS/HEALTH PROGRAMS. Appropriating to the State Department of Health, providing for certain contractual services with Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. 5/27/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1189.pdf

HB 1201 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS/AGRICULTURE/OSU PROGRAMS. Ap- propriating to the Department of Agriculture, including funds for OSU’s Statewide Intensive Financial Management Assistance Program and Animal Diagnostic Laboratory equipment. 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1201.pdf

HB 1219 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS/SUMMER ARTS INSTITUTE/JAZZ HALL OF FAME. Making appropriations to the Tourism and Recreation Department; budgeting funds for the Summer Arts Institute and the Jazz Hall of Fame. 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1219.pdf

HB 1249 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS FROM RAINY DAY FUND. Proposed constitutional amendment modifying provisions related to appropriations from the Constitutional Reserve (Rainy Day) Fund; prescribing procedures for determination of appropriation amounts. (Art. X, § 23) (State Question 708) 5/21/03 To Secretary of State - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1249-SQ708.pdf

HB 1256 (Mitchell/Morgan) – APPROPRIATIONS/BUDGETING. Relating to the Budget Law of 1947; modifying provisions related to reporting of fiscal information by state agencies; prescribing required content for information reported to the Director of the Office of State Finance and certain other persons; modifying provisions related to Joint Legislative Committee on Budget and Program Oversight; renaming Committee; modifying membership of Committee; modifying duties of Commit- tee; imposing duties and responsibilities upon Appropriations and Budget Committee of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Appropriations Committee of the State Senate; specifying duties with respect to fiscal information; prescribing procedures; requiring filing of certain information; prohibiting certain action based upon filing of certain evaluation reports; amending sections, which relate to the Oklahoma Program Performance Budgeting and Accountability Act; modifying statutory references. 5/28/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1256.pdf

HB 1266 (Balkman/Cain) – ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE COURSES. Relating to mental health and substance abuse; Section 22 increases enrollment fees for alcohol and drug substance abuse courses which are offered only by nonprofit higher educational institutions, governmental or nonprofit organizations. Section 22 was amended by Section 6 of SB 634. (43A § 3-453) 4/08/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1266.pdf

HB 1278 (Kirby/Hobson) – LOTTERY FOR EDUCATION. Ordering a vote of the people to create the Oklahoma Education Lottery Act; creating the Oklahoma Lottery Commission; providing for gov- ernance by board of trustees; creating an Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund; providing that net proceeds of the lottery will be used for education purposes, including compensation and benefits for public school support employees, early childhood development programs, tuition grants, loans and scholarships for postsecondary students, construction of educational facilities, capital outlay projects, technology, endowed chairs, programs and personnel of the Oklahoma School for the Deaf and the Oklahoma School for the Blind, the School Consolidation and Assistance Fund, and the Teachers’ Re- tirement System Dedicated Revenue Revolving Fund; prohibiting the use of funds to replace other state funds supporting education; providing for the conduct of a state lottery. 4/10/03 Became Law Without Governor’s Signature http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1278.pdf

HB 1279 (Hutchison/Kerr) – PURCHASING FROM PRISON INDUSTRIES. Expanding entities included in the requirement to purchase prison industries goods and services to include counties, schools, colleges, universities and political subdivisions if the article or service provided by prison

42 industries is the lowest and best bid and no such article or service may be purchased from any other source unless excepted from certain provisions. (57 § 549.1) 4/10/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1279.pdf

HB 1300 (Turner/Gumm) – RURAL DEVELOPMENT. Creating the Rural Area Development Task Force; providing for membership; prescribing study by Task Force; authorizing request for assistance from state government entities; extending due date of long-term plan for the Greenwood Area Rede- velopment Authority. (74 §§ 8302, 8225) 5/26/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1300.pdf

HB 1313 (Paulk/Wilkerson) – DRUG AND BOMB DOG ADVISORY COUNCILS. Section 7, which amends Section 84 of HB 1816, relates to homeland security and to the Council on Law En- forcement Education and Training; establishing criteria for canine units; establishing the Drug Dog Advisory Council and the Bomb Dog Advisory Council; providing that the membership of each council would include a commissioned officer from a university or college campus police department. (70 § 3311) 5/05/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1313.pdf

HB 1329 (Perry/Coffee) – ONLINE BIDDING. Enacting the "Oklahoma Online Bidding Act"; authorizing state agency purchasing agents, when the agent determines that electronic or online bidding is more advantageous than other procurement methods provided by state law, to use online bidding to obtain bids authorized by the Central Purchasing Act or the Public Building Construction and Planning Act for the purchase of goods, services, construction or information services. Section 7 amended by SB 646, SB 830, and HB 1593. (61 § 209; 74 §§ 85.5, 85.45o/85.45s) 4/10/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1329.pdf

HB 1342 (Deutschendorf/Capps) – ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AC- CESSIBILITY. Creating an Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Task Force until July 1, 2004, to study and prepare recommendations concerning the accessibility for the disabled to publicly produced and provided electronic and information technology; including on the task force a representative of OneNet and the project manager for Oklahoma Able Tech, the state assistive technology project located at Oklahoma State University. 4/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1342.pdf

HB 1343 (Deutschendorf/Robinson) – INTERNET-BASED COURSES. Authorizing district boards of education policies and procedures for Internet-based courses to include criteria for establishing fees or charges; providing that no district shall be liable for payment of any fees or charges for any Inter- net-based course for a student who has not complied with the district’s policies and procedures. (70 § 1-111) 5/05/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1343.pdf

HB 1362 (Ingmire/Morgan) – RETIREMENT/ALTERNATE PLAN. Authorizing option for participation in the Teachers’ Retirement System for eligible employees of comprehensive universities who are at least 45 years at time of employment; reducing the vesting period for contributing members of the Teachers’ Retirement System from ten to five years; modifying provisions related to certain

43 withdrawn contributions; authorizing rules related to protection of certain spousal benefits; modifying provisions related to payment of interest on employee contributions; amending Section 1 of SB 414, which relates to payments for health insurance benefits; modifying provision related to eligibility for health care coverage. (70 §§ 17-103, 17-105; 74 § 1316.3) 5/29/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1362.pdf

HB 1393 (Reynolds/Aldridge) – PURCHASING/STATE CONTRACTS. Requiring the State Pur- chasing Director before contracts are awarded to a supplier to verify that the supplier is eligible to do business in the State by confirming registration with the Secretary of State and franchise tax payment status, provided that the contracts in question are in the amount of at least $25,000. Section 1 was amended by SB 646. (74 § 85.5) 5/05/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1393.pdf

HB 1396 (Braddock/Leftwich) – MILITARY BASE CLOSURE. Creating the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission to analyze state policies affecting state military facilities currently in use by the U.S. Dept. of Defense and by their related communities and to examine methods for im- proving the potential private sector market value or potential for such military facilities; requiring recommendations; providing for administrative direction, coordination and support from the Governor’s office; requiring annual report; requiring assistance by certain governmental entities. (74 §§ 5401, 5402) 5/27/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1396.pdf

HB 1397 (Braddock/Leftwich) – MILITARY BASE CLOSURE. Relating to military installations; stating legislative findings; creating the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission Incentive Fund; providing for distribution of monies in fund; specifying certain duties of local governmental entities and governing boards thereof; requiring certain approval; specifying certain requirements to receive funds; prohibiting certain uses of funds; providing liability for misuse of funds; providing for construction of certain expenditures. 6/05/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1397.pdf

HB 1406 (Toure/Smith) – GOVERNMENTAL TORT CLAIMS. Amending Section 1 of SB 428, and other sections of the statutes which relate to definitions, scope of liability and method of making claims; modifying definition; modifying limits of liability for certain claims; providing for liability and claims for persons wrongfully imprisoned for a felony conviction and adding liability limit there- fore; providing criteria; making liability both retroactive and prospective; providing for continued va- lidity of prospective application if retroactive application is declared unconstitutional; modifying exceptions from liability; providing for when loss occurs; providing time period for presenting certain claims. (51 §§ 152, 154/156) 5/28/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1406.pdf

HB 1414 (Staggs/Pruitt) – SCHOOL TESTING. Relating to the Oklahoma School Testing Program Act; directing the establishment of a sample test item bank on the Internet; directing the implementation of electronic testing; modifying grade level and subject area of criterion-referenced tests; directing the State Board of Education to convene task forces concerning the fifth-grade social studies test and arts assessment; requiring fine arts assessments; directing the Board to establish a system of recogni-

44 tion and rewards; deleting the low-performing and high challenge accountability system. (70 §§ 1210.507, 1210.508,1210.541) 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1414.pdf

HB 1438 (Brannon/Corn) – SUPERINTENDENT CERTIFICATION. Modifying certification requirements for superintendents and principals; establishing standards for alternative certification for superintendents and principals; listing certain competencies; requiring demonstration of competencies by certain persons; providing means for achieving competencies. (70 § 6-189) 6/03/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1438.pdf

HB 1440 (Brannon/Corn) – RETIREMENT/PARTIAL LUMP-SUM PAYMENT. Authorizing a member of the Teachers' Retirement System who is eligible to retire with at least 30 years of credit- able service to elect to receive a partial lump-sum payment on the date of retirement and a reduced annuity. (70 § 17-105.2) 5/29/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1440.pdf

HB 1445 (Stanley/Maddox) – DENTAL HYGIENISTS. Modifying and adding definitions relating to the State Dental Act; adding definition of “out-of-state dental hygienist”; deleting obsolete language and updating references; providing Board of Dentistry additional authority over dental assistants; deleting Board authority for specified appointments and provisions relating to appointees; clarifying references; modifying duplicate license fees by adding specified categories. (59 §§ 328.3, 328.15, 328.17, 328.19, 328.21, 328.41, 328.43a, 328.44a, 328.48, 328.49, 328.51a) 5/05/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1445.pdf

HB 1451 (Toure/Morgan) – ARCHITECTURAL ACT TASK FORCE. Creating the 22-member “State Architectural Act Task Force”, membership of which would include one representative from the University of Oklahoma College of Architecture and one representative from the Oklahoma State University School of Architecture, College of Engineering. 5/23/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1451.pdf

HB 1457 (Adair/Hobson) – TOBACCO SETTLEMENT ENDOWMENT TRUST FUND. Relat- ing to the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund; modifying and adding duties of the Board of Investors; modifying and deleting definitions; modifying procedures for determining operating budget for the Board of Directors. (62 § 2307) 4/28/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1457.pdf

HB 1465 (Askins/Morgan) – ATHLETE AGENTS. Enacts a comprehensive “Uniform Athlete Agents Act”; provides that an educational institution has a right of action against an athlete agent or a former student-athlete for damages caused by a violation of the Uniform Athlete Agents Act; repealing sections relating to athlete agents. (70 § 821.81 et seq.) 6/04/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1465.pdf

HB 1467 (Paulk/Monson) – CATASTROPHIC HEALTH EMERGENCY POWERS. Enacting the “Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act”; stating legislative findings; providing purpose of

45 act; providing definitions; creating a Catastrophic Health Emergency Planning Task Force to prepare a plan for responding to a catastrophic health emergency; specifying requirement for the plan; requiring report of potential causes of a catastrophic health emergency; stating what may be done during a catastrophic health emergency; authorizing assistance from the National Guard; specifying authority of public health authority; providing for dissemination of information; providing for funding. (63 §§ 6101/6105) 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1467.pdf

HB 1476 (Greenwood/Wilcoxson) – SCHOOL TESTING. Modifying language relating to student performance levels in the Oklahoma School Testing Program Act; specifying certain standards and cut points for student performance levels on criterion-referenced tests; specifying certain reporting on student test scores; updating language; adding certain criteria for use in identifying low-performing and high challenge schools. (70 § 1210.541) 6/08/03 Vetoed by Governor http://www2.lsb.state.ok.us/2003-04HB/hb1476_enr.rtf

HB 1495 (Sweeden/Gumm) – COMPLAINT SYSTEM FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TASK FORCE. Abolishing the Task Force to Review the Complaint System for Persons with Dis- abilities, of which the Chancellor is a member. (74 §§ 169.2, 169.2a) 3/31/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1495.pdf

HB 1501 (Cox/Monson) – SEX OFFENDERS/RESIDENCY RESTRICTIONS. Restricting residency of persons required to register pursuant to the Sex Offenders Registration Act; prohibiting regis- tered sex offenders to reside within a 2,000-foot radius of any public or private school site or educational institution. (57 § 590) 5/20/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1501.pdf

HB 1512 (Paulk/Littlefield) – EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS. Modifying language relating to emergency management and school buildings; requiring school districts and institutions of higher learning to develop emergency preparedness plans and procedures for protection from natural and man-made disasters and emergencies; requiring annual reports to the local school boards or Boards of Regents; authorizing state entities to participate in federal assistance programs for providing tornado and severe weather protection; changing the “Oklahoma Civil Defense and Emergency Resources Management Act” to the “Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003” and making appropriate amendments thereto. (63 § 681) 5/29/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1512.pdf

HB 1562 (Perry/Snyder) – COMPUTERS/OBSCENE MATERIALS. Making the act of downloading on a computer any obscene material or child pornography a felony. (21 § 1021) 5/27/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1562.pdf

HB 1580 (Askins/Fisher) – RECORDS OF WARRANTS. Section 19 relates to records of certain warrants; prohibiting state agencies from requiring the State Treasurer to furnish an original warrant, state check, or state voucher to the state agency if the State Treasurer makes a duplicate available; providing exceptions. (62 § 275.8) 5/20/03 Signed by Governor -

46 http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1580.pdf

HB 1593 (Pope/Rabon) – TAXES. Section 1 requires state employees to be in compliance with state income tax laws; Section 6 amends Section 7 of HB 1329. (68 § 238.2; 74 § 85.5) 6/04/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1593.pdf

HB 1646 (Ferguson/Wilcoxson) – EDUCATIONAL RECORDS/CONFIDENTIALITY. Modify- ing language relating to confidentiality of educational records and material; requiring the State De- partment of Education to include certain elements and comply with certain standards for a state student record system; stating elements and standards; requiring student information systems and instructional management systems to comply with certain standards by a certain date; amending section relating to information concerning pupils; clarifying statutory language; authorizing the release of certain information by a teacher if required by law. (51 § 24A.16, 70 § 6-115) 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1646.pdf

HB 1654 (Ray Miller/Rozell) – TECHNOLOGY CENTER SCHOOL DISTRICTS. Amending language relating to the technology center school districts; modifying authorization for certain building projects. (70 § 14-108) 4/08/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1654.pdf

HB 1748 (Nations/Morgan) – TUITION. Modifying language relating to higher education and resident and nonresident tuition and fees; enlarging distribution of report on tuition and fees; modifying contents of report; modifying certain limits set on the State Regents for certain increases in resident and nonresident tuition and fees; providing for mandatory fees; specifying criteria for use in determination of tuition and fee limits; deleting certain tuition and fee limits; deleting time limits set on the State Regents regarding increases in resident and nonresident tuition and fees; requiring the State Re- gents to take certain actions with regard to ensuring affordability and access to student aid when establishing tuition rates; authorizing institutional governing boards to establish academic service fees and specifying limit; modifying information to be maintained on fees; requiring the State Regents to main- tain certain reports concerning tuition and fees for public inspection; requiring certain institutions to submit certain report to the United States Department of Education; requiring certain audit and specifying submission of audit for public inspection; amending section relating to fee increases by state agencies; modifying description of higher education boards in exception to certain requirement on fees; modifying compliance standard for reporting to the Legislature on fee increases; changing name of certain legislative committee; repealing sections which relate to tuition at Oklahoma State Univer- sity Technical Branches at Okmulgee and Oklahoma City and to special fees. (70 §§ 3117, 3218.2, 3218.8, 3218.8a, 3218.9, 3218.10, 3218.12) 3/28/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1748.pdf

HB 1767 (Adair/Hobson) – EDUCATION MANDATES/TRANSFER OF OFFICE OF AC- COUNTABILITY. Relates to schools; requiring the State Department of Education to conduct a review of the provisions of HB 1017, HB 1759 and the federal Child Left Behind Act of 2001 to determine if there is duplication of or a conflict in the legislative mandates in each act; creating the School State Aid Funding Study Group; providing for a class-size penalty waiver; creating the Task Force on School District Administrative Reorganization or Consolidation; amending section which relates to charter school contracts; modifying renewal notice time limit; allowing for the transfer of certain amount of funds; amending sections which relate to teacher due process procedures; providing proce-

47 dure for a career teacher pretermination hearing and a probationary teacher hearing; amending language relating to provisional certification for Speech-Language Pathologists; extending date for certain provisional certification; amending language relating to the residency program; providing an exception for mentor teachers on the residency committee; amending language relating to student transfers; amending language relating to expungement of juvenile court records; allowing certain persons to petition for expungement of records pertaining to truancy; amending attendance requirements; modifying truancy age; amending section relating to purpose of funds; deleting requirement for adjustment of appropriation when there is a reduction in State Aid allocations; amending administrative expenditure limitations; modifying language relating to administrative services; prohibiting the reduction of a teacher salary and fringe benefit except under certain circumstances; providing for forfeiture of State Aid for willful reductions of salary; authorizing the Virtual Internet School Pilot Program Coordinat- ing Committee to enter into cooperative partnerships; amending language relating to the Academic Performance Award Program; amending continuing education program for teachers teaching mathematics; amending section relating to the Education Leadership Oklahoma program; amending language relating to kindergarten attendance; amending language relating to retention and remediation of certain third-grade students; amending Section 1 of Enrolled SB 801 relating to alternative education; amending language relating to school counselors for urban school districts; making certain legislative mandates contingent upon funding by the Legislature; authorizing implementation upon securing other funds; modifying requirement for bonus; giving certain elementary school districts an automatic waiver; amending Section 76 of Enrolled HB 1816 relating to the Education Oversight Board and the Office of Accountability; Sections 30 and 31 pertain to transferring the Office of Accountability to the State Regents for Higher Education; transferring certain funds from the State Board of Education to the State Regents; repealing Section 34 of Enrolled HB 1162, which relates to the transfer of certain amounts of funds. 6/07/03 Signed by Governor - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HB/1767.pdf

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS

HCR 1004 (Claunch/Aldridge) – RESIDENCY POLICIES. Encouraging the State Regents to review policies on residency for tuition and fees, scholarship and financial aid purposes to assist military dependents. 4/23/03 To Secretary of State - http://www2.lsb.state.ok.us/2003-04HB/hcr1004_enr.rtf

HCR 1013 (Eddins/Dunlap) – TRANSFER OF PROPERTY TO SOUTHWESTERN OKLA- HOMA STATE UNIVERSITY . Approving the transfer of property under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission to certain governmental entities, including the transfer of Crowder Lake State Park to Southwestern Oklahoma State University. 4/15/03 To Secretary of State - http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/49th/2003/1R/HC/1013.pdf

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