Legislative Updates 1997

OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

State Capitol Complex

Date: Friday, February 7, 1997

The following document consists of three sections. Section I provides a brief narrative of legislative highlights from the week. Section II is an index of the bills we are tracking and Section III provides a short description of each bill and the latest legislative action on the bill.

Section I

Highlights This Week:

Governor Proposes $43 Million Increase for Higher Education: In his executive budget proposals released this week, Governor Keating recommended an appropriation increase of $43.3 million, or 6.8%, for higher education in FY'98. The proposed increase includes $38.7 million for institutional funding priorities, $2.3 million for expected increased contributions to the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System, and $2.2 million for the operating cost of new facilities funded by the 1992 state bond issue.

In comparison, the State Regents have requested a funding increase of $83.0 million for FY'98. Also, in January, Senate Democratic Leaders proposed an additional $75.0 million for higher education in FY'98.

Other areas recommended to receive substantial funding increases in the Governor's budget include:

Common Education - $81.2 million
Corrections - $46.6 million
Transportation - $50.1 million
Office of Juvenile Affairs - $12.5 million
Oklahoma Health Care Authority - $13.0 million
Department of Public Safety - $8.0 million
Department of Tourism and Recreation - $7.2 million

The Governor's budget also included four proposed tax initiatives related to higher education:

an income tax credit of up to $500 for businesses hiring recent graduates of Oklahoma's colleges and universities
an income tax credit of 50% for cash contributions of at least $20,000 to public education institutions in Oklahoma at any level
an income tax credit of $25 per credit hour for law enforcement officials seeking a law enforcement degree
an income tax credit of up to $25 per credit hour for active school teachers taking additional college courses in their field of teaching

Upcoming Events:

The State Board of Equalization will meet on Tuesday, February 18, to make final adjustments to the amount of funds certified for appropriation in FY'98.
Higher Education Day at the State Capitol, sponsored by HEACO, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4.

Meetings Next Week:

Monday, February 10, 9:30 a.m., room 534 at the Capitol: Senate Education Committee (Chair - Penny Williams, Vice Chair - Mike Morgan, Bernest Cain, Ted Fisher, Charles Ford, Bill Gustafson, Kelly Haney, J. Berry Harrison, Howard Hendrick, Brad Henry, Cal Hobson, Robert Kerr, Carol Martin, Darryl Roberts, Ben Robinson, Kathleen Wilcoxson, Ged Wright)

Agenda: Eleven bills are on the agenda including six we are tracking:

SB 202 - Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Comm.; program to assist teachers seeking National Board Certification
SB 273 - amendments to the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program
SB 398 - including technology training in teacher professional development institutes
SB 420 - committee substitute bill to change name of OSU Osteopathic College
SB 684 - creating student advisory boards for constitutional governing boards (OU Board, A&M Board, Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges)
SB 746 - related to limits on supplementary fees authorized by State Regents

Monday, February 10, 9:30 a.m., room 432-A at the Capitol: Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee (Chair - Jack Begley, Vice Chair - Dale Wells, Scott Adkins, Betty Boyd, Laura Boyd, John Bryant, Larry Ferguson, James Hager, J. T. Stites)

Agenda: Seven bills are on the agenda including one we are tracking:

HB 2017 - teacher preparation; professional development; National Assessment of Education Progress; performance standards for schools; review of mathematics components of Priority Academic Student Skills

Tuesday, February 11, 9:30 a.m., room 412-B at the Capitol: House Committee on Retirement Laws (Chair - Larry Roberts, Vice Chair - Jim Reese, Gary Bastin, Joe Eddins, Terry Ingmire, Phil Ostrander)

Agenda: Five bills are on the agenda including three we are tracking:

HB 1085 - State & Education Group Insurance Plan; electing to continue basic life insurance benefits after severance
HB 1098 - requiring that at least 10% of public retirement system funds be invested by an entity with principal business offices located in Oklahoma
HB 1100 - Teachers Retirement System Fiscal Health Task Force Recommendations Act

Tuesday, February 11, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m., room 432-A at the Capitol: Higher Education Subcommittee of the House Education Committee (Chair - Barbara Staggs, James Hager, J. T. Stites, Jack Begley, Gary Bastin, Debbie Blackburn, Laura Boyd, David Braddock, John Bryant, Carolyn Coleman, James Covey, Abe Deutschendorf, Darrell Gilbert, Charles Key, Phil Ostrander, Larry Roberts, Don Ross, Michael Thornbrugh, Opio Toure, Ray Vaughn, Mike Wilt)

Agenda: Three bills are on the agenda, all of which we are tracking:

HB 1349 - tuition prepayment program
HB 1364 - "shell" bill amending statutes related to English-proficiency of instructors
HB 1561 - "shell" bill related to course transfer issues

Wednesday, February 12, 8:30 a.m., room 432-A at the Capitol: Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee (Chair - Jack Begley, Vice Chair - Dale Wells, Scott Adkins, Betty Boyd, Laura Boyd, John Bryant, Larry Ferguson, James Hager, J. T. Stites)

Agenda: Two bills are on the agenda, including one we are tracking:

HB 1553 (Pettigrew) - RETIREMENT. Provides that no cost-of-living adjustments shall be provided to retirees of the OTRS unless pursuant to an appropriation from the general revenue fund; provides that no supplemental appropriation for such adjustment shall be made to the system unless requirements governing employer contributions can be satisfied through the total amount of monies available to participating employers; provides that the money which may be used by participating employers may be provided through general or special appropriations or through other sources. (62 § 1002)

Upcoming Legislative Deadlines:

February 20, Thursday -- Pass Bills from Committee in House of Origin

March 13, Thursday -- Pass Bills from Floor of the House of Origin

Actions on Bills This Week:

Bills Passed in Committee:

SB 60 - smoking regulations
SB 274 - health insurance; mental illness coverage
SB 277 - health insurance; dependent benefits
HB 1455 - criterion-referenced tests
HB 1467 - school counselors; professional development
HB 1562 - health care; "Preferred Provider Organizations Act"
HB 1739 - legal representation of state agencies and officials
HB 1810 - Ebonics
HB 2031 - governmental tort claims

Bills Added to the List:

SB 73 - OETA
SB 78) - purchasing
SB 101 - Robert S. Kerr Museum
SB 103 - appropriations
SB 193 - health insurance
SB 247 - employee benefits
SB 282 - workers compensation
SB 284 - workers compensation
SB 336 - telecommunications
SB 362 - surplus equipment
SB 376 - entry year / student teacher
SB 382 - workers compensation
SB 760 - National Assessment of Education Progress
HB 1455 - criterion-referenced tests
HB 1878 - appropriations
HB 2031 - governmental tort claims
HJR 1024 - task force on taxation

Bills Deleted from the List:

SB 37 - Purchasing
SB 169 - Appropriations
SB 170 - Appropriations

Note: Our weekly legislative updates are available on the internet homepage of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education at: http://www.osrhe.edu. The updates are located under "Legislative Updates" in the Directory of Documents. Each week's update should be posted on the homepage by late Friday afternoon.

If you need copies of any of the bills, please contact Carolyn McCoy at (405) 225-9165 or e-mail her at "cmccoy@osrhe.edu".

Section II

OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

BILLS OF INTEREST TO HIGHER EDUCATION

INDEX

Forty-Sixth Legislature - Second Session

February 7, 1997

Academies

SB 13

Ad valorem taxes

SB 589

HB 1072

HB 1337

HB 1338

HB 2075

Administrative procedures

SB 216

SB 217

HB 1120

HB 1121

HB 1564

HB 2111

HB 2120

Admission standards

HJR 1003

Agricultural Linked Deposit

HB 1251

Aircraft

HB 1009

HB 1012

HB 1019

HB 1915

Alcohol/drug counselor licensure

BH 2089

Appropriations

SB 103

SB 110

SB 122

SB 160

HB 1119

HB 1610

Appropriations (cont'd)

HB 1854

HB 1872

HB 1878

HB 1880

HB 1885

HB 1887

HB 1894

HJR 1002

HJR 1009

Asbestos abatement

SB 38

HB 1987

Attorney General opinions

HB 1014

Benefits

SB 174

SB 232

SB 535

SB 677

SB 681

Bidding

SB 549

Bonds

SB 713

HB 1895

HB 1992

Bribery

HB 1642

Budgeting

HB 1907

Campus police

SB 529

Campus police (cont'd)

HB 1934

Certified Public Accountants

HB 1166

Charitable fiduciary

HB 1660

Charter schools

SB 740

HB 1011

HB 1418

HB 1603

Child care facilities

HB 2133

Child support

SB 706

HB 1294

HB 2058

Computer conversions

HB 1434

Computer donations

HB 1688

Construction

SB 389

HB 1991

Contracts

SB 389

SB 703

HB 1897

HB 1991

Credits, transfer of

SB 420

HB 1561

Data processing

HB 1818

HB 2076

Dentistry

SB 448

HB 2090

Dentistry (cont'd)

HB 2155

Deposits

HB 1817

Discrimination

HJR 1010

Early childhood

HB 1413

Ebonics

HB 1810

Economic development

HB 1254

Educational Indicators

SB 758

HB 2125

Electronic signatures

HB 1690

Employee associations

SB 218

Employee benefits

SB 174

SB 232

SB 247

Employee discount

SB 262

Employee protection

HB 1017

Employee rights

HJR 1019

Employment Security

SB 43

HB 1206

HB 2200

Employment, temporary

SB 36

SB 330

English as common language

SB 343

HB 1231

English proficiency

HB 1364

Entry-year teacher

SB 376

Equestrian activities

HB 1083

Fees, student

HB 1042

HB 1365

Fee, supplemental

SB 746

Fee waivers

SB 199

HB 1312

Fiscal year

HB 2061

Funding plan

SB 35

Genetic discrimination

HB 2021

Government reform

HB 1981

Government Tort Claims

HB 2031

Health/safety

SB 249

HB 2095

High challenge schools

HB 1755

Holidays

HB 1997

Homosexual lifestyles

HB 1260

Income tax credit

SB 9

SB 346

SB 616

HB 1483

HB 1507

HB 1623

HB 1688

HB 1791

HB 2062

HB 2117

Insurance, disability

SB 451

Insurance, health

SB 22

SB 48

SB 87

SB 193

SB 248

SB 254

SB 274

SB 277

SB 327

SB 412

SB 536

SB 538

SB 551

SB 552

SB 640

SB 642

SB 658

SB 692

SB 752

HB 1077

HB 1086

HB 1091

HB 1173

HB 1222

HB 1416

HB 1532

HB 1562

HB 1563

HB 1598

Insurance, health (cont'd)

HB 1608

HB 1702

HB 1916

HB 2014

HB 2047

HB 2093

HB 2094

HB 2114

Inventory

HB 1694

HB 1991

Investment

HB 1990

HJR 1017

HJR 1018

Kerr, Robert S., Museum

SB 101

Land Office Commissioners

HB 1719

HJR 1018

Langston University

HB 1774

Leave

SB 698

SJR 1

HB 1145

HB 2161

Leave, military

HB 1210

Legal representation

HB 1739

Legislation

HB 1315

Livestock activities

HB 1159

HB 1521

Maternity benefits

SB 412

HB 1598

Medical savings

HB 1666

Medical school faculty/students

SB 410

HB 2012

Motor vehicles

HB 1331

National Assessment of Educational Progress

SB 760

Northeastern State University

HB 2105

Nurses

SB 435

Obscene materials

HB 1692

HB 2151

Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)

SB 103

SB 122

Oklahoma Education Television Auth. (OETA)

SB 73

HB 1024

Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP)

SB 273

SB 594

Oklahoma State University

HB 1515

Oklahoma State University Cooperative

Extension Service

HB 1251

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)

SB 708

OneNet

HB 1610

Payroll

SB 218

SB 706

Physical therapists

SB 2

HB 1366

Physician Manpower Training Comm.

SB 144

Poison control center

HB 1362

Prepaid tuition

HB 1055

HB 1349

Prevailing wage

HB 1773

Private colleges/universities

SB 741

Privatization functions

SB 699

Professional development

HB 1467

Purchasing

SB 78

Records

SB 617

Retirement

SB 181

SB 182

SB 183

SB 354

SB 473

SB 533

Retirement (cont'd)

HB 1085

HB 1092

HB 1093

HB 1094

HB 1096

HB 1098

HB 1099

HB 1100

HB 1101

HB 1102

HB 1119

HB 1173

HB 1408

HB 1553

HB 1609

HB 1651

HB 1654

HB 1656

HB 1670

HB 1964

HJR 1030

HJR 1034

Right to work

SB 21

SB 23

SB 302

SB 444

SJR 1

HB 1259

HB 1453

Risk management

HB 1768

School land fund

SB 541

School testing

HB 1560

HB 2125

Science/Math

SB 1

Smoke detectors

HB 1531

Smoking

SB 60

HB 2146

Sole source

HB 1897

State-owned vehicles

HB 1008

State Regents

SB 143

Student advisory boards

SB 684

Student loans

SB 417

Student teachers

SB 376

Surplus

SB 362

Swimming pools, public

HB 1980

Tax improvement

HJR 1012

HJR 1024

Teacher certification

SB 202

SB 422

HB 1308

HB 1342

HB 1411

Teacher education/training

SB 200

SB 398

Teacher preparation

SB 200

SB 202

SB 416

SB 707

HB 1411

HB 1412

Teacher preparation (cont'd)

HB 1559

HB 1872

HB 1877

HB 1986

HB 2017

Technicians

SB 517

HB 1607

Technology

SB 398

HB 1921

Telecommunications

SB 336

HB 1073

HB 1671

HB 1815

HB 2076

Telemedicine

SB 48

Telephone system, automated

SB 298

HB 2138

Tests, criterion-referenced

HB 1455

Trailblazer schools

SB 592

Training

HB 1732

Travel

SB 90

SB 360

SB 697

SB 701

SB 725

HB 1961

Tuition/fees

SB 199

SB 746

HB 1042

Tuition/fees (cont'd)

HB 1139

HB 1312

HJR 1022

Tuition savings

HB 2060

HB 2102

Tuition trust

HB 1055

HB 1349

Unemployment

SB 40

University Hospitals

SB 58

SB 454

HB 1362

HB 1644

HB 1854

HB 1859

HB 1995

HB 2013

HB 2015

University of Oklahoma

SB 43

University of Oklahoma Law Center

HB 1484

Weapons

HB 1934

Welfare/work training

HB 1246

HB 2168

HB 2170

Workers' compensation

SB 80

SB 240

SB 282

SB 284

SB 382

SB 411

SB 522

SB 562

Workers' compensation (cont'd)

SB 577

SB 674

SB 730

HB 1038

HB 1039

HB 1065

HB 1067

HB 1068

HB 1203

HB 1296

HB 1382

HB 1439

HB 1565

HB 1672

HB 1673

HB 1820

HB 1963

HB 1998

Section III

OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

BILLS OF INTEREST TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Forty-Sixth Legislature - First Session - 1997

Reported Status as of 2/6/97

SENATE BILLS

* SB 1 (Fisher) - SCIENCE/MATH CURRICULUM PILOT PROJECT. Requires the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics to solicit proposals and award grants for pilot projects that develop and establish model programs implementing advanced science and math curriculum at local vo-tech or school sites by distance learning; creates an advisory council to establish student participation criteria in such pilot program, determining the curriculum needs and to work in the recruitment and hiring of faculty for the pilot program, all in conjunction with the School of Science and Mathematics. (70 § 1210.404)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 2 (Fisher) - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS/CONTINUING EDUCATION. Modifies membership of the Physical Therapy Committee; provides educational and training requirements for foreign-trained applicants for a license to practice as a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant; requires continuing education for renewal of physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licenses; directs the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision to establish requirements for continuing education and to consider certain programs. (59 O.S. § 887.4)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 9 (Milacek) - INCOME TAX DEDUCTION/TUITION/FEES. Provides an income tax deduction for certain adoption expenses, certain retirement income, and for tuition and fees at an Oklahoma public or private college or university of not more than $1,200 for each fall or spring semester in which student is enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, and $600 for summer semesters with a minimum enrollment of six hours; disallows deduction for tuition and fees paid by grants, scholarships, stipends, employer reimbursements or payments, or amounts subject to tuition waivers. (68 § 2358)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

FINANCE

* SB 13 (Williams) - ACADEMIES. Creates the Academies Act; defines the term academy as a pubic school established by contract with a local board of education to provide learning that will improve student achievement; authorizes a pubic school, public body, public or private college or university, private person or private organization to contract with a sponsor to establish an academy; establishes purpose and specifies other requirements. (70 §§ 3-130/3-134)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 21 (Fair) - RIGHT TO WORK. Creates the "Oklahoma Freedom to Work Law"; declares public policy that the freedom to work not be subject to undue restraint or coercion; provides that the freedom to work shall not be infringed or restricted in any way based on membership in, affiliation with or financial or other support of a labor organization or on refusal to join, affiliate with or financially or otherwise support a labor organization. (40 § 471.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 22 (Fisher) - HEALTH INSURANCE/EYE CARE. Creates the "Primary Eye Care Provider Act"; requires health benefit plans covering eye or vision care to ensure direct access to primary eye care providers who have contracted with the plan, to allow an enrollee in a gatekeeper system to designate from a list of eye care providers provided by the plan, to not discriminate between or recommend certain individual providers or classes of providers; to include an adequate number of providers to ensure reasonable accessibility and to make available to covered persons a list of all primary eye care providers who have contracted with the plan, their practice locations and telephone numbers on a regular, timely basis. (36 §§ 6052.1/6052.3)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE - DO PASS FAILED 02/05/97

* SB 23 (Hendrick) - RIGHT TO WORK. Provides that the right to work not be subject to undue restraint or coercion; prohibits infringement upon or restriction of the right to work in any way based on membership in, affiliation with or financial or other support of a labor organization or on refusal to join, affiliate with or financially or otherwise support a labor organization. (40 § 471)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 35 (Williams) - EDUCATION FUNDING. Directs the State Regents, the State Board of Education, the Board of Vocational and Technical Education, and the Commission for Teacher Preparation to prepare a joint funding plan to provide incentives for innovative education programs subject to the availability of funds; requires that such plan provided for incentives to be awarded for competency-based programs that emphasize effective learning practices. (70 § 818)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE - DO PASS 02/05/97

* SB 36 (Dickerson) - TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT. Creates the "State Temporary Employment Act.". (74 § 842-1.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 38 (Dickerson) - ASBESTOS ABATEMENT. Authorizes the Department of Central Services to charge state agencies and other entities a fee for services provided by the Asbestos Abatement Division. (74 § 61.6)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE - COM SUB - DO PASS 02/05/97

* SB 40 (Fisher/Roach) - UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION. Provides that, during the period from July 1, 1997, through Dec. 31, 1999, the contribution rate of all employers who qualify for an earned contribution rate shall be reduced by 25 percent after the earned contribution rate is calculated; provides that employers who are given an earned rate of 5.5 percent shall not be eligible for such rate reduction. (40 § 3-109.2)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

FINANCE

* SB 43 (Long) - EMPLOYMENT SECURITY. Modifies the Oklahoma Employment Security Act; Section 13 modifies confidentiality requirements to permit the release of information required to identify economic trends to the OU Center for Economic and Management Research; requires confidentiality; permits OU to release aggregated data, provided such aggregation meets disclosure requirements of the Employment Security Commission. (40 § 4-508)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 48 (Robinson) - TELEMEDICINE. Creates the "Oklahoma Telemedicine Act"; prohibits health care service plans, disability insurer programs and state Medicaid managed care program contracts from requiring person-to-person contact between a health care practitioner and patient for services that a health care practitioner determines to be appropriately provide by means of telemedicine; requires informed consent of the patient prior to the delivery of health care via telecommunications. (36 § 6801)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE - COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE 02/05/97

SENATE COMMITTEE - DO PASS AS AMENDED 02/05/97

* SB 58 (Robinson) - UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS. Clarifies language relating to operation and licensing of the University Hospitals. (63 § 3205)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 60 (Robinson) - SMOKING. Adds state- and local-government-owned or operated facilities to the list of facilities in which all smoking may be prohibited. (63 § 1-1523)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 73 (Harrison/Askins) - OETA. Changes the termination date of several entities, including the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority to July 1, 2002. (74 § 3903)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

SUNSET REVIEW

* SB 78 (Dickerson) - PURCHASING. This is a shell bill relating to acquisitions excluded from Central Purchasing. (74 § 85.12)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

COMMITTEE REASSIGNMENT 02/05/97

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

* SB 80 (Snyder) - WORKERS' COMP. Permits an employer to elect not to secure workers' compensation insurance coverage for employees; provides that an employer who elects not to secure workers' compensation shall not be subject to the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act, but is required to provide equivalent benefits for occupational or job-related injuries or occupational diseases. (85 § 61.3)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 87 (Leftwich) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Modifies the requirement for comprehensive health services to provide that, with respect to chiropractic services, such covered services shall be provided on a referral basis within the network at the request of an enrollee who has a condition of an orthopedic or neurological nature if a referral is necessitated in the judgment of the primary care physician and treatment for the condition falls within the licensed scope of practice of a chiropractic physician. (63 § 2505)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 90 (Dickerson/Stites) - TRAVEL. Permits reimbursement of local transportation expenses for state officers and employees who choose to acquire less expensive lodging at an alternative public lodging place; limits such reimbursement to the difference between the cost of the designated lodging and the cost of the optional lodging. (74 § 500.9)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE - DO PASS 02/05/97

* SB 101 (Haney/Hamilton) - ROBERT S. KERR MUSEUM. Authorizes the Historical Society to enter into an agreement to operate and manage the Robert S. Kerr Museum on the grounds of the Kerr Conference Center.

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

DIRECT TO CALENDAR 02/04/97

* SB 103 (Haney/Hamilton) - APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriates to the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology.

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

DIRECT TO CALENDAR 02/04/97

* SB 110 (Haney/Hamilton) - APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriates to the State Regents and the Physician Manpower Training Commission; states legislative intent that certain funds be allocated for general operating budgets of the institutions, campus expansion, OHLAP, OTAG, National Guard Fee Waiver program, the Section 13 Offset Program, and the general operating budget of the administrative offices of the State Regents.

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

DIRECT TO CALENDAR 02/04/97

* SB 122 (Haney/Hamilton) - OKLAHOMA CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (OCAST). This is a shell bill specifying budgetary limitations for the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

DIRECT TO CALENDAR 02/04/97

* SB 143 (Haney/Hamilton) - STATE REGENTS. This is a shell bill relating to the powers of the State Regents.

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

DIRECT TO CALENDAR 02/04/97

* SB 144 (Haney/Hamilton) - PHYSICIAN MANPOWER TRAINING. Specifies budgetary limitations for the Physician Manpower Training Commission

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

DIRECT TO CALENDAR 02/04/97

* SB 160 (Haney/Hamilton) - APPROPRIATIONS. Appropriates to various entities, including the State Regents, the Physician Manpower Training Commission, OCAST, the Teacher Preparation Commission, and the University Hospitals Authority.

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 174 (Haney/Hamilton) - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. This is a shell bill relating to the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Act. (74 § 1361)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 181 (Monson) - RETIREMENT. This is a shell bill relating to definitions in the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma (OTRS). (70 § 17-101)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 182 (Monson) - RETIREMENT. This is a shell bill relating to the OTRS. (70 § 17-101)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 183 (Monson) - RETIREMENT. Clarifies language relating to the OTRS. (70 § 17-101.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 193 (Hendrick) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Adds definitions to the Health Insurance High Risk Pool Act; provides for coverage under the High Risk Pool Act for federally defined eligible individuals. (36 § 6532)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 199 (Leftwich) - FEE WAIVER. Authorizes tuition-free attendance at State System institutions for children of employees of this state who have lost their lives while in the course of employment as a result of the intentional criminal act of another person; requires exhaustion of certain other grants and scholarships. (70 § 3218.7)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 200 (Hendrick) - TEACHER PREPARATION. Provides that the Teacher Preparation Commission shall not require less than 124 semester hours to complete a teacher education degree. (70 § 6-185)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 202 (Roberts/Hager) - TEACHER PREPARATION. Provides that, subject to availability of funds, the Teacher Preparation Commission shall have authority to establish a program to assist teachers seeking National Board Certification. (70 § 6-203)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 216 (Maddox) - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES. Creates the "Oklahoma Regulatory Review Act"; requires state agencies to review their rules and regulations by Dec. 31, 1998; requires that regulations be limited to those demonstrably necessary and carefully tailored to fulfill specific, legitimate public health, safety or other public protection objectives; provides that on or after Sept. 1, 1999, any person may petition any agency to repeal, rescind, amend or otherwise modify any regulation affecting a business or profession within that agency's jurisdiction; provides that within 90 days of the filing of the petition, the agency shall either take the action petitioned for or state the basis for concluding that the regulation is in compliance with this act. (75 § 401)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

DEREGULATION

* SB 217 (Hendrick) - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES. Requires that agency rules state a prospective effective date, or in the absence of such, shall only be effective on and after the date of promulgation; requires agencies to notify affected parties of any intent to make a different interpretation, implementation or application of a statute or rule and afford the parties the opportunity to contest the change within 10 days and, if the change is so contested, promulgate a new rule pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act to put the change into effect. (75 § 308.2)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

* SB 218 (Dickerson) - PAYROLL DEDUCTION/EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATIONS. Authorizes payroll deduction for membership dues or contributions to its tax-exempt foundation in the Oklahoma Public Employees Association or any other statewide association limited to state employee membership with a minimum membership of 1,000 dues-paying members. (62 § 7.10)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE - DO PASS 02/05/97

* SB 232 (Monson) - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Clarifies language relating to the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Council. (74 § 1365)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 240 (Milacek) - WORKERS' COMPENSATION. Allows employers to elect not to secure workers' compensation for employees; requires such employers to provide equivalent benefits for workers. (85 § 61.3)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 247 (Monson) - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Requires the Employee Benefits Council to act in accordance with the Open Meeting Act and the Open Records Act; authorizes the Council to procure insurance indemnifying Council members from personal loss or accountability from liability resulting from a member's action or inaction as a member of the council. (74 § 1362)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 248 (Monson) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Provides that in selecting health maintenance organizations, the Employee Benefits Council shall consider plan characteristics, provider network, quality of care, geographic coverage and access and price. (74 § 1365)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 249 (Monson) - HEALTH/SAFETY. Provides that the Oklahoma Wellness Council may provide programs to state agencies for quarterly health and safety training as required by the Department of Labor. (74 § 1367)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 254 (Helton) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Creates the "Preferred Provider Organizations Act"; states purpose to encourage health care cost containment while preserving quality of care by allowing health care insurers to create preferred provider organizations and by establishing minimum standards for preferred provider organizations and the accident and health insurance policies associated with those organizations; outlines requirements for preferred provider organizations; requires health care insurers to file certain information with the state insurance commissioner; requires policies which provide incentives for covered persons to use preferred provider services to contain certain provisions; prohibits discrimination. (36 § 6057.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 262 (Herbert) - EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT. Provides that all full-time state employees shall receive a 10-percent discount on food and lodging at state-owned parks and lodges. (74 § 1807.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 273 (Horner) - OKLAHOMA HIGHER LEARNING ACCESS PROGRAM (OHLAP). Authorizes the State Regents to award the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) benefits for courses of post-secondary units taken more than five years after a student's first semester of post-secondary enrollment only in hardship circumstances; provides that no program participant may receive benefits beyond a cumulative time period of five years; authorizes the Regents to establish a maximum limit on the number of courses or other post-secondary units to which program benefits will apply; authorizes the Regents to process student agreements and verify compliance with the agreements. (70 § 2604)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 274 (Monson) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Requires individual and group health insurance and health benefit plans to include coverage for severe mental illness equal to coverage for other physical diseases and disorders; provides exception for policies that provide coverage for a specified disease or other limited benefit coverage or groups with 25 or fewer employees; provides for a five-year phase-in for certain disorders identified as severe, biologically based mental illness and Axis I diagnoses, or the "walking wounded." (36 § 6060.10)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 277 (Cain) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Requires health benefit plans that provide benefits for the dependents of an insured individual to provide coverage for each child of the insured, from birth through the date such child is 18 years of age, for immunizations required for children by the State Board of Health; prohibits such benefits from being subject to a deductible, co-payment or coinsurance requirement. (36 § 6060.4)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 282 (Gustafson) - WORKERS' COMPENSATION. Clarifies language relating to the State Insurance Fund. (85 § 131)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 284 (Maddox) - WORKERS' COMPENSATION. Clarifies language relating to the State Insurance Fund. (85 § 131)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 298 (Maddox) - AUTOMATED TELEPHONE SYSTEM. Requires that all agencies have a person available at all times in the agency's reception area to answer telephone calls during normal business hours; prohibits a state agency from using an automated telephone system for answering phone calls during regular hours of operation. (74 § 3306)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 302 (Gustafson) - RIGHT TO WORK. Declares public policy that the right to work not be subject to undue restraint or coercion; provides that the right to work shall not be infringed or restricted in any way based on membership in, affiliation with or financial support of a labor organization or on refusal to join, affiliate with or financially or otherwise support a labor organization. (40 § 470)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 327 (Taylor) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Modifies sections relating to the Insurance Code; modifies time periods for acknowledging receipt of certain notification, advising claimant of acceptance or denial of a claim, extending deadlines, completing investigation and giving a claimant certain notice; modifies the age of full-time student dependent qualifying for certain coverage. (18 § 2002)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 330 (Long) - TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES. Authorizes the governor, upon declaration of financial emergency, to freeze the awarding of professional services contracts; directs the Office of Personnel Management to establish and operate a temporary employment agency for the purpose of supplying temporary employees to state agencies. (74 § 340-2.14)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

* SB 336 (Roberts) - TELECOMMUNICATIONS. Creates the Technology Endowment Fund for the State Board of Education to encourage use of the state's telecommunications network and to aid in the development of cooperative projects between schools and businesses. (70 § 1210.556)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 343 (Martin) - ENGLISH AS COMMON LANGUAGE. Recognizes English as the common language of this state and requires its use in public records and transactions, with certain exceptions, including the instruction in foreign language courses and instruction designed to aid students with limited English proficiency in a timely transition and integration into the general education system. (25 § 300)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 346 (Martin) - INCOME TAX CREDIT/GRADUATES. Provides for a state income tax credit for employers hiring full-time Oklahoma residents who have graduated or received a degree from a four-year public Oklahoma college or university within one year prior to employment and have worked at least one full year for the eligible employer. (68 § 2357.26)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

FINANCE

* SB 354 (Stipe) - RETIREMENT. Allows continuation of additional life insurance after retirement for members of the state retirement systems; requires that the rate for additional benefits be paid at an actuarially adjusted rate. (74 § 1316.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 360 (Smith) - TRAVEL. Authorizes state employees traveling outside the state on official business to use alternate forms of transportation; prohibits reimbursement from exceeding the normal charge for the type of transportation used, but in no instance shall reimbursement for transportation used in lieu of commercial airplane exceed the cost of coach class air fare. (74 § 500.11)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE - DO PASS 02/05/97

* SB 362 (Cain/Seikel) - SURPLUS EQUIPMENT. Authorizes state departments, institutions, and agencies to dispose of obsolete or surplus equipment by transfer to a public school district without compensation . (62 § 120.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 376 (Taylor) - ENTRY-YEAR/STUDENT TEACHER. Adds "entry-year teacher" and "student teacher" to definitions relating to positions in school systems. (70 § 1-116)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 382 (Taylor) - WORKERS' COMPENSATION. Clarifies language relating to authorization of workers' compensation claims. (85 § 2c

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES)

* SB 389 (Weedn) - CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTS. Provides that a purchase order issued by a county or political subdivision issued to an architect, contractor, engineer or supplier of materials shall constitute notice to the vendor that submission of an invoice or acceptance of payment pursuant to the purchase constitutes a statement by the vendor that the invoice and work meet certain requirements. (74 § 3109)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 398 (Roberts) - TEACHER/TECHNOLOGY TRAINING. Modifies teacher training requirements to require that technology training be included in professional development institutes. (70 § 6-200)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 410 (Herbert) - HEALTH SERVICES/MEDICAL STUDENTS. Relates to expansion of health care facilities; provides that when an application is made by a facility for a certificate of need to construct, expand or modernize a health care facility, acquire major medical equipment or add services, the application should be considered in terms of its impact on existing and proposed institutional training programs for doctors at the student, internship and residency training levels. (63 § 2656.11)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 411 (Maddox) - WORKERS' COMP. Permits employers subject to provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act to participate in any claim for compensation or benefits commenced by a claimant, wherein the employer is named as a party or joined as a party; specifies rights of such employers; provides that failure on the part of a self-insured employer, group self-insurance association or an insurance carrier to implement certain requirements for workplace safety shall constitute grounds for revocation by the administrator of the Workers' Compensation Court of the employer's self-insurance permit or approval of the association's self-insurance association. (85 § 26)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 412 (Brown) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Modifies conditions under which a health benefit plan that provides maternity benefits may provide coverage for a shorter length of hospital inpatient stay for services related to maternity and newborn infant care; requires that the determination that a mother and a newborn infant meet certain medical criteria be made by an attending physician. (36 § 6060.3)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 416 (Williams) - TEACHER PREPARATION. Adds to the definitions in the Teacher Preparation Act "para-teacher," defined as a person who does not hold a valid license to teach or has not been issued a certificate by the Board of Education who may perform or assist a classroom teacher in the performance of a homeroom duty, extracurricular activities involving school functions or any other non-instructional duty the board may prescribe. (70 § 6-182)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 417 (Williams) - STUDENT LOANS. Permits the exchange of confidential information, indexed by Social Security number, between state government entities and any official, employee or agent of the State Regents, where the information is required for use in the default prevention efforts or collection of defaulted student loans guaranteed by the Regents; requires confidentiality; provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for any error or omission in the disclosure of such information; provides that, when the person to be in default on a student loan is a licensed attorney, the Regents may report the matter to the Oklahoma Bar Association for appropriate license suspension action in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. (70 § 623)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 420 (Williams) - CREDITS. Clarifies language relating to transferring credits earned by students in a State System institution. (70 § 3207.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

COMMITTEE REASSIGNMENT 02/05/97

EDUCATION

* SB 422 (Williams) - TEACHER CERTIFICATION. Clarifies language relating to alternative placement teaching certificates. (70 § 6-122.3)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 435 (Taylor) - NURSES. Designates certain sections as the "Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act" and the "Oklahoma Nurse Aide Training and Certification Act", respectively; directs the Board of Nursing to promulgate and enforce rules governing persons practicing or desiring to practice as a certified nurse aide or as a nurse aide trainee. (59 § 567.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 444 (Laughlin) - RIGHT TO WORK. Creates the "Oklahoma Right to Work Act"; provides that no person shall be required, as a condition of employment or continued employment, to resign or refrain from voluntary membership in or dues payment to a labor organization, be a member of or pay dues to such an organization, pay to any third party an equivalent amount in lieu of dues or be recommended, approved, referred or cleared by or through a labor organization, except where preempted by federal law. (40 § 470)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 448 (Robinson/Stanley) - DENTISTS. Changes the name of the Board of Governors of the Registered Dentists of Oklahoma to the Board of Dentistry; modifies licensure and examination provisions for permanent and temporary licensure of in-state and out-of-state dental hygienist applicants; requires that out-of-state applicants meet certain standards; modifies provisions relating to issuance of faculty permits to certain dentists. (25 § 307.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

SMALL BUSINESS

* SB 451 (Weedn) - DISABILITY INSURANCE. Expands eligibility for participation in the disability insurance program of the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board to include all eligible participating employees under the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Act. (74 § 1332)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 454 (Robinson) - UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS. Clarifies language relating to agreements and undertakings of the University Hospitals Authority. (63 § 3210)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 473 (Milacek) - RETIREMENT. Deletes the cap on post-retirement earnings for former public school employees. (70 § 17-116.10)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 517 (Helton) - TECHNICIANS/LICENSURE. Provides for licensure of plumbing technicians and mechanical technicians. (59 § 1003)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 522 (Helton) - WORKERS' COMP. Clarifies language relating to criminal penalties for failure to provide workers' compensation. (85 § 631.3)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 529 (Helton) - CAMPUS POLICE. Requires certification of campus police officers by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET); authorizes expansion of the jurisdiction of campus police officers by agreement with the local municipal law enforcement agency or the sheriff of the county wherein the campus is located; provides that the jurisdiction of any appointed campus police or juvenile officer commissioned by the Department of Human Services shall be limited to that jurisdiction of property controlled by the Department unless an agreement has been made with a local municipal law enforcement agency or the sheriff. (74 § 360.15)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

VETERANS, MIL. AFF. & PUB. SAF

* SB 533 (Williams) - RETIREMENT. Increases from five to 10 years the amount of out-of-state service credit a teacher may receive upon becoming a member of the OTRS. (70 § 17-104)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 535 (Long) - BENEFITS. Modifies flexible benefit allowance available for purchase of benefits by state employees; provides that the allowance shall amount to a sliding-scale percentage of insurance premium cost based upon the annual salary of the employee. (74 § 1370)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 536 (Stipe) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Requires that health insurance premiums for active state employees and retirees under age 65 be set at the same amount by the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board; provides that a retired employee, other than an education employee, who elects to continue the health insurance plan shall receive an allowance equal to the least expensive health care option authorized by the State Employees Benefits Act, to cover a retiree under 65 years of age; provides that if a retiree elects a total benefits package whose total price is less than his or her allowance, the retiree shall receive any excess allowance as taxable compensation, which will be paid in substantially equal amounts over each benefit pay period over the plan year; requires the board to offer health, dental, disability, and life coverage to all participants and their dependents; requires the board to offer a high-deductible health benefit plan. (74 § 1306)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 538 (Horner) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Prohibits health care insurers from prohibiting or limiting licensed physicians willing to accept the operating terms and conditions of a health benefit plan, its schedule of fees, covered expenses, utilization regulations and quality standards, from participating in the plan. (36 § 6065)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 541 (Hobson) - SCHOOL LAND FUNDS. This is a shell bill relating to school land funds. (70 § 3904)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

COMMITTEE REASSIGNMENT 02/05/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 549 (Stipe) - PUBLIC BIDDING. Clarifies language relating to the "Public Competitive Bidding Act". (61 § 101)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 551 (Monson) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Requires the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board to establish a defined percentage of an eligible employee's premium for dependent coverage on the health insurance plan, dental insurance plan, or by any available health maintenance organization which shall be paid by the state through monies appropriated by the Legislature. (74 § 1309)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 552 (Herbert) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Increases from misdemeanor to felony the crime of fraud as it relates to the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Act. (74 § 1323)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/04/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 562 (Hendrick) - WORKERS' COMPENSATION. For workers' compensation purposes, provides that no respondent employer or insurance carrier shall be liable for temporary total disability payments for the period of time for which an employee was paid full wages. (85 § 41.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY'

* SB 577 (Shurden) - WORKERS' COMPENSATION. For workers' compensation purposes, provides that an employee shall be considered disabled if the employee qualifies for Social Security disability benefits. (85 § 17.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 589 (Ford) - AD VALOREM TAXES. Provides that on property for which ad valorem taxes are paid under protest and held in escrow, a school district's assessed valuation shall not include the property on which the tax is being protested until the year during which the district receives the proceeds from the taxes. (70 § 18-200.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 592 (Williams/Bryant) - TRAILBLAZER SCHOOLS. Creates the "Trailblazer Schools Act"; defines "trailblazer school" as a public school established by contract with a school board to provide learning that will improve student achievement; authorizes school boards to sponsor one or more trailblazer schools; limits such schools to no more than 25 in this state at any one time; requires an applicant seeking to establish a trailblazer school to submit a written proposal to a proposed sponsor in the form and as prescribed by the State Board of Education; authorizes a public school, public body, public or private college or university, private person or private organization to contract with a sponsor to establish a trailblazer school; provides that a sponsor may be any local board of education; requires the State Board to establish standards and requirements for trailblazer schools which ensure compliance with certain criteria. (70 § 3-130)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 594 (Hobson) - OHLAP. Clarifies language relating to the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP). (70 § 2602)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 616 (Wilcoxson) - INCOME TAX CREDIT. Provides for an income tax credit of $25 per credit hour for courses taken by a certified teacher seeking a master's degree from a certified college or university. (68 § 2357)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

FINANCE

* SB 617 (Robinson) - PUBLIC RECORDS. Authorizes optical imaging of public records for certain purposes. (67 § 301)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

COMMITTEE REASSIGNMENT 02/05/97

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

* SB 640 (Snyder) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Creates the Oklahoma Maintenance Organization Act; provides requirements for certificates; requires provision of list of service providers; requires plans for handling insolvency; allows transfer of group enrollees upon insolvency; requires equity in coverage and rates; prohibits pre-existing conditions in succeeding carrier's contracts; requires certain employers to allow employees option of enrolling in a health maintenance organization; limits amount employer must pay for health benefits; prohibits financial discrimination against health maintenance organization enrollees' allowing adoption of coordination of benefit provisions; requires health maintenance to make certain payments for services. (36 § 2699.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 642 (Taylor) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Requires the State Board of Health to promulgate rules pertaining to managed health care plans including information regarding coverage, benefits, limitations and any exclusion by category of service, provider or physician, prior authorization or other review requirements, financial responsibility of enrollees with regard to coinsurance or non-covered or out-of-plan services and, as applicable, other areas of financial responsibility of the enrollee; requires use of objective criteria and standards of quality for credentialing of physicians and other health care providers; requires minimum standards for the administration and operation of manage health care plans. (63 § 2508.2)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 658 (Monson) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Adds an annual eye exam to the basic benefits plans of the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Act. (74 § 1371)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 674 (Leftwich) - WORKERS' COMPENSATION. Modifies definition of injury under the Workers' Compensation Act to include respiratory system injury, illness or death, cancer, disease from blood-borne pathogens, and post-traumatic stress syndrome; deletes from the definition injury resultant from stress in excess of that experienced by a person in the conduct of everyday living. (85 § 3)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 677 (Haney) - BENEFITS. Clarifies statutory reference relating to the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Act. (74 § 1361)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 681 (Haney) - BENEFITS. Clarifies statutory reference relating to the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Act. (74 § 1362)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 684 (Williams) - STUDENT ADVISORY BOARDS. Establishes student advisory boards for the A&M Board of Regents, the OU Board of Regents, and the Board of Regents for Oklahoma Colleges; sets membership of student boards; designates a member of the student board to attend each meeting of the respective governing board with privileges to speak. (70 § 3205.7)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 692 (Campbell) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Includes a provision in health insurance policies for female participants to have a choice of gynecologists for both wellness checks and any preventative or post-operative care that is agreed to by the primary care physician. (36 § 6055)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

HUMAN RESOURCES

* SB 697 (Gustafson) - TRAVEL. Allows for reimbursement under the State Travel Reimbursement Act for employees using local transportation between an alternative hotel and the designated hotel or motel, if the cost of the alternative hotel, motel and local transportation does not exceed the single occupancy room rate charged by the designated hotel, motel. (74 § 500.9)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 698 (Dickerson) - LEAVE. Allows a state employee who is an elected official of a job-related professional organization to take up to five additional days of leave per year without pay to perform the work required by that official position. (74 § 840-2.25)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

* SB 699 (Dunlap) - PRIVATIZATION FUNCTIONS. Creates the Oklahoma Privatization Functions Act; states purpose to set guidelines for privatization of state services and contracts; no such contracts shall be valid unless they comply with the Central Purchasing Act; agencies considering privatization must prepare a comprehensive writing estimate of the costs including all direct and indirect costs of agency employees providing the service; requires independent estimate by Office of State Finance; requires agencies to provide resources to state employees and to consider employee bids for providing the service; allows employee bids to be made as a joint venture; prohibits certain activities and conduct; imposes restrictions on certain employment; requires certification of certain information in writing. (74 § 595.5)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

* SB 701 (Muegge) - TRAVEL. Provides that reimbursement for authorized use of a privately owned vehicle for official state business shall be at the maximum amount per mile allowable for federal tax purposes. (74 § 500.4)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 703 (Snyder) - CONTRACTORS. Prohibits a successful bidder on a public construction contract from changing any subcontractor without written consent of the governing body of the awarding public agency. (61 § 120)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 706 (Cain) - CHILD SUPPORT/PAYROLL. Requires employers to report to the Child Support Enforcement Division the employment of any person to whom the employer anticipates paying earnings. (40 § 2-802)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 707 (Williams) - TEACHER PREPARATION. Clarifies language relating to the teacher preparation system. (70 § 6-185)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 708 (Williams) - OKLAHOMA TUITION AID GRANTS (OTAG). Clarifies language relating to awarding college tuition aid grants. (70 § 626.7)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 713 (Herbert) - BOND OVERSIGHT. Abolishes the Executive Bond Oversight Commission; transfers duties of the state bond advisor to the Office of State Finance; authorizes the State Finance Director to employ a person or firm who shall hold the title of state bond advisor; authorizes the granting or proprietary inducements if the State Finance Director and Legislative Bond Oversight Commission approve a proposal in advance and it furthers the best interest of the state; requires independent approval of financing proposals by the Commission and the State Finance Director. (62 § 695.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

* SB 725 (Hobson) - TRAVEL. Clarifies language relating to per diem and other reimbursements for expenses not authorized for state boards and commissions. (74 § 500.36)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 730 (Maddox/Askins) - WORKERS' COMPENSATION. This is a comprehensive bill reforming the Workers' Compensation Act. (85 § 1.1)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

JUDICIARY

* SB 740 (Wright) - CHARTER SCHOOLS. Creates the "Oklahoma Charter Schools Act"; defines "charter school" as a public school established by contract with a local board of education or the State Board of Education to provide learning that will improve student achievement; specifies contents of applications for charter schools; allows a public school, public body, public or private college or university, private person or private organization to establish a charter school under contract. (70 § 3-130)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 741 (Williams) - PRIVATE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES. This is a shell bill relating to accreditation of private educational institutions by the State Regents. (70 § 4103)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

RULES

* SB 746 (Williams) - SUPPLEMENTAL FEES. Clarifies language relating to supplementary fees established by the State Regents. (70 § 3218.10)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 752 (Campbell) - HEALTH INSURANCE. Requires certain medical benefit plans to allow participants to choose their own gynecologists for both wellness checks and any preventative or post-operative care that is agreed to by the primary care physician. (74 § 1371)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

APPROPRIATIONS

* SB 758 (Gustafson) - EDUCATIONAL INDICATORS. Requires the State Board of Education to provide for school districts to participate in the administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress; requires the results of the assessment to be included in the summary report of the Oklahoma Educational Indicators Program. (70§ 1210.531)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

* SB 760 (Williams) - NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS. Provides for all public school districts to participate in the administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress; requires the State Board of Education to make the application for participation of this state by the first deadline after the passage of this act. (70 § 1210.514)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

EDUCATION

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTIONS

* SJR 1 (Long) - RIGHT TO WORK/LEAVE. Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the requirement that a person be a member of a labor organization or pay dues or similar fees to a labor organization in order to be hired or remain employed; provides an option for receiving representation under collective bargaining, upon payment of an assessment equal to no more than 90 percent of the annual "core dues" or a contribution of a like amount to charity; requires employers to provide health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation to all full- and part-time employees; requires 48 hours' written notice prior to termination an employee. (Art XXIII § 5A)

SENATE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING 02/03/97

SECOND READING - REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE 02/04/97

BUSINESS & LABOR

HOUSE BILLS

* HB 1008 (Stanley) - STATE VEHICLES/DAMAGE CLAIMS. Modifies exemptions from liability under the Governmental Tort Claims Act relating to work release programs ordered by a court or the Dept. of Corrections; makes such exemption not apply to property damage claims made by individuals not in custody of the department based on accidents involving motor vehicles owned or operated by the state or any state agency. (51 § 155)