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<p class=MsoNormal>On Monday, the Senate accepted House amendments to SB 610 (related
to OKPromise college GPA requirements and second income check; see the full
description below) by a vote of 45-0 and the bill was sent to the Governor
yesterday for her consideration. The Governor has five days to consider
the bill. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><u>Oklahoma’s Promise:<o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:-.25in;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span
style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>SB 610 (Sen. John Ford, R – Bartlesville
and Rep. Todd Thomsen, R – Ada) – Oklahoma’s Promise – The
final version of the bill would delay the implementation of statutory OKPromise
college GPA requirements (which include a 2.5 GPA requirement for courses taken
as a junior and above that we project could eliminate the award for about 18%
of OKPromise college juniors) until 2012 so that the requirements don’t
apply to about 7,200 students that were already enrolled in the program before
this new law was passed in 2007. The bill would also change the
definition of income counted toward the $100,000 2<sup>nd</sup> income limit applied
at the time the OKPromise student begins college from all “taxable and
nontaxable” income to “federal adjusted gross income.”
The second income check becomes effective for 2012 OKPromise high school
graduates. Final bill text: <a
href="http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf/2011-12%20ENR/SB/SB610%20ENR.DOC">http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf/2011-12%20ENR/SB/SB610%20ENR.DOC</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Following is the status of other bills we are tracking.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><u>Oklahoma’s Promise:<o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:-.25in;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span
style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>HB 1343 – (Rep. Eric Proctor, D –
Tulsa and Sen. Tom Ivester, D – Elk City) – Oklahoma’s
Promise – As introduced, the bill would have provided a tuition waiver at
state system institutions for the surviving spouse or child of any member of
the U.S. Armed Forces who was killed in the line of duty. However, the
bill was amended in House committee to provide eligibility for Oklahoma’s
Promise for the children of any person in the U.S. Armed Forces killed in the
line of duty after January 1, 2000. The amended version passed the House
floor 77-0 on March 17, passed the Senate Appropriations Committee, and passed
the Senate floor 43-0 on 4/26. The bill was sent to a conference
committee for drafting of a final version. The conference version, which
retains the Oklahoma’s Promise language, was passed yesterday by the
House on a 94-0 vote and now returns to the Senate for a final vote. If
approved by the Senate, the bill will go to the Governor. Current bill
text: <a
href="http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf/2011-12%20COMMITTEE%20REPORTS/House/CCR%20Combined/HB1343%20CCR.DOC">http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf/2011-12%20COMMITTEE%20REPORTS/House/CCR%20Combined/HB1343%20CCR.DOC</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><u>Resident Tuition for Certain Military Personnel:<o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:-.25in;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span
style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>SB 251 (Sen. Steve Russell, R – Oklahoma
City and Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R – Moore) – would provide resident
tuition rates at state system institutions and career technology centers for
members of the U.S. Armed Services serving in Oklahoma, whether on active duty,
guard, or reserve status, regardless of the service members residence
status. The bill passed the Senate 44-0 on March 14, passed the House
Appropriations and Budget Committee, and passed the House floor 93-1 on
4/27. The bill has been sent to a conference committee for drafting of a
final version. Current bill text: <a
href="http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf/2011-12%20AMENDMENTS/Amendment%20&%20Engr/SB251%20HASB%20&%20ENGR.DOC"><span
style='color:windowtext'>http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf/2011-12%20AMENDMENTS/Amendment%20&%20Engr/SB251%20HASB%20&%20ENGR.DOC</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><u>Undocumented Immigrant Students:<o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:-.25in;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span
style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></span></span><![endif]>HB 1446 (Rep. George Faught, R – Muskogee
and Sen. Ron Justice, R – Chickasha) The introduced version of the bill
included a provision that would have repealed the eligibility of certain
undocumented immigrant students to qualify for resident tuition at state system
institutions (currently, students must live in Oklahoma with their parents or
guardians for at least two years prior to graduating high school to qualify for
resident tuition). The bill passed the House 85-7 on March 10, passed the
Senate Appropriations Committee, and passed the Senate floor 37-8 on
4/27. The bill was sent to a conference committee for drafting of a final
version. The final conference version of the bill did not include the language
repealing resident tuition for undocumented immigrant students. The
conference version of the bill was disapproved by the House yesterday by a
31-62 vote and is not expected to be considered further this session (this would
leave the current eligibility provisions in place). Current bill
text: <a
href="http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf/2011-12%20COMMITTEE%20REPORTS/House/CCR%20Combined/HB1446%20CCR.DOC">http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf/2011-12%20COMMITTEE%20REPORTS/House/CCR%20Combined/HB1446%20CCR.DOC</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Also below I’ve also attached the latest overall
higher education legislative update provided by our legislative liaison.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>Legislative Update</span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>May 9<sup>th</sup>-May 13<sup>th</sup>
</span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Appropriations </span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 2170</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Earl Sears and Senator David Myers// The
legislation is the general appropriation bill. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
has received a “do pass” from the Senate and House Joint Appropriations
and Budget Committee on May 12, 2011. The legislation passed out of
the House on May 13, 2011 with a vote of 61-36. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB 972</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Earl Sears and Senator David Myers// The
legislation is the supplemental appropriation bill in which higher education
will receive $10 million.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
has received a do pass from the Senate and House Joint Appropriations and
Budget Committee on May 12, 2011. The legislation passed out of the
Senate on May 13, 2011 with a vote of 42-0. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>CIO</span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1304</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative David Derby and Senator Clark Jolley//
The legislation is currently a shell bill related to the Chief Information
Officer. Representative Derby offered a committee substitute that
consolidates all state agency IT under the Information Services Division of the
Office of State Finance and the Chief Information Officer. The State
Regents, OneNet, and the colleges and universities are exempt from the
legislation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
has been assigned to the Senate General Conference Committee on
Appropriations. The legislation passed out of the House Conference
Committee on Government Modernization, and Rules on May 13, 2011. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB867</span></b><span
style='color:black'> // Senator Anthony Sykes and Representative Jason Murphey
// The legislation would not allow for any state agency to own, lease, or
lease-purchase any telecommunications fiber networks used for conveying
electronic communication or information systems data to multiple physical
locations. The State Regents, OneNet, and the colleges and universities
are exempt from the provisions. The legislation requires the Chief
Information Office to conduct a technology consolidation cost savings survey
each year and any state agency not experiencing cost savings may have their
assets deconsolidated upon approval of the State Governmental Technology
Applications Review Board. The Information Services Division of the Office of
State Finance shall maintain or increase security standards. The bill
also provides for a website to be created to that the public may monitor the
status of every information technology project resulting in expenditure in
excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE:</span></b><span
style='color:black'> <b>The legislation has been assigned to the Senate General
Conference Committee on Appropriations and the House Conference Committee on
Government Modernization, and Rules. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>OKPromise </span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB1421</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Dennis Casey and Senator Jim
Halligan// The legislation would require OKPromise students to repay
awards for courses from which the student withdraws or receives a failing grade
in the course. Representative Casey amended his bill to eliminate the
language requiring students to repay for failed or withdrawn courses. The
language now requires the student to maintain satisfactory academic
progress <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
was signed by Governor Fallin on April 21, 2011. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB 610</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Senator John Ford and Representative Todd
Thomsen// The bill states the federal adjusted gross income should be
used to verify the student’s income does not exceed $100,000 at the time
they enter college. The legislation also delays additional GPA
requirements. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
passed out of the House on April 25, 2011 with a vote of 62-30. The emergency
failed on the bill. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1343</span></b><span
style='color:black'> // Representative Eric Proctor and Senator Tom
Ivester// The legislation states that a student shall be eligible to
participate in the OKPromise program if they are the child of any person killed
after January 1,2000, in the line of duty in any branch of the United States
Armed Forces. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
has been assigned to the Senate General Conference Committee on Appropriations.
The legislation passed out of the House General Conference Committee on Appropriations
on May 10, 2011.</span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Tuition Waivers </span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB 251</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Senator Steve Russell and Representative Paul
Wesselhoft// The bill requires the State Regents to adopt a policy for members
of the United States Armed Forces who serve in the State of Oklahoma, whether
on active duty, guard or reserve status shall be charged tuition at a rate not
to exceed the rate charged to state residents, regardless of the service
member's resident status.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
passed out of the House on April 27, 2011 with a vote of 93-1. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Appointments </span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>No pending legislation at this
time. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Agency Lobbying </span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>No pending legislation at this
time. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Undocumented Student
Issues </span></u></i></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1446</span></b><span
style='color:black'> // Representative George Faught and Senator Ron Justice// This
measure repeals resident tuition eligibility for undocumented immigrant
students. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>Update: The legislation
has been assigned to the House Conference Committee on Public Safety, Judiciary
and Military Affairs and is scheduled to be heard on May 13, 2011.</span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Remediation </span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>No pending legislation at this
time. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Other</span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1854</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Jabar Shumate and Senator Gary
Stanislawski// The legislation requires the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
Education to adopt a policy for each higher education institution to provide
equal access to statewide professional associations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The conference
report passed out of the House on May 12, 2011 with a vote of 95-0 and the
Senate on May 13, 2011 with a vote of 42-0.</span></b><span style='color:black'>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1227</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Pat Ownbey and Senator Frank
Simpson// The legislation directs all interests in real property,
facilities, equipment and appurtenances, state-appropriated monies and all
duties, obligations and liabilities of the Ardmore Higher Education Program and
any and all obligations of the Board of Trustees of the Ardmore Higher
Education Program are transferred to the Regional University System of
Oklahoma. The Ardmore Higher Ed center should serve as the branch campus
in Ardmore of Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The RUSO board may
provide resources to the branch campus in Ardmore of Southeastern Oklahoma
State University to maintain its facilities. Murray State College shall
have the exclusive authority to offer all lower division courses and programs at
the branch campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University at Ardmore.
The current Board of Trustees for the Ardmore Higher Education Center shall
serve as an advisory board to the president of Southeastern Oklahoma State
University. Courses offered at Southeastern Oklahoma State University at
Ardmore shall not duplicate nursing program courses offered at East Central
University campus at Ardmore. <b> </b>The consolidation of Ardmore
Higher Education Center and Southeastern Oklahoma State University shall protect
the continuing and historic relationships which exist between Ardmore Higher
Education Center, Murray State College, and East Central University.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University shall assume all the duties and powers
provided for in this act by July 1, 2014. No additional appropriated
dollars shall be used in the consolidation of the Ardmore Higher Education
Center into Southeastern Oklahoma State University, nor shall appropriated
dollars be used in the expansion of the existing campus or for the construction
of a new campus in Ardmore.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: Governor Fallin
vetoed the bill on May 2, 2011. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1586</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Todd Thomsen and Senator Brian
Bingman// The legislation creates the Uniform Athlete Agents Act.
The bill modifies prohibited conduct of agents and strengthens the criminal
penalty and increases the fine if an agent is in violation of the act. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
was signed by Governor Fallin on May 11, 2011.</span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB 206</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Senator John Ford and Representative Ann Coody// The
bill creates a task force to study the feasibility of a P-20 council. The
task force will consist of 9 members including the Chancellor of Higher
Education or his designee. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
was signed by Governor Fallin on May 9, 2011. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Legal Services </span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1223</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Mark McCullough and Senator Anthony
Sykes// The legislation outlines new procedures for state agencies
needing to retain private attorneys. A state agency needing to obtain
outside legal services that will exceed $20,000 must use the RFP (request for
proposal) process before hiring the outside counsel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The House did not
adopt Senate amendments on May 10, 2011. Representative McCullough laid
the bill over after the amendments were not adopted. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Tax Credits </span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>No pending legislation at this
time. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>English as Official
Language</span></u></i></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>No pending legislation at this
time. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Workforce and Training</span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>No pending legislation at this
time. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Agency Efficiency/
Consolidation </span></u></i></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB2140</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Kris Steele and Senator Brian
Bingman// The legislation creates the State Government Administrative
Process Consolidation and Reorganization Act of 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
has been assigned to the Senate General Conference Committee on Appropriations.
The legislation passed out of the House Conference Committee on Government
Modernization, and Rules on May 13, 2011.</span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1207</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Jason Murphey and Senator Anthony
Sykes// The bill directs state agencies to use the Trip Optimizer for
trips that exceed 100 miles. Additionally, the bill directs the Office of
State Finance to perform an assessment of state agencies financial
services. Those agencies ranking in the bottom 10% of the performance
assessment will enter into a contract with OSF for the provision of financial
services. The State Regents and the institutions are exempt from this
section of the bill. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
has been assigned to the Senate General Conference Committee on
Appropriations. The legislation passed out of the House Conference
Committee on Government Modernization and Rules on May 11, 2011. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1086</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Jason Murphey and Senator Clark
Jolley// The legislation creates the “Oklahoma Government 2.0 Act
of 2011.” The legislation provides for numerous electronic
mechanisms to be put in place by the Chief Information Officer. The
legislation relates to payment of claims and payrolls. The legislation
would require disbursement through electronic payments mechanism.
Additionally, the bill directs the Chief Information Officer to develop and
maintain three new websites. The first would be an online web presence at
the web address "documents.ok.gov". It would require state
agencies and boards to submit to the site all publications otherwise required
by law to be submitted to either the Publications Clearinghouse of the
Department of Libraries, the Governor, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives or the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate. The procedures
shall require the electronic documents to be provided in an indexed format
which enables the document to be searched by specific term. The Chief
Information Officer shall also develop and maintain an online web presence at
the web address "forms.ok.gov". The Chief Information Officer shall
promulgate procedures by which each state agency, board, commission, and public
trust having the State of Oklahoma as a beneficiary to submit a searchable
electronic version of each form to the "forms.ok.gov" website.
The procedures shall require the forms to be provided in an indexed format
which enables the form to be searched by specific term. Finally, to
develop a website named "Oklahoma State Government IT Project Monitoring
and Transparency Initiative". The Chief Information Officer shall develop
and maintain an online web presence at the web address
"projects.ok.gov". The site shall allow the public to monitor
the status of every information technology project resulting in expenditures in
excess of $100,000.00. A report of each project subject to the terms of
this initiative shall be updated regularly and provide the public with updates
as to the status of the project's estimated completion time, deliverables and
cost. Projects shall be judged against clear metrics which shall be
articulated on the website prior to the commencement of each project.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
passed out of the House Conference Committee on Government Modernization and
Rules on May 11, 2011. The Senate assigned Jolley, Aldridge, Myers,
Nichols, Rice, and Garrison as conferees. Representative Murphey
agreed to move the effective date of section 2 to July 1,
2012. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB 541</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Senator Anthony Sykes and Representative Jason Murphey//
The bill directs state agencies to use the Trip Optimizer for trips that exceed
100 miles. Additionally, the bill directs the Office of State Finance to
perform an assessment of state agencies financial services. Those
agencies ranking in the bottom 10% of the performance assessment will enter
into a contract with OSF for the provision of financial services. The
State Regents and the institutions are exempt from this section of the
bill. The legislation to not allow state agencies to expend funds on computers,
software, telecom, information hardware, firmware or information technology
services before July 1, 2011. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
passed out of the House on April 18, 2011 with a vote of 61-34. The
emergency failed on the bill. The Senate concurred in House
amendments by a vote of 39-5 on May 9, 2011. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Concealed Weapons// Open
Carry </span></u></i></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB 856</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Senator Steve Russell and Representative Paul
Wesselhoft// The legislation makes certain conduct between individuals and
licensed dealers or private sellers unlawful.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
was signed by Governor Fallin on April 7, 2011. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB1652</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative John Enns and Senator Steve Russell// The
legislation allows concealed handgun license holders to carry a concealed handgun
on certain technology center school property.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
passed out of the House Conference Committee on Public Safety, Judiciary and
Military Affairs on May 10, 2011. The Senate assigned Russell, R.
Johnson, Sykes, Halligan, Ballenger, and Eason McIntyre as
conferees. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1255</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Wade Rousselot and Senator Kim David//
The legislation allows any US Attorney or Assistant Attorney to carry a firearm
anywhere in Oklahoma if they have completed the specified training course.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
was signed by Governor Fallin on April 19, 2011. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Tuition </span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>No pending legislation at this
time. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Academics</span></u></i></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 1456</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Representative Lee Denney and Senator Clark
Jolley// The legislation requires the State Department of Education to
prepare an annual report on school achievement. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
was signed by Governor Fallin on May 4, 2011. </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB 264</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Senator Clark Jolley and Representative Jason
Nelson// The legislation creates the Quality Assessment and
Accountability Task Force. The Oklahoma State Regents shall provide
support and information as requested by the task force. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
passed out of the House April 27, 2011 with a vote of 74-0. The Senate
refused House amendments. The measure was sent to the House Conference
Committee on Government Modernization and Rules. The Senate names Jolley,
Ford, Halligan, Stanislawski, Rice and Burrage as a conference committee.
</span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'> </span></b><span
style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><span style='color:black'>Retirement/Pensions/Benefits
</span></u></i></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB 891</span></b><span
style='color:black'>//Senator Mike Mazzei and Representative Randy
McDaniel// This measure changes benefit calculation for TRS for members who
first join the System after June 30, 2011. The calculation shall
mean the average of the salaries for the last five years on which contribution
to the Teachers' Retirement System was paid. Only salary on which
required contributions have been made may be used in computing average
salary. The measure also changes normal retirement age for members who
join after June 30, 2011 from 62 to 65. Individuals who become a member
after June 30, 2011 shall be employed by public school or state colleges or
universities for a minimum of eight and be a contributing member for 8 years to
qualify for monthly benefits for TRS. The legislation now states any
retiree participating in the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System will be
eligible for part-time employment at a college or university within the
Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, subject to the limitations of
part-time employment of the college or university.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation
passed out of the House on April 21, 2011 with a vote of 77-17. The
Senate adopted the House amendments and passed the legislation on May 11, 2011
with a vote of 37-8. </span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>SB 377</span></b><span
style='color:black'>// Senator Mike Mazzei and Representative Randy McDaniel //
The legislation relates to teachers retirement. The bill eliminates the
Rule of 90 and sets the minimum retirement age at 65 for new OTRS members
joining after Nov. 1, 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>Update: The legislation
was signed by Governor Fallin May 10, 2011.</span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>HB 2132</span></b><span
style='color:black'> // Representative Kris Steele and Senator Brian Bingman//
The legislation removes provisions allowing a cost-of-living adjustment to be
used in a non-fiscal retirement bill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:black'>UPDATE: The legislation was
signed by Governor Fallin on May 10, 2011.</span></b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Bryce
Fair</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Associate
Vice Chancellor for Scholarships & Grants</span><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Oklahoma
State Regents for Higher Education</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Phone:
405-225-9162</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Fax:
405-225-9392</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>e-mail:
</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><a
href="mailto:bfair@osrhe.edu"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:blue'>bfair@osrhe.edu</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Mailing
address:</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>P.O.
Box 108850</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Oklahoma
City, OK 73101-8850</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Street
address:</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>655
Research Parkway, Suite 200</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Oklahoma
City, OK 73104<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
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