Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB4162

Introduced
2/7/22  
Refer
2/8/22  
Report Pass
2/17/22  
Engrossed
3/15/22  

Caption

Tourism and Recreation Department; wildlife refuges; motor-driven vehicles; entity designation; authority; effective date.

Impact

The passage of HB 4162 is expected to have significant implications for the administration of public recreational spaces across Oklahoma. By modifying existing laws around wildlife management areas and park operations, the bill enhances the authority of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. It emphasizes the establishment of permits for various recreational activities and the collection of fees that are essential for generating revenue to support park management. This could lead to expanded resources for maintaining parks and improving recreational experiences for visitors while ensuring public access and safety are maintained.

Summary

House Bill 4162 addresses various aspects of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, including the management of state parks, wildlife refuges, and related activities. It aims to update and modify existing statutes, including fee structures, operational guidelines for state-operated parks and recreational facilities, as well as the handling of permits for private recreational operations. The bill provides for the issuance of bonds for funding improvements and construction relevant to the Department's properties, ensuring that sufficient regulations and procedures are in place to govern these operations.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment toward HB 4162 appears to be pragmatic, with support primarily stemming from those who advocate for the advancement of tourism and recreation as economic drivers. Proponents express that the modifications will streamline operations and enhance the visitor experience, while critics indicate that increases in fees could pose barriers to access for some community members. The regulations around permits and operations are a focal point for discussion, highlighting differing opinions on the balance between regulation and accessibility.

Contention

Notable contentions arise primarily around the financial implications of the bill, particularly regarding the issuance of bonds and the potential increase in fees associated with park access and recreational permits. Some stakeholders argue that while the improvements are necessary, the economic burden on families and local visitors could outweigh the benefits. Additionally, discussions surrounding wildlife management regulations and public safety protocols continue to surface, focusing on how best to manage recreational activities without detracting from the natural environment or local wildlife.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB4180

Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation; entity designation; authority; effective date.

OK HB3413

Motor vehicles; making exception Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department employees; allowing certain vehicle use; effective date.

OK HB1419

Motor vehicles; modifying definition; authorizing use of certain vehicles on certain U.S. Highways; effective date.

OK HB3032

Motor vehicles; requiring Service Oklahoma issue license plates to certain governmental entities; effective date.

OK HB2596

Tourism and Recreation Department; park ranger jurisdiction; effective date.

OK HB2596

Tourism and Recreation Department; park ranger jurisdiction; effective date.

OK HB2261

Motor vehicles; modifying definition allowing street-legal utility vehicles to operate on certain stretches of U.S. highways; effective date.

OK HB2261

Motor vehicles; modifying definition allowing street-legal utility vehicles to operate on certain stretches of U.S. highways; effective date.

OK HB3661

Motor vehicles; deleting divided highway crossing prohibition for all-terrain vehicles; effective date.

OK HB3465

Department of Tourism and Recreation; fees; modifications; legislative approval; effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB4180

Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation; entity designation; authority; effective date.

OK SB1430

State government; creating Oklahoma Central Purchasing Department. Effective date.

OK SB1447

Economic development; creating the Creating Oklahoma's Modern Plan for Economic Transformation and Effectiveness (COMPETE) Act; creating the Division on Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion. Emergency.

OK SB1362

Central purchasing; creating the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Department; transferring powers; providing purpose. Effective date.

OK HB4188

State government; modifying various provisions of the State Travel Reimbursement Act; repealer; effective date.

OK SB912

Space Industry Development Act; modifying number of members of the Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission; providing for certain Commission to become Board of Directors of the Space Industry Development Authority. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1562

Agency, boards and commission reports; requiring certain method of filing reports. Effective date.

OK SB494

State government; removing certain language relating to CompSource Oklahoma. Effective date.