Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; allowing certain appointed members to seek succeeding terms by retention ballot; modifying means of removal; effective date.
Impact
With this bill's enactment, members appointed to the OTA will be eligible for reappointment without limit, provided they successfully secure votes for retention from the public. This process seeks to minimize political appointments without electoral oversight, promoting a more democratic approach in administrative roles related to turnpike governance. Moreover, the removal processes for current members have been clarified, enabling the Governor to act with or without cause in dismissing members, which could have important implications for maintaining a focused and effective authority.
Summary
House Bill 1913 revolves around the governance structure of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) by amending Section 1703 of Title 69 in the Oklahoma Statutes. Significant changes include allowing appointed members of the OTA to seek retention in office through a ballot process, thereby enabling voters in their respective districts to decide on their continued service. This amendment aims to enhance accountability and give the public more direct control over who represents them in the management of turnpike projects.
Contention
While the intent behind HB 1913 is to increase accountability and public participation in transportation authority governance, it might also raise concerns regarding the politicization of appointed roles. Some legislators may view the requirement for public voting as a means to introduce instability, potentially leading to frequent changes in leadership and policies guiding the OTA. Additionally, opinions may vary on whether giving the Governor the discretion to remove members without cause is beneficial for authority independence or if it undermines the role of the appointed members.
Carry Over
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; allowing certain appointed members to seek succeeding terms by retention ballot; modifying means of removal; effective date.
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; allowing certain appointed members to seek succeeding terms by retention ballot; modifying means of removal; effective date.
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; modifying membership of the Authority; modifying term length; modifying actions regarding removal of appointive members; prohibiting members from participating in certain votes; effective date.
Practice of nursing; modifying membership of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing; modifying appointing authorities; removing certain qualification of Executive Director. Effective date.
Oklahoma State University Medical Authority; modifying membership of the Authority; modifying powers and duties of the Authority and the Oklahoma State University Medical Trust. Effective date.
Water and water rights; creating the Oklahoma Regional Water District Act; requiring development and coordination of certain districts for promulgation of regional water plans. Effective date.
Teachers; directing deposit of certain Oklahoma Education Lottery Act proceeds into Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund; providing criteria for issuance of certain teaching certificates; effective date; emergency.
State employee health insurance; funding to provide flexible benefit allowance; professional risk management program; continuance of health and dental insurance benefits; rates and benefits; disability insurance program for state employees; collections; flexible benefit revolving fund; flexible benefit dollars in the State Employees Benefits Act; effective date.
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; modifying membership of the Authority; modifying term length; modifying actions regarding removal of appointive members; prohibiting members from participating in certain votes; effective date.