OK
Oklahoma House Bill HB1913

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1913

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

OK HB1913

Carry Over Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; allowing certain appointed members to seek succeeding terms by retention ballot; modifying means of removal; effective date.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1913

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; allowing certain appointed members to seek succeeding terms by retention ballot; modifying means of removal; effective date.

OK HB2263

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.

OK SB1079

Turnpikes; modifying powers of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; removing authority to construct certain turnpike projects. Effective date.

OK HB2262

Turnpikes; modifying certain powers and duties of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; effective date.

OK HB2125

Turnpikes; requiring legislative approval for Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to modify turnpike tolls; effective date.

OK SB755

Practice of nursing; modifying membership of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing; modifying appointing authorities; removing certain qualification of Executive Director. Effective date.

OK SB785

Turnpikes; requiring certain audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; prohibiting certain transfer of funds. Emergency.

OK HB2728

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; requiring certain notice; effective date.

OK SB704

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.

OK HB2264

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; requiring Authority to conduct certain studies; requiring Authority to obtain certain approvals; effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB2046

Higher education funding districts; enacting the Higher Education Institution Local Funding Act; effective date.

OK SB739

Oklahoma Tourism Development Act; transferring powers and duties to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Effective date.

OK SB914

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.

OK SB14

Tourism Development Act; modifying required term of agreement; modifying annual limit. Effective date.

OK SB249

Oklahoma Tourism Development Act; increasing cumulative inducement per year. Effective date.

OK HB4388

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.

OK HB3586

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.

OK HB2263

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.