Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB621

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Report Pass
2/8/23  
Refer
2/8/23  
Report Pass
2/22/23  
Engrossed
3/8/23  
Refer
3/29/23  
Report Pass
4/12/23  
Enrolled
5/26/23  

Caption

Oklahoma Workforce Transformation Act; creating the Oklahoma Workforce Commission; providing purpose; providing for powers, duties and responsibilities for the Commission.

Impact

The establishment of the Oklahoma Workforce Commission marks a significant shift in the state's approach to workforce development. By consolidating various state and local efforts under one commission, the bill intends to facilitate better communication, data collection, and collaboration among different stakeholders involved in workforce development. This reorganization could lead to more effective allocation of resources and a streamlined process for program implementation.

Summary

Senate Bill 621, known as the Oklahoma Workforce Transformation Act, aims to establish the Oklahoma Workforce Commission to enhance workforce development efforts within the state. The primary objective of the bill is to coordinate funding and activities related to workforce development to align and improve outcomes for Oklahoma residents, thereby fostering economic growth. The Commission will serve as a central point of contact for public officials, businesses, and the general public concerning workforce initiatives.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 621 is generally positive among proponents who view it as a necessary step towards improving the state's economic landscape. Supporters argue that a coordinated approach to workforce development will better prepare Oklahoma’s workforce for future challenges and opportunities. However, there are concerns from critics about potential bureaucratic inefficiencies and whether the Commission will effectively address the diverse needs of the local workforce across various regions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for the Commission to limit the autonomy of existing workforce entities and the concern that its operations might not sufficiently consider the unique local conditions and needs of different areas within the state. Additionally, questions have been raised about the qualifications and appointment process for Commission members, as there is an emphasis on appointing private sector leaders, which may influence the focus and priorities of the Commission.

Companion Bills

OK SB621

Carry Over Oklahoma Workforce Transformation Act; creating the Oklahoma Workforce Commission; providing purpose; providing for powers, duties and responsibilities for the Commission.

Previously Filed As

OK SB621

Oklahoma Workforce Transformation Act; creating the Oklahoma Workforce Commission; providing purpose; providing for powers, duties and responsibilities for the Commission.

OK SB944

Creating the Oklahoma Semiquincentennial Commission; providing for membership, purpose and sunset. Emergency.

OK HB2457

Workforce development; Oklahoma NextGen Employee Development Program; findings; definitions; Department of Commerce; Oklahoma Tax Commission; workforce training; payments; wages; NextGen Employee Development Program Revolving Fund; effective date; emergency.

OK SB927

Oklahoma Real Estate License Code; updating powers and duties of Oklahoma Real Estate Commission. Effective date.

OK SB674

Crime and punishment; creating the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force; providing purpose; providing membership. Emergency.

OK SB395

Income tax refund; providing refund donation checkoff for Recovering Oklahomans After Disaster; creating revolving fund. Effective date.

OK HB1776

State government; Oklahoma Semiquincentennial Commission; membership; duties; report; emergency.

OK SB1101

Public finance; creating the Oklahoma Legacy Investment Board; designating board membership; creating the Oklahoma Legacy Fund; providing sources of funding; providing for appointment of investment managers; providing procedures. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB529

Teachers; creating the Oklahoma Teacher Corps Program; providing eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

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.

Similar Bills

OK SB1458

Courts; transfer of funds; eliminating certain fees. Effective date.

OK SB662

Workforce development; authorizing the Oklahoma Workforce Commission to implement certain programs. Effective date.

OK SB621

Oklahoma Workforce Transformation Act; creating the Oklahoma Workforce Commission; providing purpose; providing for powers, duties and responsibilities for the Commission.

OK SB1358

Workforce development; creating the Workforce Development Revolving Fund; providing purpose; making an appropriation. Effective date.

OK HB2776

Health care workforce development; creating the Health Care Workforce Development and Finance Act of 2022; creating the Health Care Workforce Development Revolving Fund; renaming certain agency of the state.

OK SB725

Workforce development; requiring the Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development to prepare report regarding employment. Effective date.

OK SB1188

Appropriations; making an appropriation to the Health Care Workforce Training Commission. Emergency.