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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)
SENATE BILL 330 By: Murdock
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to the Oklahoma State University
Veterinary Medicine Authority; defining terms;
authorizing the Authority to conduct stu dy on elk
populations in this state ; requiring a plan to be
established by certain date; specifying parameters of
study; requiring a management plan to be created at
conclusion of study; allowing the Authority to
coordinate with other agencies and experts;
authorizing the Authority to make certain
expenditures; making an appropriation; stating
purpose; providing for codification; providing an
effective date; and declaring an emergency .
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 4024 of Title 2, unless there is
created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. For the purposes of this section:
1. “Authority” means the Oklahoma State University Veterinary
Medicine Authority;
2. “Management plan” means a document developed by the Oklahoma
State University Veterinary Medicine Authority based on the findings
of the study pursuant to this section that outlines the recom mended
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actions for the conservation and management of elk populations in
this state; and
3. “Study zone” means the Special Northwest Zone that
encompasses all private lands in Woodward, Dewey, and Ellis
counties, and a portion of Roger Mills County north of State
Highways 33 and 47 to the north county line and west to the state
border and east to the county line.
B. No later than November 1, 2025, the Oklahoma State
University Veterinary Medicine Authority in cooperation with the
Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine shall
establish a plan and outline for a comprehensive study of the elk
populations within the Special Northwest Zone. This study shall
assess current population levels, trends, and habitat usage, and
develop science-based management recommendations aimed at ensuring
the long-term sustainability of e lk populations and the health of
the ecosystem. The study shall include, but not be limited to, the
following program char acteristics:
1. The current elk population size, distr ibution, and density
within the study zone;
2. The health and genetic diversity of the elk population,
including disease monitoring and signs of inbreeding, or other
health concerns; and
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3. The effectiveness and impact of current elk population
management strategies, including hunting, predation control, and
habitat management.
Recommendations from the study shall be assessed and compiled in
a management plan for the conservation and management of elk
populations within the study zone and shall be made av ailable on the
Authority’s website.
C. The Authority may coordinate with other relevant state and
federal agencies to effectuate the provisions of this section. Such
coordination may include requests for temporary suspension and
restrictions on elk hunting and harvesting while the study is being
conducted.
D. The Authority shall maintain detailed accounting and
financial records for appropriations received and expenditures made
pursuant to this section. The Authority may engage external experts
and scientists to plan and implement the study pursuant to
subsection B of this section. The engagement of such external
experts shall be implemented in accordance with the policies of the
Authority. The Authority is authorized to carry forward to the next
fiscal year and expend funds related to this section.
SECTION 2. There is hereby appropriated to the Oklahoma State
University Veterinary Medicine Authority from any monies not
otherwise appropriated from the General Revenue Fund of the State
Treasury for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the sum of Two
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Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) or so much thereof as may be
necessary to conduct an elk study for the creation of a management
plan for the conservation and management of elk populations in this
state.
SECTION 3. This act shall become effective July 1 , 2025.
SECTION 4. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
60-1-953 MR 12/31/2024 2:20:19 PM