Bill > SB664

This bill modifies the powers and responsibilities of the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board regarding educational contracts and workforce development in the skilled trades. Specifically, the bill expands the Board's ability to enter into contracts with various educational institutions, including state-accredited vocational schools, technical schools, and educational systems that offer courses in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or roofing trades. The bill allows these contracts to focus on developing instructional courses about Oklahoma trade regulations, implementing workforce development programs, and creating public awareness about skilled trade careers. The legislation also establishes detailed guidelines for how these contracts are approved, funded, and evaluated, including requirements that recipients provide comprehensive reports detailing how funds were used and the outcomes achieved. The contracts will be funded through a Skilled Trade Education and Workforce Development Fund, which will receive transfers from existing revolving funds generated by administrative fines in various trade-related licensing areas. Importantly, the bill provides specific mechanisms for transferring and managing these funds, ensuring they are used exclusively for trade-related education and workforce development purposes. The bill will become effective on November 1, 2025.