Bill > SB895

This bill creates the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Board, a new nine-member governing board for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, with members appointed by various state officials and organizations. The board will consist of two members each from the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House Speaker, plus one member from the State Troopers Association, one from the State Bureau of Investigation, and one from the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training. Board members will serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and can be removed without cause, will be reimbursed for travel expenses, and will annually elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary. The board must establish a quorum of five members to conduct business and must hold its first meeting within 90 days of the act's effective date. The board is authorized to promulgate rules to implement its duties and will replace the Commissioner of Public Safety in appointing and managing highway patrol personnel. The bill also amends existing statutes to transfer personnel appointment responsibilities from the Commissioner to the new board, with the board now responsible for hiring and managing highway patrol officers, marine enforcement, capitol patrol, and communications personnel. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2025.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb895&Session=2600