Bill > SB1040

This bill modifies the composition and appointment process for the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors by removing a previous requirement that the Governor must appoint board members from specific organizational lists. Instead, the bill now allows the Governor to consider recommendations from various statewide organizations representing alcohol and drug counselors, recovery advocates, or other groups and individuals in the state. The board will continue to consist of seven members, including six professional alcohol and drug counselors (five licensed and one certified) and one public representative who has no professional connection to the field. The board members will continue to serve five-year terms, with members eligible to serve up to two consecutive terms. The bill maintains existing requirements about board member qualifications, such as having a mix of educational backgrounds (five members with master's degrees or higher and one with a bachelor's degree) and professional experience in alcohol and drug counseling. The board will remain in existence until July 1, 2025, and the changes will take effect on November 1, 2025.