Bill > SB966

This bill creates the Turnpike Legislative Oversight Board to provide enhanced legislative supervision of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). The new Board will consist of 12 members (six from the Senate and six from the House of Representatives), representing six geographical districts across Oklahoma, with co-chairs designated by the Senate President Pro Tempore and the House Speaker. The Board's primary responsibilities include conducting annual reviews, compelling the production of information from the OTA, and producing an annual written report detailing the authority's management, administration, and transparency. Notably, the Board is granted significant oversight powers, including the ability to temporarily suspend OTA board members or executive staff for up to 30 days for reasons such as uncooperativeness, mismanagement of funds, professional misconduct, or rule violations. If the Board finds substantial cause during its investigation, it can recommend the removal of a suspended member through a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers. The bill also updates various statutory references related to the OTA, clarifies the appointment and composition of its board, and requires the OTA to provide annual reports to the new Legislative Oversight Board. The bill takes effect immediately due to an emergency clause, emphasizing the urgency of implementing these oversight mechanisms.