A. The Risk Management Administrator, pursuant to the provisions of this section and Section 85.34 et seq. of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, may obtain or provide insurance coverage for any board member, personnel, property and vehicles necessary for use by rural gas districts organized and operated pursuant to the provisions of Section 1324.1 et seq. of Title 82 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The Risk Management Administrator is authorized to determine eligibility criteria for participation in the Risk Management Program by such districts. In addition, the Risk Management Administrator is authorized to establish equipment and safety standards for any vehicles, equipment, or property used by the district and covered by the Risk Management Program.

B. The governing authorities of the above-mentioned districts shall be required to make payments for such insurance coverage as provided by Section 85.37 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

C. Requests for the insurance coverage provided pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be submitted in writing to the Risk Management Administrator by the governing boards of the districts specified in subsection A of this section. Those districts meeting eligibility criteria shall be approved for participation in the Risk Management Program by the Risk Management Administrator if the vehicles, equipment and property meet the equipment and safety standards established by the Risk Management Administrator.