HIGHER EDUCATION
OKLAHOMA 2024 SESSION LAW SERVICE Fifty-Ninth Legislature, 2024 Second Regular Session
2024 Okla. Sess. Law Serv. Ch. 168 (S.B. 1550) (WEST)
OKLAHOMA 2024 SESSION LAW SERVICE
Fifty-Ninth Legislature, 2024 Second Regular Session
CHAPTER 168
S.B. No. 1550
HIGHER EDUCATION
An Act relating to higher education; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3230.1, which relates to creation of the Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Advisory Committee; changing name of Committee; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3230.2, which relates to membership of the Committee; adding member to Committee; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3230.3, which relates to duties and responsibilities of the Committee; modifying and adding duties and responsibilities; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3230.4, which relates to the Committee's submission of an annual report; allowing report to be submitted on a date determined by certain chair; updating statutory language; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
SUBJECT: Higher education
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
<< OK ST T. 70 § 3230.1 >>
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3230.1, is amended to read as follows:
Section 3230.1. A. There is hereby created the Oklahoma Experimental Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Advisory Committee to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The Committee shall be advisory in nature and shall provide recommendations on EPSCoR programs to the State Regents, which is the funding agency for the state share of matching requirements for EPSCoR initiatives.
B. The purpose of the Committee shall be, through a partnership of higher education institutions, independent research entities, industry, and state government, to enhance scientific and engineering research and development conducted at universities higher education institutions in the this state and thereby to enhance the success of Oklahoma researchers in federal award competitions.
<< OK ST T. 70 § 3230.2 >>
SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3230.2, is amended to read as follows:
Section 3230.2. A. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall appoint members to the Oklahoma EPSCoR Advisory Committee that may include:
1. Representatives of the state's universities and colleges higher education institutions;
2. Representatives of private research entities located in Oklahoma;
3. Representatives of private business;
4. Residents of Oklahoma this state whose contribution will enhance the goals of the Committee; and
5. A representative of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology; and
6. A representative from the pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade education system.
B. The membership of the Committee shall also include:
1. One member of the Governor's staff to be appointed by the Governor;
2. One member of the State Senate to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; and
3. One member of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
C. The State Regents shall ensure that the membership of the Committee complies with requirements and guidelines of the appropriate federal agencies.
D. Members of the Committee shall not receive compensation for serving on the Committee, but may receive travel reimbursement as follows:
1. Legislative members of the Committee may be reimbursed for their necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with Section 456 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes from the legislative body in which they serve;
2. State agency employees who are members of the Committee shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties by their respective agencies in accordance with the State Travel Reimbursement Act; and
3. All other Committee members may be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education in accordance with the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
<< OK ST T. 70 § 3230.3 >>
SECTION 3. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3230.3, is amended to read as follows:
Section 3230.3. A. The Oklahoma EPSCoR Advisory Committee shall recommend to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education EPSCoR research projects requiring state matching funds and other research and systemic initiatives as requested by the State Regents.
B. The Committee shall have the duty and responsibility of to:
1. Promoting Promote cooperative research efforts among public and private universities higher education institutions in Oklahoma this state;
2. Promoting private sector involvement in university research and encouraging technology transfer;
3. Appoint the Oklahoma State EPSCoR Director; and
4. Aid in the assessment of the total EPSCoR-related jurisdictional research ecosystem present in this state;
5. As needed, provide assistance or guidance in other activities that may relate to EPSCoR work in this state;
6. Collaborate with relevant entities to provide input into the development of a science and technology plan for this state; and
7. Undertake other efforts as appropriate.
<< OK ST T. 70 § 3230.4 >>
SECTION 4. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3230.4, is amended to read as follows:
Section 3230.4. The Oklahoma EPSCoR Advisory Committee shall submit by July 1, 2001, and each July 1 thereafter, an annual report of its activities for the preceding year to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education by July 1, each year, or by another date as determined by the chair of the Committee.
SECTION 5. This act shall become effective July 1, 2024.
SECTION 6. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
Approved April 26, 2024.
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