ENGROSSED SENATE
BILL NO. 1908	By:	Russell of the Senate

			and

		Martin (Scott) and Reynolds of the House

[ executive branch appointments – modifying method of appointment - codification - effective date ]

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1.1 of Title 74, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
Notwithstanding any other section of law, all appropriated agencies of this state set forth in this act that provide for a position of Director or any other such title that designates a person as the primary executive of the agency that is not currently appointed by the Governor or holds the office by statewide election shall have such Director or primary executive position appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that person shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.  If a vacancy should occur, the Governor shall appoint a replacement in the same manner as the original appointment.
SECTION 2.     AMENDATORY     10A O.S. 2011, Section 2-7-201, is amended to read as follows:
Section 2-7-201.  A.  The ~~Board of Juvenile Affairs~~ Governor shall appoint the Executive Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.  The Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the ~~Board~~ Governor.
B.  ~~The~~ Considerations to be made in appointing the Executive Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs ~~shall~~ are that the person be qualified for such position by character, ability, education, training, and successful administrative experience in the corrections or juvenile justice field; shall have earned a master's degree or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in at least one of the following:  Corrections, juvenile justice, juvenile delinquency, criminal justice, law, police science, criminology, psychology, sociology, administration, education, or a related social science, and three (3) years' work experience in corrections or juvenile justice, or a bachelor's degree in the degree areas specified in this subsection and four (4) years' progressively responsible work experience in corrections or juvenile justice.
C.  The Executive Director shall provide for the administration of the Office of Juvenile Affairs and shall:
1.  Be the executive officer and supervise the activities of the Office of Juvenile Affairs;
2.  Pursuant to legislative authorization employ, discharge, appoint or contract with, and fix the duties and compensation of such assistants, attorneys, law enforcement officers, probation officers, psychologists, social workers, medical professionals, administrative, clerical and technical, investigators, aides and such other personnel, either on a full-time, part-time, fee or contractual basis, as in the judgment and discretion of the Executive Director shall be deemed necessary in the performance or carrying out of any of the purposes, objectives, responsibilities, or statutory provisions relating to the Office of Juvenile Affairs, or to assist the Executive Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs in the performance of official duties and functions;
3.  Establish internal policies and procedures for the proper and efficient administration of the Office of Juvenile Affairs; and
4.  Exercise all incidental powers which are necessary and proper to implement the purposes of the Office of Juvenile Affairs pursuant to the Oklahoma Juvenile Code.
D.  The Executive Director shall employ an attorney to be designated the "General Counsel" who shall be the legal advisor for the Office of Juvenile Affairs.  Except as provided in this subsection, the General Counsel is authorized to appear for and represent the Board and Office in any litigation that may arise in the discharge of the duties of the Board and Office.
It shall continue to be the duty of the Attorney General to give an official opinion to the Executive Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs and the Office of Juvenile Affairs and to prosecute and defend actions therefor, if requested to do so.  The Attorney General may levy and collect costs, expenses of litigation and a reasonable attorney fee for such legal services from the Office.  The Office shall not contract for representation by private legal counsel unless approved by the Attorney General.  Such contract for private legal counsel shall be in the best interests of the state.  The Attorney General shall be notified by the Office of Juvenile Affairs or its counsel of all lawsuits against the Office of Juvenile Affairs or officers or employees thereof, that seek injunctive relief which would impose obligations requiring the expenditure of funds in excess of unencumbered monies in the agency's appropriations or beyond the current fiscal year.  The Attorney General shall review any such cases and may represent the interests of the state, if the Attorney General considers it to be in the best interest of the state to do so, in which case the Attorney General shall be paid as provided in this subsection.  Representation of multiple defendants in such actions may, at the discretion of the Attorney General, be divided with counsel for the Office as necessary to avoid conflicts of interest.
E.  The Executive Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs shall have the authority to commission certified employees within the Office of Juvenile Affairs as peace officers.  The authority of employees so commissioned shall only include the authority to investigate crimes committed against the Office or crimes committed in the course of any program administered by the Office.  Employees so commissioned shall also have the authority to serve and execute process, bench warrants, and other court orders in any judicial or administrative proceeding in which the agency is a party or participant.  Use and possession of firearms for this purpose only shall be permitted.  To become qualified as peace officers for the commission, employees shall first obtain a certificate as provided for in Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
F.  In the event of the Executive Director's temporary absence, the Executive Director may delegate the exercise of such powers and duties to a designee during the Executive Director's absence.  ~~In the event of a vacancy in the position of Executive Director, the Board of Juvenile Affairs shall appoint a new Executive Director.~~  The Board may designate an interim or acting Executive Director who is authorized to exercise such powers and duties until a permanent Executive Director is employed.
SECTION 3.     AMENDATORY     27A O.S. 2011, Section 2-2-101, is amended to read as follows:
Section 2-2-101.  A.  There is hereby created the Environmental Quality Board to represent the interests of the State of Oklahoma which shall consist of thirteen (13) members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
B.  To be eligible for appointment to the Board a person shall:
1.  Be a citizen of the United States;
2.  Be a resident of this state;
3.  Be a qualified elector of this state; and
4.  Not have been convicted of a felony pursuant to the laws of this state, the laws of any other state or the laws of the United States.
C.  The Board shall be composed of:
1.  One member who shall be a certified or registered environmental professional.  Such member shall be an environmental professional experienced in matters of pollution control, who shall not be an employee of any unit of government;
2.  One member who shall be selected from industry in general.  Such member shall be employed as a manufacturing executive carrying on a manufacturing business within the state;
3.  One member who shall be selected from the hazardous waste industry within the state;
4.  One member who shall be selected from the solid waste industry within this state;
5.  One member who shall be well versed in recreational, irrigational, municipal or residential water usage;
6.  One member who shall be selected from the petroleum industries being regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality;
7.  One member who shall be selected from the agriculture industries regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality;
8.  One member who shall be selected from the conservation districts of the state;
9.  Three members who shall be citizen members of any statewide nonprofit environmental organization;
10.  One member who shall be a member of the local governing body of a city or town; and
11.  One member who shall be from a rural water district organized pursuant to the laws of this state.
D.  The term of office of a member of the Board shall be for five (5) years and until a successor is appointed and qualified.
E.  1.  An appointment shall be made by the Governor within ninety (90) days after a vacancy has occurred due to resignation, death, or any cause resulting in an unexpired term.  In the event of a vacancy on the Board due to resignation, death, or for any cause resulting in an unexpired term, if not filled within ninety (90) days following such vacancy, the Board may appoint a provisional member to serve in the interim until the Governor acts.
2.  A member may be reappointed.
3.  In making appointments to the Environmental Quality Board, the Governor shall recognize the geographic diversity of the state and endeavor to appoint members representing each quadrant of the state.
F.  1.  The Board shall hold meetings as necessary at a place and time to be fixed by the Board.  The Board shall select, at its first meeting, one of its members to serve as chair and another of its members to serve as vice-chair.  At the first meeting in each calendar year thereafter, the chair and vice-chair for the ensuing year shall be elected.  Special meetings may be called by the chair or by five members of the Board by delivery of written notice to each member of the Board.  A majority of the Board present at the meeting shall constitute a quorum of the Board.
2.  Members of the Board shall receive necessary travel expenses according to the provisions of the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
G.  The Board shall:
1.  ~~Appoint and fix~~ Fix the compensation of the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality;
2.  Be the rulemaking body for the Department of Environmental Quality;
3.  Review and approve the budget request of the Department to the Governor;
4.  Assist the Department in conducting periodic reviews and planning activities related to the goals, objectives, priorities and policies of the Department;
5.  In conjunction with each regular meeting of the Board pursuant to subsection F and at such other times as the Board may determine to be necessary and appropriate, provide a public forum for receiving comments and disseminating information to the public and the regulated community regarding goals, objectives, priorities, and policies of the Department.  The Board shall have the authority to adopt nonbinding resolutions requesting action by the Department in response to comments received or upon the Board's own initiative; and
6.  Review and evaluate the need for amendments or additions to the Oklahoma Statutes regarding the programs and functions of the Department and make legislative recommendations to the Legislature.
H.  As the rulemaking body for the Department of Environmental Quality, the Board is specifically charged with the duty of promulgating rules which will implement the duties and responsibilities of the Department pursuant to this Code.  Except as provided in this subsection, rules within the jurisdiction of a Council provided for by this act shall be promulgated with the advice of such Council.  Proposed permanent rules within the jurisdiction of a Council shall not be considered by the Board for promulgation until receipt of the appropriate Council's recommendation on such promulgation; however, the Board may promulgate emergency rules without the advice of the appropriate Council when the time constraints of the emergency, as determined by the Board, do not permit the timely development of recommendations by the Council.  All actions of the Councils with regard to rulemaking shall be deemed actions of the Board for the purposes of complying with the Administrative Procedures Act.
SECTION 4.     AMENDATORY     27A O.S. 2011, Section 2-3-201, is amended to read as follows:
Section 2-3-201.  A.  The ~~Environmental Quality Board~~ Governor shall appoint the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality.  The Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the ~~Board~~ Governor.
B.  The Executive Director shall have experience in industry, conservation, environmental sciences or such other areas as may be required by the Environmental Quality Board.
C.  The Executive Director shall provide for the administration of the Department and shall:
1.  Be the executive officer and supervise the activities of the Department of Environmental Quality;
2.  Employ, discharge, appoint or contract with, and fix the duties and compensation of such assistants, attorneys, chemists, geologists, environmental professionals, medical professionals, engineers, sanitarians, administrative, clerical and technical, investigators, aides and such other personnel, either on a full‑time, part‑time, fee or contractual basis, as in his judgment and discretion shall be deemed necessary, expedient, convenient or appropriate to the performance or carrying out of any of the purposes, objectives, responsibilities or statutory provisions relating to the Department of Environmental Quality, or to assist the Executive Director in the performance of his official duties and functions;
3.  Establish internal policies and procedures for the proper and efficient administration of the Department; and
4.  Exercise all incidental powers which are necessary and proper to implement the purposes of the Department pursuant to this Code.
D.  The Executive Director shall not be an owner, stockholder, employee or officer of, nor have any other business relationship with or receive compensation from, any corporation, partnership, or other business or entity which is subject to regulation by the Department of Environmental Quality and, with regard to the exercise of powers and duties associated with the Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act, shall meet all requirements of Section 304 of the Clean Water Act and applicable federal regulations promulgated thereunder by the United States Environmental Protection Agency regarding conflict of interest.
E.  1.  In addition to the powers and duties specified in subsection D of this section, the Executive Director shall have the power and duty to:
a.	issue, deny, modify, amend, renew, refuse to renew, suspend, reinstate or revoke licenses or permits pursuant to the provisions of this Code, and rules promulgated by the Board, and
b.	issue final orders and assess administrative penalties according to the Administrative Procedures Act, this Code and rules promulgated by the Board.
2.  The powers and duties specified in paragraph 1 of this subsection shall be exercised exclusively by the Executive Director and may not be delegated to other employees of the Department except as specifically provided in this Code.
3.  In the event of the Executive Director's temporary absence, the Executive Director may delegate the exercise of such powers and duties to an acting director during the Executive Director's absence subject to an organizational structure approved by the Board.  In the event of a vacancy in the position of Executive Director, the Board may designate an interim or acting Executive Director who is authorized to exercise such powers and duties until a permanent Executive Director is employed.
4.  Any designee exercising such powers and duties of the Executive Director as authorized or on a temporary, acting or interim basis shall meet the requirements of subsection D of this section for the Executive Director.
5.  All references in this Code to the Department with respect to the exercise of the powers and duties specified in paragraph 1 of this subsection shall mean the exercise of such powers and duties by the Executive Director or his authorized designee.
SECTION 5.     AMENDATORY     43A O.S. 2011, Section 2-201, is amended to read as follows:
Section 2-201.  A.  A Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall be appointed by the ~~Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse~~ ~~Services.  The Commissioner may only be removed by the Board for~~ ~~cause~~ Governor, by and with the consent of the Senate, and that person shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.  The Commissioner shall meet at least one of the following qualifications:
1.  Possession of a Doctor of Medicine Degree and a license to practice medicine in this state;
2.  Possession of an Osteopathic Medicine Degree and a license to practice medicine in this state;
3.  Possession of a Doctor of Public Health Degree;
4.  Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Psychology and a license to practice psychology in this state;
5.  Possession of a Master of Public Health Degree and a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in the administration of health services; or
6.  Possession of a Master of Arts or Master's Degree in Business Administration, Social Science or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in the administration of health services.
B.  The salary of the Commissioner shall be fixed by the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
SECTION 6.     AMENDATORY     56 O.S. 2011, Section 162, is amended to read as follows:
Section 162.  A.  The Governor shall appoint the Director of Human Services, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that person shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
B.  The Commission shall have the power and it shall be its duty to:
~~(a) Select a Director of Public Welfare who shall not be a member of the Commission and who shall serve as executive and administrative officer of the Department.  The Director shall be appointed wholly on the basis of ability, training and experience qualifying him or her for public welfare administration.  The Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission.  The~~ 1.  Set the salary of the Director ~~shall be fixed by the Commission~~;
~~(b)~~ 2.  Formulate the policies and adopt rules ~~and regulations~~ for the effective administration of the duties of the Department;
~~(c)~~ 3.  Require and set the amount of the bond for employees within its discretion;
~~(d)~~
~~(e)~~ 4.  Cooperate with the Federal Social Security Board, created under Title 7 of the Social Security Act, enacted by the Seventy-Fourth Congress and approved August 14, 1935, or other like agency created by Congress, in any reasonable manner as may be necessary to qualify for federal aid to states in providing assistance to needy persons in conformity with the provisions of this act, including the making of such reports in such form and containing such information as the Social Security Board or other similar federal agency may from time to time require, and comply with such provisions as the Social Security Board, or other similar federal agency may find necessary to insure the correctness and verification of such reports; ~~and~~
~~(f)~~ 5.  Publish an annual report, not later than four (4) months after the close of each fiscal year, showing for such year the total amount paid to needy persons in this state under the provisions of this act, and the total number of such needy persons given assistance, classified by age, sex, race, residence of persons assisted, and such other particulars as may be deemed advisable.  Such report shall be presented to the Governor~~.~~; and
~~(g)~~ 6.  Present to the Federal Social Security Board a new or modified plan for old-age assistance, aid to dependent children and aid to needy blind.
SECTION 7.     AMENDATORY     57 O.S. 2011, Section 506, is amended to read as follows:
Section 506.  There is hereby created the position of Director of Corrections.  The Director shall be qualified for such position by character, personality, ability, education, training and successful administrative experience in the correctional field; shall have earned a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in at least one of the following: Corrections, criminal justice, police science, criminology, psychology, sociology, administration, education, or a related social science, and five (5) years' work experience in corrections, or a bachelor's degree in the degree areas above specified and six (6) years' progressively responsible work experience in corrections. The Director of Corrections shall be appointed by the ~~Board of Corrections~~ Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall ~~be subject to removal by a vote of the majority of the entire~~ ~~Board or in the manner provided by law for the removal of officers~~ ~~not subject to impeachment~~ serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
SECTION 8.     AMENDATORY     63 O.S. 2011, Section 1-104, is amended to read as follows:
Section 1-104.  A.  The State Board of Health shall elect annually from its membership a President, Vice President and Secretary.  The Board shall adopt rules for its government, and may adopt an official seal for the State Department of Health.  It shall hold such meetings as it deems necessary.  Each member of the Board shall be paid travel expenses, as provided in the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
B.  The Board shall have the following powers and duties:
1.  ~~Appoint and fix~~ Fix the compensation of a State Commissioner of Health;
2.  Adopt such rules and standards as it deems necessary to carry out any of the provisions of this Code;
3.  Accept and disburse grants, allotments, gifts, devises, bequests, funds, appropriations, and other property made or offered to it; and
4.  Establish such divisions, sections, bureaus, offices, and positions in the State Department of Health as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Code.
C.  The Governor shall appoint the State Commissioner of Health, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that person shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
SECTION 9.     AMENDATORY     63 O.S. 2011, Section 1-106, is amended to read as follows:
Section 1-106.  A.  The State Commissioner of Health shall serve at the pleasure of the ~~State Board of Health~~ Governor, and shall have skill and experience in public health duties and sanitary sciences and shall meet at least one of the following qualifications:
1.  Possession of a Doctor of Medicine Degree and a license to practice medicine in this state;
2.  Possession of an Osteopathic Medicine Degree and a license to practice medicine in this state;
3.  Possession of a Doctoral degree in Public Health or Public Health Administration; or
4.  Possession of a Master of Science Degree and a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in the administration of health services.
B.  The Commissioner shall have the following powers and duties, unless otherwise directed by the State Board of Health:
1.  Have general supervision of the health of the citizens of the state; make investigations, inquiries and studies concerning the causes of disease and injury, and especially of epidemics, and the causes of mortality, and the effects of localities, employment, conditions and circumstances on the public health; investigate conditions as to health, sanitation and safety of schools, prisons, public institutions, mines, public conveyances, camps, places of group abode, and all buildings and places of public resort, and recommend, prescribe and enforce such measures of health, sanitation and safety for them as the Commissioner deems advisable; take such measures as deemed necessary by the Commissioner to control or suppress, or to prevent the occurrence or spread of, any communicable, contagious or infectious disease, and provide for the segregation and isolation of persons having or suspected of having any such disease; designate places of quarantine or isolation; advise state and local governments on matters pertaining to health, sanitation and safety; and abate any nuisance affecting injuriously the health of the public or any community.  Any health information or data acquired by the Commissioner from any public agency, which information or data is otherwise confidential by state or federal law, shall remain confidential notwithstanding the acquisition of this information by the Commissioner.
2.  Be the executive officer and supervise the activities of the State Department of Health, and act for the Department in all matters except as may be otherwise provided in this Code; administer oaths at any hearing or investigation conducted pursuant to this Code; and enforce rules and standards adopted by the State Board of Health.  All rules adopted by the State Board of Health are subject to the terms and conditions of the Administrative Procedures Act.
3.  Appoint an Assistant State Commissioner of Health and fix the qualifications, duties and compensation of the Assistant State Commissioner of Health; and employ, appoint and contract with, and fix the qualifications, duties and compensation of, such other assistants, doctors, engineers, attorneys, sanitarians, nurses, laboratory personnel, administrative, clerical and technical help, investigators, aides and other personnel and help, either on a full-time, part-time, fee or contractual basis, as shall be deemed by the Commissioner necessary, expedient, convenient or appropriate to the performance or carrying out of any of the purposes, objectives or provisions of this Code, or to assist the Commissioner in the performance of official duties and functions.
4.  Cause investigations, inquiries and inspections to be made, and hold hearings and issue orders pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, to enforce and make effective the provisions of this Code, and all rules and standards adopted by the State Board of Health pursuant to law and the Commissioner or the representative of the Commissioner shall have the right of access to any premises for such purpose at any reasonable time, upon presentation of identification.
5.  Authorize persons in the State Department of Health to conduct investigations, inquiries and hearings, and to perform other acts that the Commissioner is authorized or required to conduct or perform personally.
6.  Except as otherwise provided by law, all civil and criminal proceedings under this Code shall be initiated and prosecuted by the district attorney where the violation takes place.
7.  Issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and records at any hearing to be conducted by the Commissioner or the State Board of Health; and if a person disobeys any such subpoena, or refuses to give evidence before, or to allow books and records to be examined by, the Commissioner or the Board after such person is directed to do so, the Commissioner may file a contempt proceeding in the district court of the county in which the premises involved are situated, or, if no premises are involved, of the county in which such person resides or has a principal place of business, and a judge of such court, after a trial de novo, may punish the offending person for contempt.
8.  Unless otherwise required by the terms of a federal grant, sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of personal property that has been acquired by the State Department of Health, or any of its components, when such property becomes obsolete or is no longer needed; any money derived therefrom shall be deposited in the Public Health Special Fund.
9.  Sell films, educational materials, biological products and other items produced by the State Department of Health; and all proceeds therefrom shall be deposited in the Public Health Special Fund.
10.  Revoke or cancel, or suspend for any period up to one (1) year, any license or permit issued under or pursuant to this Code, or by the Commissioner, when the Commissioner determines that ground therefor as prescribed by this Code exists, or that the holder of such license or permit has violated any law, or any of the provisions of this Code, or any rules or standards of the State Board of Health filed with the Secretary of State, but the Commissioner shall first afford the holder an opportunity to show cause why the license or permit should not be revoked, canceled or suspended, notice of such opportunity to be given by certified United States Mail to the holder of the license or permit at the last-known address of such holder.
11.  Accept, use, disburse and administer grants, allotments, gifts, devises, bequests, appropriations and other monies and property offered or given to the State Department of Health, or any component or agency thereof, by any agency of the federal government, or any corporation or individual.
12.  Be the official agency of the State of Oklahoma in all matters relating to public health which require or authorize cooperation of the State of Oklahoma with the federal government or any agency thereof; coordinate the activities of the State Department of Health with those of the federal government or any department or agency thereof, and with other states, on matters pertaining to public health, and enter into agreements for such purpose, and may accept, use, disburse and administer, for the office of the Commissioner or for the State Department of Health, for any purpose designated and on the terms and conditions thereof, grants of money, personnel and property from the federal government or any department or agency thereof, or from any state or state agency, or from any other source, to promote and carry on in this state any program relating to the public health or the control of disease, and enter into agreements for such purposes.
13.  The State Commissioner of Health may appoint commissioned peace officers, certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, to investigate violations of the Public Health Code and to provide security to Department facilities.
SECTION 10.     AMENDATORY     69 O.S. 2011, Section 4007, is amended to read as follows:
Section 4007.  A.  The administrative head of the Department of Transportation shall be the Director of the Department of Transportation.  The Director shall be an individual with a background of broad experience in the administration and management of complex public works or other comparable organizational structures, and ~~who~~ shall be appointed by the ~~Commission~~ Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and serve at the pleasure of the ~~Commission~~ Governor.   ~~He~~ The Director shall have the authority and duty to supervise, direct, account for, organize, plan, administer and execute the functions of the Department consistent with the general policies and procedures prescribed and established by the Commission.  Any statutory references to the State Highway Director in Title 69 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall mean the Director of the Department of Transportation.
B.  The Director shall employ a professional civil engineer who shall have broad experience in design and construction of complex highways or other transportation-related projects.  This engineer shall be responsible to the Director for the management of all engineering functions of the Department.
C.  ~~This act~~ Section 4001 et seq. of this title shall not affect the status and rights accrued under the State Merit System of Personnel Administration or the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to persons serving as employees of any Department, Commission, Authority or other state agency who become employees of the Department of Transportation through the passage of this act.
SECTION 11.     AMENDATORY     72 O.S. 2011, Section 63.3, is amended to read as follows:
Section 63.3.  A.  The War Veterans Commission shall perform all acts necessary or proper to afford emergency, temporary and permanent relief and assistance to all honorably discharged ex-service persons of all wars of the United States of America and to their dependents, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law.  The Commission is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, for the operation and maintenance of the Department of Veterans Affairs; provided, however, in all cases priority and preference shall always be given to disabled or diseased ex-service persons.  The members of ~~said~~ the Commission shall be reimbursed for necessary travel as provided in the State Travel Reimbursement Act.  In addition to its other powers and duties as herein provided, the Commission shall have the following specific powers and duties which shall, however, not be deemed to be exclusive:
1.  To organize itself by the election of a ~~Chairman~~ chair, ~~Vice Chairman~~ vice-chair and ~~Secretary~~ secretary, who shall perform the duties required of them by the rules and regulations, but shall receive no extra compensation therefor, and to provide for the time and place of meetings of the Commission;
2.  To ~~appoint the Director of the Department of Veterans~~ ~~Affairs and~~ provide for the employment of all such other personnel as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of Sections 63.1 through 63.4 of this title, and any other duties prescribed by law.  The salary and tenure of the Director of the Department shall be determined by the Commission; and
3.  To approve all claims or expenditures from such appropriations as may be made to the Commission prior to the payment thereof except as may be otherwise provided by law.
B.  The Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that person shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
SECTION 12.     AMENDATORY     74 O.S. 2011, Section 166.2, is amended to read as follows:
Section 166.2.  A.  ~~Effective July 1, 1993, there~~ There is hereby created the Commission for Rehabilitation Services, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, a body corporate and politic, with powers of government and with the authority to exercise the rights, privileges and functions as herein specified, with its lawful operations deemed to be an essential governmental function of the State of Oklahoma with all the attributes thereof.
B.  The Commission shall ~~appoint and remove the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation Services,~~ approve programs, policy and budget, and perform the necessary functions of a governing board for the State Department of Rehabilitation Services.  The Governor shall appoint the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, by and with the consent of the Senate, and that person shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
C.  l.  The Commission shall consist of three (3) members~~, to be appointed by June 15, 1993,~~ as follows:
a.	one member shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate for a three-year term,
b.	one member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for a three-year term, and
c.	one member shall be appointed by the Governor for a three-year term~~.~~;
2.  Thereafter, beginning with the expiration of the terms of the three members initially appointed, the Commission shall consist of three (3) members, appointed as follows:
a.	one member shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate and shall serve a term of one (1) year,
b.	one member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and shall serve a term of two (2) years, and
c.	one member shall be appointed by the Governor and shall serve a term of three (3) years~~.~~; and
3.  Thereafter, at the expiration of the term, or termination of the member's service for any reason, the original appointing authority shall appoint a successor for a term of three (3) years, or for the remainder of an unexpired term.
D.  Members of the Commission shall be knowledgeable of and have concern for rehabilitation issues and disability issues; provided, that such requirement shall not exclude participation of lay persons as Commission members.  All members shall be residents of the state and qualified electors at the time of their appointment.  Before entering upon the duties of their office, members of the Commission shall take the Constitutional oath of office and the same shall be filed with the Secretary of State.  A member of the Commission may be reappointed to succeed himself or herself.  Commission members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
E.  The original appointing authority may remove any commissioner for misconduct, incompetency or neglect of duty, after giving such commissioner a written statement of charges, and opportunity for a hearing.
SECTION 13.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2012.
Passed the Senate the 13th day of March, 2012.

	
	Presiding Officer of the Senate

Passed the House of Representatives the ____ day of __________, 2012.

	
	Presiding Officer of the House
	of Representatives