STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 53rd Legislature (2011)

SENATE BILL 595	By:	Brinkley

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to highway advertising programs; directing the Secretary of Transportation to conduct study of certain alternative highway advertising programs and make report by certain date; authorizing use of staff; authorizing appointment of certain working group; providing for noncodification; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     NEW LAW     A new section of law not to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:
In an effort to increase funding available to support our state highway system, the Secretary of Transportation is hereby directed to complete a feasibility study of alternative highway advertising programs.  Such programs utilized in other states, such as the State of Georgia, allow private businesses to advertise on toll booths, highway signs and electronic message boards.  Such study shall be undertaken with the goal of reducing in-house costs to the Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and bringing in an additional revenue stream without raising taxes.  The Secretary, with assistance as outlined herein, shall determine which states are best utilizing private resources in this manner with special regard given to programs emphasizing complete transparency over public/private partnerships and strict oversight by the regulatory agencies involved, including the requirement for open competitive bidding procedures.  The report of the findings of such study should include any legislative recommendations the Secretary deems appropriate.
The Secretary may, if he deems it necessary and appropriate, appoint a working group of interested stakeholders to assist in such feasibility study, in addition to any staff assistance as required.
The Secretary shall complete the study and distribute copies of the report to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives no later than December 1, 2011.
SECTION 2.  It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and 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.

53-1-374	MJM	1/19/2011 2:57:38 PM