Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.18A — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.18A
Department of Veterans Affairs - Unclassified positions
Status: in_force

and personnel.

The following positions and personnel at the Oklahoma Department

of Veterans Affairs shall be civil service exempt as provided in the

Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act:

1. Physicians assistants;

2. Occupational therapists;

3. Physical therapists;

4. Pharmacists;

5. Speech pathologists;

6. Nurse practitioners;

7. Physical therapy assistants;

8. Administrative Assistant to the Director;

9. Programs Administrators;

10. Administrators, Veterans Centers; and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 35

11. Assistant Administrators, Veterans Centers.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.19 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.19
Donation from tax refund to Oklahoma Department of
Status: in_force

Veterans Affairs Equipment and Capital Improvement Program -

Disposition of donated funds - Erroneous donation, claim for refund.

A. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall include on each state

individual income tax return form for tax years beginning after

December 31, 2001, and each state corporate tax return form for tax

years beginning after December 31, 2001, an opportunity for the

taxpayer to donate from a tax refund for the benefit of the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs Equipment and Capital Improvement

Program.

B. The monies generated from donations made pursuant to

subsection A of this section shall be used by the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs to purchase equipment and develop

capital improvement projects and to acquire properties for expanding

or improving existing projects, or for future projects to include

site acquisition, architectural plan development and construction.

C. Except as otherwise provided for in this section, all monies

generated pursuant to subsection A of this section shall be paid to

the State Treasurer and placed to the credit of the Capital

Improvement Program Revolving Fund.

D. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving

fund for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to be

designated "Capital Improvement Program Revolving Fund". The fund

shall be a continuing fund not subject to fiscal year limitations

and shall consist of all monies received pursuant to the provisions

of this section. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is

hereby authorized to invest all or part of the monies of the fund in

securities and any interest or dividends accruing from the

investments and any monies generated at the time of redemption of

the investments shall be deposited in the Capital Improvement

Program Revolving Fund. All monies accruing to the credit of the

fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs for the purposes stated in

subsection B of this section. Any monies withdrawn from the fund by

the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs for investment pursuant

to this section shall be deemed to be for the purpose of equipment

purchases or enhancing the veterans capital improvement programs of

the State of Oklahoma. Expenditures from the fund shall be made

upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as

prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and

Enterprise Services for approval and payment.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 36

E. If a taxpayer makes a donation pursuant to subsection A of

this section in error, the taxpayer may file a claim for refund at

any time within three (3) years from the due date of the tax return.

Such claims shall be filed pursuant to the provisions of Section

2373 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes and, if allowed, shall be

paid pursuant to the provisions of said section. Prior to the

apportionment set forth in subsection C of this section, an amount

equal to the total amount of refunds made pursuant to this

subsection during any one (1) year shall be deducted during the

following year, and the amount deducted shall be paid to the State

Treasurer and placed to the credit of the Income Tax Withholding

Refund Account.Capital Improvement Program - Disposition of donated funds - Erroneous donation, claim for
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-2 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-2
"Ex-service person", "veteran", and "war veteran" defined
Status: in_force

The words “ex-service person”, “veteran”, or “war veteran” as

used in this title shall be construed to mean any person who:

1. Has served the full obligation for active duty, Reserve or

National Guard service in the uniformed service as defined in

Section 14-137 of Title 26 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or received an

early discharge for a medical condition, hardship, or reduction in

force; and

2. Has been separated or discharged from such service honorably

or under honorable conditions.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.7A — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.7A
Classification of certain positions to Merit System of
Status: in_force

Personnel Administration.

A. Effective July 1, 1994, unclassified Department of Veterans

Affairs' employees who were transferred from the Department of Human

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 28

Services to the Department of Veterans Affairs on July 1, 1991,

pursuant to Section 63.18 of this title, shall become permanent

classified employees and subject to the provisions of the Merit

System of Personnel Administration pursuant to Section 840.13 of

Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes without regard to qualifications

or examinations. Such employees shall be granted permanent status

in the class to which the position occupied by the employee on the

effective date of this act is allocated by the Office of Personnel

Management. This section shall not apply to employees who are in

the unclassified service pursuant to Section 63.18A of this title

and Sections 840.8 and 840.10 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B. Except as provided in Sections 63.9 and 63.18A of this title

and Sections 840.8 and 840.10 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes,

all officers, positions and employees of the Department of Veterans

Affairs and its constituent institutions shall be subject to the

provisions of the Merit System of Personnel Administration as

created by the Oklahoma Personnel Act, Section 840.1 et seq. of

Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes and the rules promulgated

thereunder.

C. Nothing contained herein shall prevent the Department of

Veterans Affairs from utilizing its authority to appoint or retain

employees in the unclassified service pursuant to Sections 63.9 and

63.18A of this title and Sections 840.8 and 840.10 of Title 74 of

the Oklahoma Statutes which are not in direct conflict with this

section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-412 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-412
Special housing grant program for disabled veterans
Status: in_force

A. Subject to the availability of funds, the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs shall develop a special

housing grant program, not to exceed Five Thousand

Dollars ($5,000.00) per veteran, for the purpose of

bearing the costs not borne by the federal government for

a specifically designed home for disabled veterans. To

qualify for a special housing grant, all of the following

shall be met:

1. The veteran shall be approved for the federal grant under

the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' Specially Adapted

Housing program;

2. The veteran shall have been a resident of the state before

entering active service with the armed forces;

3. The veteran shall be physically residing in the state at the

time the federal grant is approved, as well as at the time the

application for the grant and receipt of the state grant are made;

4. The veteran's home shall be used for the purpose of

establishing permanent, and not temporary, residency in the state;

5. The home the veteran is remodeling or purchasing shall be in

the state;

6. The veteran shall formally apply for the grant by completing

the form designated by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs;

7. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall verify

statements to establish that the veteran meets the eligibility

requirements for the grant; and

8. The application shall be approved by the Director of the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

B. In no event shall the state pay a qualified veteran a share

greater than the federal government toward the purchase or

remodeling of such home.

C. The state grant shall be disbursed to the veteran in the

care of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs regional

office to be placed in escrow. This disbursement shall be made only

when the federal grant has been approved and the United States

Department of Veterans Affairs is ready to complete the escrow

agreement and authorize the construction, purchase or remodeling of

the specially designed home for the disabled veteran.

D. The special housing grant shall be made to a veteran only

once.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 75

E. Each awarded special housing grant shall be paid from the

Oklahoma Veteran Housing Program Revolving Fund to the extent funds

are available.

F. The veteran may also apply for the special housing grant if

he or she has previously exhausted his or her United States

Department of Veterans Affairs' Specially Adopted Housing program

benefits.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-363 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-363
Privileges and immunities
Status: in_force

A physician or other qualified health care professional or a

hospital or other medical facility, subject to this act, who

complies with this act may not be held civilly or criminally liable

for providing the information required by this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-126.18 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-126.18
Renumbered as § 197 of this title by Laws 2019, c. 23,
Status: in_force

§ 13, emerg. eff. April 4, 2019.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-48.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-48.1
Leave of absence during active service - Private sector
Status: in_force

employees.

A. All officers and employees of any employer in the private

sector, who are members, either officers or enlisted, of the Reserve

Components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast

Guard, or any other component of the Uniformed Services of the

United States, shall, when ordered by the proper authority to active

or inactive duty or service under Title 10 of the United States

Code, be entitled to a leave of absence from such private civilian

employment for the period of such service without loss of status or

seniority. During such leave of absence in any federal fiscal year,

the employer in the private sector may elect to pay the officer or

employee an amount equal to the difference between his or her full

regular pay from the employer in the private sector and his or her

military base pay. The durational limit of protected military

service as provided for in this section shall not be less than that

provided by federal law.

If any employer in the private sector fails to comply with the

provisions of this subsection, the officer or employee may bring an

action in district court for the same remedies and damages provided

for in Section 17 of this act, for such noncompliance and may be

granted such relief as is just and proper under the circumstances.

B. All officers and employees of any employer in the private

sector, who are members, either officers or enlisted, of the state

military forces, shall, when ordered by the proper authority to

state active duty or Title 32 active duty, be entitled to all the

protections provided under the Oklahoma Uniformed Services

Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

C. "State active duty", "state military forces", and "Title 32

active duty", for the purposes of this section, shall be defined in

accordance with Section 801 of Title 44 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.22 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.22
Preference for veteran vendors
Status: in_force

A. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs may grant a

preference, for purposes of the expenditure of funds for tangible or

intangible personal property or services to be acquired by the

agency, to an honorably discharged veteran or to a lawfully

recognized business entity having a majority ownership of fifty-one

percent (51%) or more of the business that is held by an honorably

discharged veteran at the time the contract is awarded.

B. No individual veteran or veteran-owned business entity, as

defined in subsection C of this section, shall be eligible for

consideration as a veteran vendor pursuant to this section unless

the individual veteran or veteran-owned business entity has

registered with the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov) in

the same manner as required to do business with the federal

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 37

government or has met alternative requirements for qualification or

substantiation as established by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs.

C. As used in this section, the term "veteran" shall be defined

in accordance with Section 2 of Title 72 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

D. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs may promulgate

rules for implementing the provisions of this section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-50.21 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-50.21
Qualifications of recipients
Status: in_force

Any person having the following qualifications is hereby

authorized to apply for, receive, and display a certain badge or

medal, to be known as "The Oklahoma Cross of Valor":

(1) Was a resident of Oklahoma at the time of entering the

military service of the United States;

(2) The military service referred to in (1) above, was

performed during either World War II, the Korean Conflict or the

Republic of Vietnam Conflict, or during any period of time in which

the United States participated in a war, campaign or battle;

(3) Was made and officially listed as captive by the enemy

during the service mentioned in (2) above; and

(4) Was honorably discharged from the military service.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-67.13 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-67.13
Expenditures and loans from fund
Status: in_force

The Oklahoma Veterans Commission shall have authority to make

expenditures or loans from the W.V.C. Revolving Fund for emergency

financial aid in the maintenance or support of honorably discharged

veterans or their spouses or surviving spouses who have been legal

residents of this state for a period of one (1) year next preceding

application for these benefits. Payments may be made from this fund

by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission upon warrants drawn by the State

Treasurer on claims approved by the Director of the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to the guidelines of the

Office of Management and Enterprise Services. At the time of

approval of claims, the Director shall certify that such payments

meet criteria established by regulations promulgated by the Oklahoma

Veterans Commission.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.2 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.2
Members of Commission – Requirements - Appointment
Status: in_force

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 23

A. The Oklahoma Veterans Commission shall consist of nine (9)

members, all of whom shall be honorably discharged veterans. The

members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Governor with

the advice and consent of the Senate and shall serve at the pleasure

of the Governor. All appointments shall be broadly representative

of the veterans of this state in terms of age, gender, and race or

ethnicity.

B. 1. Except as provided by paragraph 3 of subsection C of

this section, the Governor shall appoint six of the members from

lists of names provided by the executive officer of each of the

following veterans’ organizations in accordance with paragraph 1 of

subsection C of this section:

a. the American Legion,

b. the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States,

c. the Disabled American Veterans,

d. the Paralyzed Veterans of America,

e. the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and

f. the National Guard Association of Oklahoma.

2. The Governor shall also appoint three members at large, at

least one of whom shall have completed his or her military service

on or after September 11, 2001.

C. Appointments to the Commission for the six members

representing veterans’ organizations shall be made as prescribed by

this subsection.

1. On or before March 1 of the year in which the term of the

organization’s appointee expires, the executive officer of the

organization shall submit to the Governor the following:

a. a list of three persons qualified to serve as members

of the Commission,

b. a certificate of good standing for the organization

issued by the Secretary of State,

c. a copy of the organization’s state and federal tax

returns for the immediately preceding tax year

including but not limited to the federal Return of

Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990), and

d. a statement that describes the mission of the

organization and the services provided by the

organization and estimates to the best of the

executive officer’s knowledge the total number of

veterans the organization served in the preceding

calendar year.

2. For each veterans’ organization that complies with paragraph

1 of this subsection, the Governor shall appoint a member to the

Commission from the list of names provided by the organization.

3. If the organization fails to comply with paragraph 1 of this

subsection, the Governor may appoint a member at large in lieu of a

member representing the particular organization for the duration of

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 24

the term. At the conclusion of the term, the appointment shall

revert to an appointee representing the particular organization,

subject to the requirements and process provided by this subsection.

D. Any vacancy on the Commission resulting from any cause shall

be filled by appointment by the Governor for the remainder of the

term as provided by this subsection.

1. When a vacancy of one of the three at-large members on the

Commission occurs, the Governor shall promptly appoint a member at

large to fill the vacancy.

2. When a vacancy of one of the six members representing

veterans’ organizations on the Commission occurs, the executive

officer of the organization represented by the vacant position

shall, not later than thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs,

submit a list of three names of qualified persons and all other

information required by paragraph 1 of subsection C of this section

to the Governor.

3. For each veterans’ organization that complies with paragraph

2 of this subsection, the Governor shall choose a replacement from

the list provided by the organization. If the organization fails to

comply with paragraph 2 of this subsection, the Governor may appoint

a member at large in lieu of a member representing the particular

organization for the remainder of the unexpired term. At the

conclusion of the term, the appointment shall revert to an appointee

representing the particular organization, subject to the

requirements and process provided by subsection C of this section.

E. Current members of the Commission shall continue in office

until the expiration of their terms and until their successors are

appointed and enter upon the duties of their offices.

F. Appointments shall be made for terms of three (3) years.

Terms shall begin and expire on July 1 of the respective years. No

member shall serve for more than two consecutive full terms.

G. 1. No person shall be appointed by the Governor who is

related by affinity or consanguinity within the third degree to any

person employed by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. Before any member appointed as provided herein shall enter

upon his or her duties as a member of the Commission, he or she

shall take and subscribe to the oath of office as required by the

Constitution of this state.

3. No member of the Commission shall be employed by the

Department during the time of his or her service on the Commission

nor shall any person who served as a member of the Commission be

employed by the Department subsequent to his or her service on the

Commission for a period of two (2) years.

H. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person whose

nomination has been submitted to the Legislature to fill a vacancy

on the Commission that existed as of the effective date of this act

may be appointed to the Commission on an acting or interim basis,

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 25

may assume the duties of the office, and may receive any

compensation or travel reimbursement allowed by law for the position

pending confirmation by the Senate if the term of the former member

whose position is vacant has expired as of the effective date of

this act and if the nominee meets the qualifications prescribed by

this section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-50.25 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-50.25
Oklahoma Legislative Medal of Honor
Status: in_force

A. The Oklahoma Legislative Medal of Honor shall be awarded to

a member of the state or federal military forces designated by

concurrent resolution of the Legislature who voluntarily performs a

deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice involving risk of life

that is so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the person for

gallantry and intrepidity above the person’s comrades. The medal

shall be awarded based on the standard of extraordinary merit. The

medal shall be awarded only on incontestable proof of performance of

the deed. To be eligible for the Oklahoma Legislative Medal of

Honor, a person shall:

1. Have been born in this state;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 20

2. Reside in this state or have been a resident of this state

on the person’s death; or

3. Have been a resident of this state when the person entered

military service.

B. A person is not ineligible for the Oklahoma Legislative

Medal of Honor because the person has received any other medal or

award for military service, including a medal or award made by the

United States.

C. To receive the Oklahoma Legislative Medal of Honor, a person

shall be nominated during a regular session of the Legislature by

majority vote of all the members of a nominating committee

consisting of:

1. The Adjutant General or the Adjutant General’s designated

representative;

2. The Lieutenant Governor or the Lieutenant Governor’s

designated representative;

3. The Speaker of the House of Representatives or the Speaker’s

designated representative;

4. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate or the President Pro

Tempore’s designated representative;

5. The chair of the standing committee of each house of the

Legislature with primary jurisdiction over military and veteran

affairs; and

6. The Oklahoma Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

D. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall design the

medallion and ribbon for the Oklahoma Legislative Medal of Honor.

E. The Legislature by concurrent resolution may direct the

Governor to award the Oklahoma Legislative Medal of Honor to a

person nominated by the nominating committee. The committee chairs

serving on the nominating committee shall jointly prepare a

concurrent resolution directing the Governor to award the medal to a

person nominated. The Legislature shall direct the medal to be

awarded only during a regular session and shall not direct the medal

to be awarded to more than one person during a regular session.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-34 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-34
Interment or cremation assistance for indigent veterans
Status: in_force

A. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall establish

a program to provide assistance for the proper interment or

cremation of honorably discharged indigent veterans of the United

States Armed Forces. The program shall aid in obtaining any

available burial benefits from the United States Department of

Veterans Affairs or through private organizations. The program

shall provide for a burial grant for any indigent veteran or any

person who qualifies for reimbursement as determined by the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs, for unpaid expenses directly

resulting from interment or cremation. Maximum reimbursement shall

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 11

not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per indigent veteran

application.

B. Eligibility requirements for the program shall be as

follows:

1. The deceased shall be a veteran as defined by Section 2 of

this title;

2. No one shall have claimed the remains of the deceased

Veteran;

3. The veteran shall have died in Oklahoma;

4. The veteran shall not have been in the custody of the

Department of Corrections at the time of death;

5. The applicant shall provide documentation establishing the

burial location of the deceased veteran's remains in a cemetery or

the location where the deceased veteran's cremains have been

permanently placed; and

6. The applicant shall provide documentation establishing that

the deceased veteran received a proper memorial headstone or marker

at the place of his or her interment as provided for in Section 2306

of Title 38 of the United States Code or that a memorial headstone

or marker meeting the same physical standards for size, material,

composition, placement and informational content was provided in the

event the deceased veteran did not qualify under the provisions of

Section 2306 of Title 38 of the United States Code.

C. The Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of

Veterans Affairs or his or her designee shall make final approval of

Indigent Veteran Burial Applications, shall determine whether the

deceased meets eligibility criteria and may approve funds to

reimburse the costs of interment or cremation.

D. Reimbursement shall be paid from the Indigent Veteran Burial

Revolving Fund. If there are insufficient resources in the Indigent

Veteran Burial Revolving Fund, payment shall be made from the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving Fund.

Once funds are available in the Indigent Veteran Burial

Revolving Fund, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs may be

reimbursed for payments made from the Oklahoma Department of

Veterans Affairs Revolving Fund.

E. Application processes for the implementation of this program

shall be developed by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

F. Rules for the implementation of this program shall be

promulgated by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-304 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-304
Number of months
Status: in_force

Each qualified veteran shall be entitled to one (1) month's

tuition-free schooling for each month of active duty service between

the dates of August 10, 1964, and December 31, 1976, with a maximum

of thirty-six (36) months tuition-free schooling. Time spent in

reserve status with the Oklahoma National Guard or various other

reserve components of the United States Military shall not be

considered as active duty time.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.21 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.21
Certified volunteers - Provision of meals for services
Status: in_force

rendered.

The Oklahoma Veterans Commission is authorized to provide meals

to certified volunteers for services rendered in all facilities

operated under the control of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-222 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-222
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving fund
Status: in_force

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 56

A. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving

fund for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to be known as

the “Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving Fund”. The

revolving fund shall consist of all funds and monies received by the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, its constituent

institutions, and/or the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, from any

gifts, contributions, bequests, individual reimbursements except as

otherwise provided by law, and other sources of revenue, for the

care or support of war veterans discharged other than under

dishonorable conditions, who have been admitted and cared for at the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Centers at Ardmore,

Claremore, Clinton, Lawton/Ft. Sill, Norman, Sulphur or Sallisaw.

Provided, no grants-in-aid, reimbursements, or other revenue from

the United States government or any instrumentality of the United

States government shall be deposited in the fund. Provided further,

nothing contained herein prohibits the establishment and utilization

of special agency accounts by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs and its constituent institutions, as may be approved by the

Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, for

receipt and disbursement of the personal funds of Veteran Center

patients and members and/or for receipt and disbursement of

charitable contributions and donations for use by and for patients

and members.

B. The revolving fund herein created shall be used by the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to pay for the care of war

veterans discharged other than under dishonorable conditions, in

Veterans Centers, to pay the general operating expenses of the

Veterans Centers, including the payment of salaries and wages of

officials and employees, to pay for the employee safety programs and

incentive awards provided for in Section 63.10a of this title, and

to remodel, repair, construct, build additions, modernize, or add

improvements of domiciliary or hospital buildings necessary for the

care of veterans, including tuberculosis, mentally ill or

neuropsychiatric patients, but not excluding others; and

architectural plans, specifications, or other costs pertinent

thereto.

C. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs may transfer

monies from the revolving fund created in this section to the W.V.C.

Revolving Fund in the State Treasury.

D. All expenditures from the revolving fund shall be made upon

warrants issued by the State Treasurer based upon claims approved by

the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, as provided by law, and

filed with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise

Services for approval and payment.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-221.2A — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-221.2A
State Veterans Home at Lawton - Development - Operation
Status: in_force

and administration - Legal description.

Effective April 16, 1997, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs is directed within the availability and limitations of its

revolving funds, not otherwise encumbered or specified, to proceed

with the development of a new State Veterans Home facility at

Lawton, Oklahoma.

In addition to the State Veterans Homes established by Sections

203, 221, 221.1, 221.2, 226 and 229 of this title, the facility

known as the State Veterans Home, Lawton/Ft. Sill Division, shall be

operated as a State Veterans Home by the Department of Veterans

Affairs located on a tract of land described as the E/2NE/4 SEC 33-

2N-11 WIM, Comanche County, Oklahoma, and leased to the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs by the Commissioners of the Land

Office, State of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 55Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 5
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-68.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-68.1
Purpose of act
Status: in_force

The purpose of this act shall be to provide adequate training

facilities for the training and rehabilitation of residents of the

State of Oklahoma, who may be affected with such severe physical

handicaps as to prevent their employment in the normal fields of

vocational activity, without such specialized training, through the

establishment of a Rehabilitation Center for the Severely

Handicapped.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-306 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-306
Quota system
Status: in_force

In the event that any technology center school is being

seriously handicapped in its ability to provide an education or

training for all of its students as a result of a disproportionate

amount of tuition-free students, then the administrative officer of

such school shall certify as to the handicapped condition to the

State Board of Career and Technology Education who shall be

permitted to establish a quota system for the institution. A

schedule of guidelines and priorities shall be established for

taking students, as well as limiting the number of tuition-free

students who may enroll. The excess number of applicants may enroll

in some other state-supported technology center school which has not

reached a critical level of tuition-free students.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-404 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-404
Reporting names of employed special disabled veterans
Status: in_force

Names of special disabled veterans employed by state agencies

pursuant to this act shall be reported to the Office of Management

and Enterprise Services who shall record the names and report the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 73

total number of such veterans so employed in the annual report for

the Office of Management and Enterprise Services required by Section

840-1.6A of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-305 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-305
Eligibility of descendants of servicemen
Status: in_force

A. To qualify for the benefits of free tuition the descendant

of a serviceman must:

1. Prove his relationship to the missing or captured parent;

and

2. Satisfy the entrance and eligibility requirements imposed by

the technology center school.

B. Free tuition shall not exceed a period of more than thirty-

six (36) months for qualified descendants; however, tuition shall be

available only while the parent of the descendant is missing in

action or a prisoner of war or until the descendant reaches the age

of twenty-three (23) years, whichever is the shorter period of time.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.3 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.3
Powers and duties of Commission - Travel expenses
Status: in_force

The Oklahoma 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 shall 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 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, Vice

Chairman and 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.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 26
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-197 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-197
Treatment in institution - Commitment - Transfer
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever, in any proceeding under the laws of this state for

the commitment of a person alleged to be of unsound mind or

otherwise in need of confinement in a hospital or other institution

for his proper care, it is determined after such adjudication of the

status of such person as may be required by law that commitment to a

hospital for mental disease or other institution is necessary for

safekeeping or treatment and it appears that such person is eligible

for care or treatment by the Veterans Administration or other agency

of the United States Government, the court, upon receipt of a

certificate from the Veterans Administration or such other agency

showing that facilities are available and that such person is

eligible for care or treatment therein, may commit such person to

said Veterans Administration or other agency. The person whose

commitment is sought shall be personally served with notice of the

pending commitment proceeding in the manner as provided by the laws

of this state; and nothing in this act shall affect his right to

appear and be heard in the proceedings. Upon commitment, such

person, when admitted to any facility operated by any such agency

within or without this state shall be subject to the rules and

regulations of the Veterans Administration or other agency. The

chief officer of any facility of the Veterans Administration or

institution operated by any other agency of the United States to

which the person is so committed shall with respect to such person

be vested with the same powers as superintendents of state hospitals

for mental diseases within this state with respect to retention of

custody, transfer, parole or discharge. Jurisdiction is retained in

the committing or other appropriate court of this state at any time

to inquire into the mental condition of the person so committed, and

to determine the necessity for continuance of his restraint, and all

commitments pursuant to this act are so conditioned.

(2) The judgment or order of commitment by a court of competent

jurisdiction of another state or of the District of Columbia,

committing a person to the Veterans Administration, or other agency

of the United States Government for care or treatment shall have the

same force and effect as to the committed person while in this state

as in the jurisdiction in which is situated the court entering the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 51

judgment or making the order; and the courts of the committing

state, or of the District of Columbia, shall be deemed to have

retained jurisdiction of the person so committed for the purpose of

inquiring into the mental condition of such person, and of

determining the necessity for continuance of his restraint; as is

provided in subsection (1) of this section with respect to persons

committed by the courts of this state. Consent is hereby given to

the application of the law of the committing state or district in

respect to the authority of the chief officer of any facility of the

Veterans Administration, or of any institution operated in this

state by any other agency of the United States to retain custody, or

transfer, parole or discharge the committed person.

(3) Upon receipt of a certificate of the Veterans Administration

or such other agency of the United States that facilities are

available for the care or treatment of any person heretofore

committed to any hospital for the insane or other institution for

the care or treatment of persons similarly afflicted and that such

person is eligible for care or treatment, the superintendent of the

institution may cause the transfer of such person to the Veterans

Administration or other agency of the United States for care or

treatment. Upon effecting any such transfer, the committing court

or proper officer thereof shall be notified thereof by the

transferring agency. No person shall be transferred to the Veterans

Administration or other agency of the United States if he be

confined pursuant to conviction of any felony or misdemeanor or if

he has been acquitted of the charge solely on the ground of

insanity, unless prior to transfer the court or other authority

originally committing such person shall enter an order for such

transfer after appropriate motion and hearing.

Any person transferred as provided in this section shall be

deemed to be committed to the Veterans Administration or other

agency of the United States pursuant to the original commitment.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-50.23 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-50.23
Design - Payment of cost
Status: in_force

The Governor shall fix, or cause to be fixed, the character and

design of the medal herein referred to; provided any such design

shall include the words stamped or raised thereon, "Oklahoma Cross

of Valor"; provided further, the Governor is hereby authorized to

expend, from the Governor's contingency fund, any monies for the

cost of said medals or badges.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-421 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-421
Oklahoma Veterans Registry
Status: in_force

A. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall create and

maintain a registry of all veterans in this state by January 1,

2020, which shall be titled the "Oklahoma Veterans Registry". The

registry shall include the following information regarding the

veteran:

1. Name;

2. Military rank and branch of service;

3. Dates of service;

4. Percentage of service-connected disability, if applicable;

5. Date of death and place of interment, if applicable; and

6. Name of the veteran's spouse, if applicable.

B. As a component of the veterans registry created pursuant to

subsection A of this section, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs shall designate those veterans within the registry as one

hundred percent (100%) service-disabled Oklahoma veterans, if

applicable. The registry designation shall also be maintained as a

separate list within the registry for all one hundred percent (100%)

service-disabled Oklahoma veterans. The Department shall be

responsible for verification of all information provided through the

registry and shall verify veteran service disability status at least

once every four (4) years or upon request of the Oklahoma Tax

Commission, as needed to verify eligibility for the sales tax

exemption authorized in paragraph 34 of Section 1357 of Title 68 of

the Oklahoma Statutes.

C. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs may promulgate

rules for implementing the provisions of this section.

D. For purposes of this section, "veteran" shall have the same

meaning as specified in Section 2 of this title.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-356 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-356
Certain state health and medical facilities to cooperate
Status: in_force

in referring and screening certain veterans - Rules and regulations.

A. The Department and the health science centers and other

medical facilities of the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma

Children's Hospital, University Hospital or the Oklahoma College of

Osteopathic Medicine shall institute a cooperative program to:

1. Refer veterans to appropriate state and federal agencies for

the purpose of filing claims to remedy medical and financial

problems caused by the veteran's exposure to chemical defoliants or

herbicides or other causative agents including Agent Orange; and

2. Initiate an education program for health professionals on

the detection, diagnosis and treatment of the symptoms associated

with exposure to chemical defoliants or herbicides or other

causative agents including Agent Orange.

B. The Commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to the

administration of the programs authorized by this section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.17 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.17
Limits on expenditure for capital projects
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided by Section 63.16 of this title,

unless the Department of Veterans Affairs Trust Fund contains the

minimum amount required by Section 63.1 et seq. of this title, the

Department of Veterans Affairs, whether acting through the Oklahoma

Veterans Commission or any other entity, shall not be authorized to

expend any appropriated monies or monies in any revolving fund for

any capital project, unless such capital project:

1. Has been undertaken as of June 25, 1986, or unless the

project is included in the approved fiscal year 1986 Budget Work

Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs;

2. Is required for repairs of an emergency nature; or

3. Is required to proceed with the development of a new

Oklahoma Veterans Center facility at Lawton, Oklahoma, pursuant to

Section 221.2A of this title.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-6 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-6
Nontransferability of privileges - Penalty
Status: in_force

The privileges granted by this act shall not be assignable or

transferable to or used by any other person or persons except those

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 7

persons to whom certificates have been issued as herein provided.

Any person who violates any provision of this act shall be guilty of

a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than

Twenty Dollars ($20.00) nor more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00).
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-221.3 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-221.3
Competitive bidding for provision of supplies and
Status: in_force

services under Medicare Part B.

A. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall develop and adopt

procedures for competitively bidding an agreement for supplies and

services under Medicare Part B as approved by the Director of

Central Purchasing.

B. Upon the effective date of this act, the Department of

Veterans Affairs shall annually compile a list of Medicare Part B

supplies and services in use in veterans centers throughout the

state.

C. The Department shall, upon request, make such list

available, along with information on the Department's competitive

bid procedures, to any vendor interested in providing supplies and

services under Medicare Part B.

D. Vendors may subsequently participate in competitive bidding

by submitting a sealed itemized bid to the Department. The

Department shall select from among the submitted bids, the overall

lowest and best bid.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.10a — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.10a
Department of Veterans Affairs on-the-job employee
Status: in_force

safety program.

It is the intent of the Legislature that the promotion of safety

in the workplace is a legitimate public purpose. In order to

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 30

establish a public employee benefit program to encourage safety in

the workplace, the Department of Veterans Affairs is hereby directed

to establish an on-the-job employee safety program which encourages

work unit safety and reduces lost productivity and compensation

costs. In order to promote job safety in work units and provide

recognition for work units with exceptional safety records, the

Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to expend from monies

available in the State Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving Fund

so much thereof as may be necessary to provide incentive awards for

safety-related job performance. However, no employee shall be

recognized more than once per calendar year, and the award shall not

exceed the value of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-450 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-450
Administrative leave
Status: in_force

A. Any employee of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

may be granted administrative leave with pay for volunteer service

activities, under such terms and limitations as the Executive

Director may establish, in service to veterans or dependents of

veterans in the State of Oklahoma, which activities meet one or more

of the following criteria:

1. The activity is directly related to the Department's

mission;

2. The activity is sponsored or sanctioned by or in partnership

with the Department; or

3. The activity will enhance the development or skills of the

employee in his or her current position.

B. Leave shall be as brief as permitted under the circumstances

and shall not support an activity otherwise prohibited by law while

in a duty status.

C. The Executive Director shall establish guidelines for

approval of administrative leave for volunteer service authorized

hereunder which balances the Department's goals and operations and

ensures that each is conducted efficiently and effectively.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-22 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-22
Duties of county clerk - Violation a misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 9

All recording of said discharges shall be done by the clerical

force in the county clerk's office, without charge and shall also

furnish certified copies of said discharges without charge, and any

clerk or other person who makes any charge for such service shall be

guilty of a misdemeanor.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-440 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-440
Acceptance of gifts, donations, bequests, grants or
Status: in_force

contracts.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs may accept and

receive any and all gifts, donations, devices, bequests, grants or

contracts of any kind for money or property, either real or personal

including but not limited to military memorabilia, artifacts or

equipment, whether conditionally or unconditionally given.

B. The Department is directed, authorized and empowered to hold

such funds or property outright or in trust, invest or sell the

property, and to use the principal or interest or proceeds of sale

for the benefit of current or future Veterans programs, facility

construction, repair or improvements or departmental operations.

C. The Department shall utilize its best efforts to comply with

the terms of any conditional gift, devise or bequest in fulfillment

of the donor's stipulations and provisions of applicable laws. Any

real or personal property donated with conditions which are at any

time determined infeasible to meet or continue may be returned to

the donor, or if the donor is no longer living, if a natural person,

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 78

or no longer a legally organized entity, for organizations, then the

property may be sold and the proceeds of the sale deposited in the

Department's general fund or the property may be further donated in

kind to a veterans' service organization.

D. No administrator shall provide any preferential

consideration to a potential resident of any Oklahoma state veterans

homes in the course of the application and admission process due to

any prior or pledged gift, devise or bequest of any money or

property given or donated by the potential veteran resident or

immediate family member of the potential veteran resident.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-223 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-223
Acceptance of Act of Congress – Participation in per diem
Status: in_force

grant program.

A. The State of Oklahoma accepts the provisions of the Act of

Congress of August 27, 1888, as amended, 1934 Edition U.S. Code,

Title 24, Section 134, and of any other federal law or Act of

Congress providing for the payment of funds to states for the care

of, or support of, disabled soldiers and sailors in state homes, and

it shall be the duty of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission to obtain

such federal aid and assistance as is available under the aforenamed

Act of Congress, or otherwise. All such funds received from the

United States or any federal agency, for such care, shall be

deposited in a federal fund created by the Office of Management and

Enterprise Services as provided by law.

B. All Oklahoma veterans nursing facilities shall participate

in the state veterans homes per diem grant program administered by

the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Upon approval by

the United States Department of Veterans Affairs of a nursing

facility to participate in the per diem program, the Oklahoma

Veterans Commission shall issue a license to operate such facility

as an Oklahoma veterans home.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-362 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-362
Compilation, evaluation and distribution of information
Status: in_force

A. The Department, with the assistance of the Committee, shall

compile and evaluate information received from and actions taken by

the physician or other qualified health care professional, or a

hospital or other health care facility, in a report to be

distributed annually to the Governor, the Legislature, the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs and, upon request, to other

interested parties.

B. All information obtained from a veteran or individual shall

be confidential and shall only be used for purposes of the study.

C. The Department may request and shall receive from any state

agency such assistance and data as is necessary for the Department

to implement the provisions of this act.

D. The identity of a veteran, the subject of a report made

pursuant to the provisions of this act, may not be disclosed unless

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 71

the veteran consents to the disclosure. Statistical information

collected pursuant to this act is public information.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-50.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-50.1
Powers of military officers
Status: in_force

For the purposes as set forth in this act, military officers, as

designated herein, shall have the same power and authority to

administer oaths and affirmations, and take depositions, affidavits

and acknowledgments of persons in the military, naval, or other

armed services of the United States, as officers now authorized by

the laws of this state for like purposes.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-401 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-401
Short title
Status: in_force

This act may be known and cited as the "Special Disabled

Veterans Employment Act".
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-67.15 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-67.15
Invalidity clause
Status: in_force

The Legislature hereby declares that it intended to enact every

part, clause, sentence, or section of this act and if any part

thereof shall be invalid for any reason, the invalidity thereof

shall not affect the validity of any other parts, clauses,

sentences, or sections of this act, but the same shall remain in

force and effect to the same extent as if such invalid parts,

clauses, sentences, or sections had been omitted.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-241 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-241
State Accrediting Agency - Members - Contracts with
Status: in_force

federal agencies.

There is hereby re-created to continue until July 1, 2018, in

accordance with the Oklahoma Sunset Law, the State Accrediting

Agency, which hereafter shall be composed of the State

Superintendent of Public Instruction, or designee, the State

Director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology

Education, or designee, the Chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents

for Higher Education, or designee, and two honorably discharged war

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 63

veterans, who are and shall be appointed by, and hold office at the

pleasure of, the Governor. This entity shall be the "state

approving agency" referred to in the Veterans' Readjustment

Assistance Act of 1952 (Public Law 550 - 82nd Congress), and shall

have authority, on behalf of the State of Oklahoma, to enter into

and carry out contracts with the U.S. Department of Veterans

Affairs, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or any other federal agency,

under the provisions of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944

(Public Law 346 - 78th Congress), as amended, and the Veterans'

Readjustment Assistance Act of 1952 (Public Law 550 - 82nd

Congress), and any other federal law, for the approval of courses of

on-the-job training, institutional on-farm training, apprentice

training, war veterans' educational programs, or any other veterans'

training programs authorized by federal law, and for other services

authorized or required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,

Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or other federal agencies, in

connection with any such training or programs; and all such

contracts that have heretofore been made or entered into by the

State Accrediting Agency, which agency has been performing functions

herein specified in this state, are hereby validated and approved,

and shall continue in effect according to the terms and provisions

thereof.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-48.2 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-48.2
Extension of professional license during active duty
Status: in_force

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 16

A. As used in this section, "license" means any license issued

pursuant to:

1. Title 59, Professions and Occupations; and

2. Title 5, Attorneys and State Bar.

B. Any license held by a member of the National Guard or

reserve component of the armed forces that expires while the member

is on active duty shall be extended until one hundred twenty (120)

days after the member is discharged from active duty status.

C. The licensing agency shall renew a license extended pursuant

to subsection B until the next date that the license expires or for

the period that the license is normally issued, at no cost to the

member of the National Guard or reserve component of the armed

forces if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The National Guard member or reservist requests renewal of

the license within one hundred twenty (120) days after being

discharged;

2. The National Guard member or reservist provides the

licensing agency with a copy of the official orders of the member or

reservist calling the member or reservist to active duty, and

official orders discharging the member or reservist from active

duty; and

3. The National Guard member or reservist meets all the

requirements necessary for the renewal of the license, except the

member or reservist need not meet the requirements, if any, that

relate to continuing education or training.

D. The provisions of this section do not apply to regularly

scheduled annual training.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-229 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-229
State Veterans Home at Talihina - Establishment –
Status: in_force

Operations transferred.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 60

A. Until operations are transferred pursuant to subsection B of

this section, there is hereby established, in addition to the other

State Veterans Homes established by this title, the State Veterans

Home at Talihina, Oklahoma, on the site of the Oklahoma State

Sanatorium, Talihina, Oklahoma.

B. Upon a date to be determined by the Oklahoma Veterans

Commission, operations of the State Veterans Home at Talihina

established under this section shall be transferred to the State

Veterans Home at Sallisaw, Oklahoma, established under Section 1 of

this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.11a — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.11a
State flag for death of soldiers - Letter of
Status: in_force

condolence.

A. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services shall, from

the effective date of this act, furnish an Oklahoma state flag to

any member of the United States Armed Forces, including the National

Guard or Armed Forces reserve, who is either killed in the line of

duty in a combat zone or dies of wounds inflicted in a combat zone

and who, at the time of death, was a resident of this state or whose

surviving spouse, or parents, if no surviving spouse, are residents

of this state.

B. The Governor's office shall alert the Office of Management

and Enterprise Services upon the death of any Oklahoma member of the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 31

United States Armed Forces. Prior to sending the flag to the

deceased's spouse or parents, the Office of Management and

Enterprise Services shall alert the deceased's member of the State

Senate and House of Representatives so that a letter of condolence

may be sent with the flag. The Oklahoma flag shall be mailed to the

surviving spouse, or parents if no surviving spouse, by the Office

of Management and Enterprise Services.

C. All United States flags and all Oklahoma flags purchased by

the state or political subdivisions shall be manufactured in the

United States.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-6-1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-6-1
Impersonating member or veteran of the United States Armed
Status: in_force

Forces - Punishment.

A. Any person who knowingly with intent to impersonate and with

intent to deceive, misrepresents himself or herself as a member or

veteran of the United States Armed Forces by wearing any decoration

or medal authorized by the Congress of the United States for the

Armed Forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or

badges awarded to the members of such forces, or the ribbon, button,

or rosette of any such badge, decoration or medal, or any colorable

imitation thereof, except when authorized under regulations as

authorized by the applicable federal law, shall be guilty of a

misdemeanor and shall be fined One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or

be imprisoned in the county jail for a period of not more than six

(6) months or both.

B. If a decoration or medal involved in an offense under

subsection A of this section is a Congressional Medal of Honor, the

offender shall upon conviction be guilty of a Class D3 felony

offense and fined an amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars

($5,000.00), or be imprisoned as provided for in subsections B

through F of Section 20P of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or

both.

C. If a person presents any falsified or altered document as

proof of service or authorization for decoration or medal, such

person shall be guilty of a Class D3 felony offense and fined an

amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or be

imprisoned as provided for in subsections B through F of Section 20P

of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-67.11 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-67.11
W.V.C. Revolving Fund
Status: in_force

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund

to be designated "W.V.C. Revolving Fund".
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-223.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-223.1
Employer-based nurse aide training programs
Status: in_force

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs in its capacity as

an operator of nursing facilities under Title 72 of the Oklahoma

Statutes is authorized to provide an employer-based program for

training of nurse aides for purposes of certification by the State

Department of Health. Such programs shall comply with the

provisions of Section 1-1951 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.13 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.13
Power to be exercised in conjunction with local public
Status: in_force

trust.

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, acting by and

through the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, in conjunction with the

local public trust may:

1. Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary

or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of

its powers pursuant to the provisions of this act, and particularly

without limiting the generality of this section, to make and enter

into contracts and agreements with the separate instrumentalities,

departments and agencies of the State of Oklahoma and/or federal

government, in order to effectuate the financing of the hospital and

health care facilities;

2. Employ legal counsel, and contract for investment and

trustee banking services, and credit support or enhancements, as may

be necessary in the judgment of the local public trust, and to fix

the fees, charges and compensation therefor; provided, that all such

fees and expenses shall be payable solely from the proceeds of the

bonds, or any investment earnings thereon, issued pursuant to the

provisions of this and/or any other legally available source;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 32

3. Do all things necessary or convenient to implement the

powers expressly granted pursuant to the provisions of this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-65.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-65.1
Department directed to proceed on certain projects
Status: in_force

A. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall be

required to proceed with construction projects at veterans centers

under the control of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission from funds

designated for these purposes.

B. Projects shall be constructed in the order designated by

United States Department of Veterans Affairs priorities.

C. Federal matching funds received for these projects shall

continue to be deposited in the federal matching fund designated for

the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs by the Director of the

Office of Management and Enterprise Services and shall be considered

as available funds for projects, unless otherwise encumbered.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.10 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.10
Employee training programs - Funding - Salary, tuition,
Status: in_force

and subsistence contracts.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is hereby

authorized to establish within the Department or within any of the

institutions operated by the Department training programs to train

necessary personnel for the Department or its institutions, or may

arrange for programs with any public or private school, entity or

institution. Training may occur individually pursuant to the

Quality Workforce for Oklahoma's Heroes Act. Funds of the

Department or its institutions may be used to pay salaries or

tuition and subsistence for employees or prospective employees in

the training programs, pursuant to the provisions of subsection B of

this section.

B. Any employee or prospective employee who, while receiving

such training is paid a salary, or for whom tuition and subsistence

are furnished shall enter into a contract with the Department prior

to receiving any payment for salary, tuition, or subsistence. The

contract shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations

promulgated by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission and shall include a

stipulation that, unless the employee or prospective employee

continues in the employ of the Department for a period of time that

is greater than or equal to the length of the training, the employee

or prospective employee shall reimburse the Department or

institution for the amount of money paid to or for him or her by the

Department during the training period.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-355 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-355
Attorney General to represent veterans in certain class
Status: in_force

actions.

The Attorney General may represent a class of individuals

composed of veterans who may have been injured because of contact

with chemical defoliants or herbicides or other causative agents,

including Agent Orange, in a suit for release of information

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 69

relating to exposure to such chemicals during military service and

for release of individual medical records.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.11 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.11
State flag for certain deceased national guard members
Status: in_force

and peace officers.

A. The Oklahoma Veterans Commission shall furnish an Oklahoma

state flag to drape the casket of each Oklahoma National Guard

member or Oklahoma peace officer, as defined in Section 3311 of

Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, who dies in the line of duty,

unless the member or officer is otherwise entitled to a United

States flag. The state flag shall be a service benefit of each

Oklahoma National Guard member and Oklahoma peace officer.

B. After burial of the deceased Oklahoma National Guard member

or Oklahoma peace officer, the flag so furnished shall be given to

his or her next of kin. If no claim is made by the next of kin, the

flag may be given to a close friend or associate of the deceased

upon request by such friend or associate to the Oklahoma Veterans

Commission. If the flag is given to a close friend or associate of

the deceased, no flag shall be given to any other person on account

of the death of the Oklahoma National Guard member or Oklahoma peace

officer.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-165 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-165
Union Soldiers Cemetery – Certification as State Veterans
Status: in_force

Cemetery – Transfer to Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

The veterans cemetery known historically as the Union Soldiers

Cemetery located on the corner of Northeast 36th Street and Martin

Luther King Avenue in Oklahoma City shall remain under the

supervision and care of the Adjutant General of the State of

Oklahoma until such time as the executive director of the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs certifies to the Oklahoma Veterans

Commission receipt of such funds and clear title to property as are

necessary to meet the standards established by the United States

Department of Veterans Affairs to designate the property as a State

Veterans Cemetery. The title to all property, real and personal

included in and with the Union Soldiers Cemetery owned by the

Military Department of the State of Oklahoma, being a tract of land

in the Northwest Quarter of Section 24, Township 12 North, Range 3

West of the Indian Meridian, Oklahoma County, being more

particularly described as: beginning at the northwest corner of the

Northwest Quarter; thence North 89°30'53" East, along the north line

of the Northwest Quarter, a distance of 510.00 feet; thence South

00"13'08" East, parallel with the west line of the Northwest

Quarter, a distance of 280.00 feet; thence South 89"30'53" West,

parallel with the north line of the Northwest Quarter, a distance of

510.00 feet to the west line of the Northwest Quarter; thence North

00°13'08" West, along the west line of the Northwest Quarter, a

distance of 280.00 feet to the point of beginning, containing an

area of 142,799 square feet or 3.2782 acres, more or less, shall be

transferred to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs within

ninety (90) days after the certification provided for in this

section is executed by the Executive Director.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-47 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-47
Private employment - Restoration to position or employment
Status: in_force

at expiration of military service.

If a person was in the employment of any private employer, firm,

company, partnership or corporation, it is hereby declared to be the

sense of the Legislature that such person, upon the expiration of

the person's period of active duty in the military service of the

United States, be restored to the position or employment in which

the person was engaged at the time of being ordered into the active

military service of the United States pursuant to the provisions of

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 14

the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights

Act of 1994, Title 38, Chapter 43 of the United States Code.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.12 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.12
Lease and/or loan agreement for hospital or health care
Status: in_force

facilities improvements.

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, acting by and

through the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, shall be authorized to

enter into lease and/or loan agreements with local public trusts

operating in and around any proposed facilities of the Department

for the purpose of obtaining financing for the acquisition,

construction, additions to or improvement of hospital or health care

facilities operated by the Department whether existing or to be

acquired.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-202 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-202
Management and control
Status: in_force

The State Veterans Homes shall be under the management and

control of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs which shall:

1. Make all necessary rules, regulations and procedures for the

operation and management of State Veterans Homes operated by the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 52

2. Ensure compliance with all federal and state statutes and

rules which are applicable to the operation of long-term care

facilities;

3. Appoint and fix the duties and compensation of State

Veterans Homes administrators and other necessary employees;

4. Provide necessary clothing, food, and care to all residents

including medications and proper medical care;

5. Provide for the burial of deceased residents who have no

surviving relatives or whose relatives do not claim their bodies;

and

6. Assure the protection of the rights of all residents

including the right to be free of neglect and abuse.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-360 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-360
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this act:

1. "Veteran" means a person who is currently a resident of this

state, who served on and after August 2, 1990, during the Gulf War

in the southwest Asia theater of operations, which includes Iraq,

Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi

Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of

Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red

Sea, and the airspace above these locations;

2. "Department" means the State Department of Health;

3. "Resident of this state" means a person who has any one of

the following:

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 70

a. a valid Oklahoma driver license or license for

identification only,

b. a motor vehicle registered within the state,

c. a valid Oklahoma voter identification card, or

d. any other valid identification as determined by the

Department;

4. "Committee" means the Gulf War Syndrome Outreach Committee;

5. "Commissioner" means the State Commissioner of Health; and

6. "Board" means the State Board of Health.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.6 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.6
Workers' compensation for certain employees of State War
Status: in_force

Veterans Home Facilities.

The Oklahoma Veterans Commission is hereby authorized and

empowered to provide workers' compensation insurance for all guards,

motor vehicle operators, maintenance personnel, registered nurses,

registered practical nurses and attendants employed by the

institutions included in the Oklahoma State War Veterans Home

Facilities.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-67.12 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-67.12
Nature of fund
Status: in_force

The W.V.C. Revolving Fund shall be a continuing fund not subject

to fiscal year limitations and shall consist of all monies received

by State Veterans Department as repayments on loans as provided in

Section 67.13 of this title, gifts, contributions, bequests and any

transfers of monies from the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

Revolving Fund of the State Treasury that may be authorized by the

Oklahoma State Legislature.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-49.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-49.1
Removal of disability of minority
Status: in_force

The disability of minority of any person otherwise eligible for

guaranty of a loan pursuant to the "Servicemen's Readjustment Act of

1944", 78th Congress, as amended, and of the spouse of such person,

is hereby removed for the purposes of enabling such persons to enter

into valid contracts for the acquiring or encumbering, or selling

and conveying property and the incurring of indebtedness or

obligations incident to either or both, or the refinancing thereof,

and litigating or settling controversies arising therefrom, if all

or part of the obligations or indebtedness incident to such

transaction are or ultimately may be guaranteed by the administrator

of veteran's affairs pursuant to such act and an application signed

by such minor; and for the purpose of entering into any contract

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 17

with the State of Oklahoma or any political subdivision thereof or

municipal corporation therein, or the United States Government or

any agency thereof; provided nevertheless, that this section shall

not be construed to impose any other or greater rights or

liabilities than would exist if such person and such spouse were

each at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-50.2 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-50.2
Rank of officer - Spouse's acknowledgment -
Status: in_force

Authentication - Acknowledgment before notary.

The deed of any person, for the conveyance of real estate within

this state, or for any other purpose, powers of attorneys, and other

instruments requiring acknowledgments or the taking and subscribing

of oaths, may, if such person is engaged in the military service of

the United States, be acknowledged before any officer in said

service of the rank of Sergeant or higher, and, if such person is

engaged in the naval service of the United States, before any

officer of the rank of Petty Officer or higher, and, if such person

is engaged in any other armed service of the United States, before

any officer of a rank corresponding to those mentioned above; and

such deeds, powers of attorneys, and other instruments so

acknowledged shall be accepted and recorded in this state in the

same manner as if taken before any officer now authorized by the

laws of this state to take such acknowledgments. Provided further,

that if the acknowledgment of any person herein be of such a nature

as to require a joint or separate acknowledgment of his or her

spouse, the officers designated herein shall have power to take the

acknowledgment of such spouse, and instruments upon which such

acknowledgments appear shall be entitled to recording under the laws

of this state. No authentication of an officer's certificate of

acknowledgment shall be required, but the officer taking the

acknowledgment or subscription shall sign his name and set forth his

rank or title and branch of service, and such statement by said

officer as to his rank, title and branch of service, and his home

address, shall be prima facie evidence thereof. Nothing herein

shall be construed as preventing any person named herein from

acknowledging instruments before a notary public or other officer of

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 18

this or any other state or foreign country whose acknowledgments are

recognized for the purpose of recording under the laws of this

state.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.1
Commission and Department created - Cabinet-level status
Status: in_force

- Composition - Administration.

There is hereby created the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, and

the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, which shall be a

cabinet-level department pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.3

of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The Department shall consist

of a departmental headquarters and such Veterans Centers as are

operated by the Department. The Department shall be administered

under such rules, regulations and policies as may be prescribed by

the Oklahoma Veterans Commission. Any reference in any law of this

state referring to or naming the Soldiers Relief Commission shall be

construed to refer to and name the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-301 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-301
Short title
Status: in_force

This act may be cited as the "Oklahoma G. I. Bill".
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-229.2 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-229.2
State Veterans Home at Sallisaw — Establishment
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby established, in addition to the other State

Veterans Homes established under this title, the State Veterans Home

at Sallisaw, Oklahoma, on the site determined by the Oklahoma

Veterans Commission under subsections C and D of Section 229.1 of

Title 72 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B. The State Veterans Home at Sallisaw shall assume operations

of the State Veterans Home at Talihina, Oklahoma, established under

Section 229 of Title 72 of the Oklahoma Statutes, upon the date

determined by the Commission under such section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.4 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.4
Partial invalidity
Status: in_force

It is the intention of the Legislature to enact each and every

part of this act and if any section, paragraph, sentence, item or

clause of this act shall for any reason be held unconstitutional,

such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining

portions of this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-403 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-403
Exemption from entrance examinations and hiring procedures
Status: in_force

- Probationary period - Permanent status.

A. Oklahoma state agencies are hereby authorized to employ

special disabled veterans who are legal residents of the state in

competitive and noncompetitive jobs. Such veterans shall be exempt

from entrance examinations and hiring procedures administered by the

Office of Management and Enterprise Services pursuant to Sections

840-4.12 and 840-4.13 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B. Special disabled veterans hired pursuant to subsection A of

this section shall be appointed for a probationary period of one (1)

year, except that the appointing authority may waive in writing the

remainder of the probationary period at any time after a

probationary employee has served six (6) months; provided, however,

that the disabled veteran and the Director of the Office of

Management and Enterprise Services shall be notified in writing as

to such action and the reason therefor. At the end of the

probationary period and if the work of said veterans is

satisfactorily performed, the veterans shall acquire permanent

status.

C. Upon acquiring permanent status, special disabled veterans

shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the Office of

Management and Enterprise Services.There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Department of

Veterans Affairs to be designated the "Oklahoma Veteran Housing Program Revolving Fund". The

fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies

received by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs in the form of donations, appropriations

or other monies for such fund. All monies accruing to the credit of the fund are hereby

appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Department for the purpose of providing

grants to eligible veterans as provided by law. Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon

warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of

A. Subject to the availability of funds, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall develop a

special housing grant program, not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per veteran, for

the purpose of bearing the costs not borne by the federal government for a specifically designed

home for disabled veterans. To qualify for a special housing grant, all of the following shall be met: .... 75

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 6
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-50.24 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-50.24
Korean Conflict Medallion Program
Status: in_force

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 19

A. There is hereby created the “Korean Conflict Medallion

Program”.

B. The Oklahoma Korean Conflict Medallion award shall consist

of a medallion, medal, and certificate of appreciation. A veteran

shall be eligible for the award if the veteran:

1. Was a resident of Oklahoma at the time of entering the

military service of the United States;

2. Served in active duty in the United States Military at any

time beginning June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955; and

3. Was honorably separated or discharged from military service,

still in active service in an honorable status, or was in active

service at the time of his or her death.

C. The Oklahoma Korean Conflict Medallion award shall be

awarded regardless of whether or not such veteran served within the

United States or in a foreign country. The award shall be awarded

regardless of whether or not such veteran was under eighteen (18)

years of age at the time of enlistment. For purposes of this

section, “veteran” means any person defined as a veteran by the

United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor

agency.

D. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall administer

the Korean Conflict Medallion Program and set the procedures for

awarding the medallion, medal and certificate.

E. In order to create statewide involvement in the design of

the award in recognition of this historic endeavor, the Governor

shall solicit potential designs from elementary and secondary

schools, veterans’ groups, and any other interested parties,

provided any such design shall include the words “Oklahoma Korean

Conflict Medallion”. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is

authorized to expend any monies appropriated to the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs for the cost of such medals,

medallions and certificates, subject to the availability of the

funds.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-67.13a — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-67.13a
War veterans defined - Retirement benefits
Status: in_force

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 39

Except for the purposes of determining military service credit

for state retirement, the words “war veterans” used in Section 67.13

of this title shall be construed to mean such honorably discharged

persons as served:

1. In the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during

the period from April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918, both dates

inclusive;

2. In the Armed Forces of the United States as members of the

45th Division at any time during the period from September 16, 1940,

to December 7, 1941, both dates inclusive;

3. In the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during

the period from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946, both dates

inclusive;

4. In the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during

the period from June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955, both dates

inclusive;

5. For a period of ninety (90) days or more, unless discharged

from active duty for a service-connected disability, in the Armed

Forces of the United States during the period of time in which the

United States participated in a war, campaign or battle, but

excluding any person who shall have served on active duty for

training only, unless discharged from active duty for service-

connected disability;

6. In the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during

the period which began on:

a. February 28, 1961, and ended on May 7, 1975, in the

case of a veteran who served in the Republic of

Vietnam during that period, and

b. August 5, 1964, and ended on May 7, 1975, in all other

cases,

except that such period shall be deemed to have ended on December

31, 1976, when determining eligibility for education and training

benefits; or

7. In the Armed Forces of the United States on or after August

1, 1990, during the period of time in which the United States

participates in a war, military or naval campaign, or expedition,

excluding any person who shall have served on active duty for

training only, unless discharged from active duty for service-

connected disability.

The term “war veterans” shall include only those persons who

shall have served during the times or in the areas prescribed in

this section, and those persons who were awarded service medals, as

authorized by the United States Department of Defense as reflected

in the veteran’s Defense Department Form 214, related to the Vietnam

Conflict who served prior to August 5, 1964. Any honorably

discharged war veteran of any of the Armed Forces of the United

States shall be entitled to such tax exemptions to include but not

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 40

be limited to tax-exempt veterans’ benefits as provided in paragraph

12 of Section 2887 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes, special

permits and veterans’ preferences for state employment; provided,

that any person who shall have served on active duty for training

purposes only shall not be entitled to any such tax exemptions,

special permits or veterans’ preferences.

The provisions of this act shall include military retirees,

whose retirement was based only on active service, that have been

rated as having twenty percent (20%) or greater service-connected

disability by the Veterans Administration or the Armed Forces of the

United States. For the purpose of defining military service or

status as a war veteran for the granting of military service credit

in the retirement systems of the State of Oklahoma, the specific

statutory provisions and definitions of each respective system shall

govern exclusively.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-410 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-410
Oklahoma Veteran Housing Program Act
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the

"Oklahoma Veteran Housing Program Act".
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-402v2 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-402v2
Definitions
Status: in_force

THIS TEXT EFFECTIVE BEGINNING NOV. 1, 2020. FOR TEXT EFFECTIVE

UNTIL NOV. 1, 2020, SEE OS 72-402v1.

As used in the Special Disabled Veterans Employment Act:

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 72

1. "Special disabled veterans" means those honorably discharged

persons who:

a. meet the criteria for war veterans as set out in

Section 67.13a of this title,

b. have a service-connected disability rated at thirty

percent (30%) or more by the Veterans Administration

or the Armed Forces of the United States,

c. have been a resident of Oklahoma for at least one (1)

year prior to the date of the examination, and

d. are registered with the veterans registry created by

the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; and

2. "Agency" means any office, department, board, commission or

institution of the state government.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.14 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.14
Payment of certain bonds
Status: in_force

The bonds issued by the local public trust, working in

conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs, acting by and

through the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, shall be payable from the

following:

1. Fees, charges and payments, including any federal subsidies,

grants or contributions, received in respect to providing health

care to veteran patients at such facilities acquired, constructed

and equipped with the proceeds of said bonds;

2. Appropriations made in any fiscal year to the Department of

Veterans Affairs for defraying costs associated with said

facilities; and

3. Any other legally available source.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-221 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-221
Establishment - Site - Purpose - Administration and
Status: in_force

control.

There is hereby established at Sulphur, Oklahoma, on the site of

the Oklahoma State Veterans Hospital, and at Ardmore, Oklahoma, on

the site of the Oklahoma State Veterans Home Facilities, and at

Norman, Oklahoma, on the site of the Veterans Ward of the Griffin

Memorial Hospital, further described as follows:

Starting at the Southeast corner of the Northeast Quarter (NE

1/4) of Section twenty-nine (29), Township nine (9) North, Range two

(2) West, of the Indian Meridian; thence North seventeen hundred

(1700) feet to a point on the East boundary of Section twenty-nine

(29), Township nine (9) North, Range two (2) West; thence West six

hundred (600) feet; thence South eight hundred fifty (850) feet;

thence West three hundred twenty-five (325) feet; thence South four

hundred (400) feet; thence in a Southwest direction five hundred

forty (540) feet to a point on the South boundary of the Northeast

Quarter (NE 1/4) of Section twenty-nine (29), Township nine (9)

North, Range two (2) West of the Indian Meridian; thence East a

distance of one thousand two hundred twenty-three (1,223) feet to

the point of beginning;

facilities to be known as the State Veterans Homes (for the purpose

of securing special treatment or hospitalization the adjoining

facilities of Griffin Memorial Hospital shall be considered an

integral part of the State Veterans Homes at Norman, and may be

utilized to care for eligible veterans), which shall be available

for care of war veterans discharged other than under dishonorable

conditions. Further provided such centers shall be under the

administration and control of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.18 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.18
Renumbered as § 3425 of Title 70 by Laws 1999, c. 347, §
Status: in_force

6, eff. July 1, 1999.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-6-2 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-6-2
Wearing uniform of the United States Armed Forces or
Status: in_force

Public Health Service - Punishment.

Whoever, in any place within the jurisdiction of the State of

Oklahoma, without authority as defined in the United States Code,

wears the uniform or any distinctive part thereof or anything

similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of any of the Armed

Forces of the United States, Public Health Service or any auxiliary

of such, with the intent to deceive by impersonating a member of the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 8

Armed Forces or a veteran, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and

fined an amount not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or be

imprisoned in the county jail for a period of not more than one (1)

year or both.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-302 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-302
Tuition-free career and technology education - Exception
Status: in_force

Any Oklahoma veteran, or the child of any Oklahoma veteran who

is missing in action or a prisoner of war, shall be entitled to

attend any state-supported technology center school in the State of

Oklahoma operating under the State Board of Career and Technology

Education without the payment of tuition. The Oklahoma State

University Institute of Technology-Okmulgee shall be excluded from

the provisions of this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-196 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-196
Guardian as fiduciary
Status: in_force

A. If the guardian is appointed as a fiduciary by the United

States Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to regulations

adopted by the Department in any applicable part of Title 38 of the

Code of Federal Regulations, the fiduciary accounting provided to

the Department pursuant to Section 13.280 of Title 38 of the Code of

Federal Regulations shall be included in the annual accounting filed

with the district court as part of the annual accounting of a

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 50

guardian of the property as required by Section 4-303 of Title 30 of

the Oklahoma Statutes.

B. A guardian may work in consultation with an institutional

fiduciary appointed by the Department pursuant to Title 38 of the

Code of Federal Regulations and include information provided by the

institutional fiduciary in the annual accounting of a guardian of

the property as required by Section 4-303 of Title 30 of the

Oklahoma Statutes.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-240 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-240
Petty cash funds
Status: in_force

There is hereby created a petty cash fund at the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs, at the State Veterans Home, Ardmore,

Oklahoma, at the State Veterans Home, Clinton, Oklahoma, at the

State Veterans Home, Sulphur, Oklahoma, at the State Veterans Home,

Sallisaw, Oklahoma, at the State Veterans Home, Norman, Oklahoma, at

the State Veterans Home, Claremore, Oklahoma, and at the State

Veterans Home, Lawton/Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. The Director of the

Office of Management and Enterprise Services and the Director of the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs are authorized to fix the

maximum amount of these petty cash funds and the Director of the

Office of Management and Enterprise Services shall prescribe the

rules and procedures for the administration of these petty cash

funds.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-67.13b — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-67.13b
Benefits for persons serving after January 31, 1955
Status: in_force

Any person who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the

United States and was discharged or separated from active duty under

conditions other than dishonorable and further had served such

active duty for more than ninety (90) days, other than for training

purposes, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, or was

released from active duty after January 31, 1955, for a service-

connected disability, shall be entitled to tax exemptions, fees,

special permits and veterans' preferences for state employment on

the same basis as "war veterans" except as provided in Section

840.15 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-194 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-194
Requirements for subject and guardian
Status: in_force

A. The subject of the proceeding in a guardianship established

pursuant to the Veterans Volunteer Guardianship Act shall:

1. Meet the requirements of "veteran" pursuant to Section 2 of

Title 72 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

2. Be a resident of this state; and

3. Be in receipt of a veteran's disability compensation or

pension from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs

pursuant to Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations or in

receipt of benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program.

B. The current or prospective guardian in a guardianship

established pursuant to the Veterans Volunteer Guardianship Act

shall:

1. Be an individual;

2. Be a resident of this state;

3. Not be related by blood, adoption or marriage to the subject

of the proceeding within the third degree of affinity or

consanguinity;

4. Not be considered ineligible or barred from serving as a

fiduciary for a veterans affairs beneficiary under Section 13.130 of

Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations; provided, that any

guardian appointed under the Veterans Volunteer Guardianship Act

that is subsequently denied appointment as a fiduciary shall provide

notification to the court within thirty (30) days of receipt of

notice of the denial;

5. Serve on a volunteer basis and waive compensation for

services as a guardian; provided, the guardian may receive

reimbursement of expenses incurred on behalf of the subject of the

proceeding that are authorized by court order and subject to the

limitations imposed by the court; and

6. Be availed of any benefits and subject to any additional

requirements promulgated by rules or policy of the Oklahoma

Department of Veteran Affairs, as the Department deems beneficial to

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 49

the recruitment of community volunteer guardians and protection of

the interest of the wards, including but not limited to background

checks.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a

guardian or prospective guardian from receiving compensation for

services as a fiduciary appointed by the United States Department of

Veterans Affairs or as a court-ordered guardian that is otherwise

authorized under Title 30 of the Oklahoma Statutes and does not cite

authority or request benefits from the provisions of the Veterans

Volunteer Guardianship Act.

D. Nothing in this section shall entitle a guardian of the

property of a veteran to payments on behalf of the subject of the

proceeding for veteran's benefits unless the guardian has made

application to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for

appointment as a fiduciary as required by federal law.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-31a — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-31a
State Veterans' Cemetery System
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to

construct, establish, administer, operate and maintain a State

Veterans' Cemetery System. The State Veterans' Cemetery System

shall consist of one or more cemeteries to serve veterans, spouses

and eligible dependents of veterans of the State of Oklahoma.

B. The Department may:

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 10

1. Employ staff to operate the cemetery system;

2. Purchase equipment and supplies necessary for the operation

and support of the cemetery system; and

3. Charge a fee for each interment of an eligible spouse or

dependent of a veteran.

C. The Department shall:

1. Promulgate appropriate guidelines, rules, or regulations for

determining eligibility for burial, instituting standards for the

cemeteries, and setting burial charges to be assessed for the burial

of spouses and eligible dependents;

2. Develop plans and programs which will provide for initial

establishment of sites to meet the greatest need and provide for

their orderly expansion;

3. Establish accounts as are necessary to the orderly

administration of the cemetery system;

4. Make applications to federal agencies such as the United

States Department of Veterans Affairs and receive federal funding as

is available to establish, construct, operate and maintain this

cemetery system; and

5. Accept donations of real or personal property for the

construction, establishment, operation and maintenance of the State

Veterans' Cemetery System.

D. The Department may seek, accept and expend private, state

and federal funds for the establishment, construction, maintenance,

administration and operation of the cemetery system as provided in

this section. The Department may accept land, on behalf of the

state, or may utilize land owned by the Department for the

establishment of a veterans' cemetery.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-351 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-351
Report of veterans who may have been exposed to certain
Status: in_force

defoliants or herbicides - Report form.

A. A physician or other qualified health care professional who

has primary responsibility for treating a veteran who believes the

veteran may have been exposed to chemical defoliants or herbicides

or other causative agents, including Agent Orange, while serving in

the Armed Forces of the United States, shall, at the request of the

veteran, submit a report to the Department on a form provided by the

Department. If there is no physician or other qualified health care

professional having primary responsibility for treating the veteran,

the hospital or other medical facility treating the veteran shall,

at the request of the veteran, submit the report to the Department.

B. The form provided by the Department to the physician or

other qualified health care professional or hospital or other

medical facility shall request the following information:

1. Symptoms of the veteran which may be related to exposure to

chemical defoliants or herbicides or other causative agents,

including Agent Orange;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 68

2. Diagnoses of the veteran; and

3. Methods of treatment prescribed.

C. The Department may require the veteran to provide such other

information as determined by the Commissioner.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-7 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-7
State-operated parks and museum admission
Status: in_force

A. All honorably discharged veterans who are currently Oklahoma

residents shall be allowed free admission to all state-owned or

state–operated parks and museums. A valid Oklahoma driver license

or state photo identification card and military discharge papers (DD

Form 214) or similar evidence of an honorable discharge from the

United States Armed Forces shall be required for free admission.

B. A valid Oklahoma driver license or identification card

issued by the Department of Public Safety with a flag emblem and the

word "veteran" in the upper left-hand corner of the front of the

driver license or identification card shall be sufficient for free

admission to all state-owned and state-operated parks and museums.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-402 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-402
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in the Special Disabled Veterans Employment Act:

1. "Special disabled veterans" means those honorably discharged

persons who:

a. meet the criteria for war veterans as set out in

Section 67.13a of this title,

b. have a service-connected disability rated at thirty

percent (30%) or more by the Veterans Administration

or the Armed Forces of the United States,

c. have been a resident of Oklahoma for at least one (1)

year prior to the date of the examination, and

d. are registered with the veterans registry created by

the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; and

2. "Agency" means any office, department, board, commission or

institution of the state government.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-229.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-229.1
Authority to plan, develop and construct Oklahoma
Status: in_force

veterans facilities.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to

plan, develop and construct two long-term care facilities for the

following purposes:

1. To assume the operations of the State Veterans Home

established in Talihina pursuant to Section 229 of this title. In

accordance with Section 229 of this title and Section 1 of this act,

the facility to assume operations of the State Veterans Home at

Talihina shall be the State Veterans Home at Sallisaw, Oklahoma,

established under Section 1 of this act; and

2. To replace the State Veterans Home established in Ardmore

pursuant to Section 221 of this title.

B. For the two long-term care facilities authorized in

subsection A of this section, the Department may construct new

facilities or refurbish any existing facilities on property

currently owned by this state or on property purchased or donated

from other sources including but not limited to private owners,

tribal entities or other governmental or municipal entities.

C. 1. The facility referenced in paragraph 1 of subsection A

of this section shall be located within or near the corporate limits

of the City of Sallisaw.

2. The facility referenced in paragraph 2 of subsection A of

this section shall be located within the corporate limits of the

City of Ardmore or within five (5) miles of the corporate limits of

the City of Ardmore.

D. The locations and sites of the two facilities referenced in

subsection A of this section shall be determined by the Oklahoma

Veterans Commission, subject to such geographical constraints as are

imposed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for

certification as a State Veterans Home. The Oklahoma Veterans

Commission may consider any and all criteria which, in its sole

discretion, further the interests of Oklahoma veterans.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 61

E. The project constituting the construction of the

replacement, long-term care facility for the Ardmore Veterans Home

shall be exempt from the requirements of Sections 9030 through

9030.8 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

F. The proceeds received from the sale of the State Veterans

Home in Talihina, along with all associated real and personal

property, shall belong to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs and shall be used for any one or more of the following

purposes:

1. To purchase land upon which the replacement, long-term care

facility for the Ardmore Veterans Home will be located;

2. To purchase any other personal property needed for the

construction and furnishing of the replacement, long-term care

facility for the Ardmore Veterans Home;

3. To fund operations of the State Veterans Home at Sallisaw;

and

4. To complete the state match for a grant offered under the

State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program of the United States

Department of Veterans Affairs.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-50.22 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-50.22
Procedure for applications and approval
Status: in_force

The Governor shall fix the procedure in applying for and issuing

of the medal; the Governor shall fix the manner and method of

approving applications or recommendations for the award.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.16 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.16
Public trusts - Issuance of evidence of indebtedness -
Status: in_force

Department of Veterans Affairs Trust Fund.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall not,

either in conjunction with the Oklahoma Veterans Commission or any

other state agency, board or commission or in conjunction with any

public trust, issue or cause to be issued by a public trust any bond

or other evidence of indebtedness after July 1, 2008.

B. Except as required for purposes of refinancing or refunding

an existing issue of indebtedness, from and after July 1, 2008,

neither the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs nor the Oklahoma

Veterans Commission shall be authorized to enter into agreements

with public trusts in connection with an issuance of evidence of

indebtedness by such public trusts.

C. No provision of this section shall affect the obligations

incurred or agreements entered into by the Oklahoma Department of

Veterans Affairs or the Oklahoma Veterans Commission with any public

trust if such obligations were incurred or agreements were entered

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 33

into or are year to year continuations of agreements or leases

entered into prior to June 25, 1986. No provision of this section

shall be construed as a limitation on the authority of the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs or the Oklahoma Veterans Commission

to enter into other agreements not prohibited by this section.

D. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a trust fund

for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to be designated the

"Department of Veterans Affairs Trust Fund". The fund shall be a

continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall

consist of all monies authorized for expenditure as provided by this

section. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby

appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of retiring

indebtedness evidenced by bonds, whether such bonds are part of an

original issue or part of a refunding issue, in the manner

prescribed by this section. Expenditures from said fund shall be

made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims

filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of

Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment.

E. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall make

deposits into the Department of Veterans Affairs Trust Fund

established by this section from the Department of Veterans Affairs

Revolving Fund, and from such other monies as may be lawfully

expended for the purposes specified by this section.

F. For all fiscal years in which an outstanding balance of

bonded indebtedness exists which the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs has caused to be issued through agreements with public

trusts, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall at or

prior to the end of each fiscal year quarter make money deposits in

the Department of Veterans Affairs Trust Fund in amounts sufficient

to meet three (3) months' debt service on any public trust bonded

indebtedness which the Department has caused to be issued. The

Department of Veterans Affairs Trust Fund deposits required by this

subsection shall be from any funds available to the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs which may be legally expended for the

purposes specified by this section. However, a minimum of an amount

equal to one percent (1%) of the Department of Veterans Affairs

Budget Work Program for the applicable fiscal year must be

transferred from the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

Revolving Fund and included in the total deposits required in each

fiscal year.

G. Payments from the fund established pursuant to subsection D

of this section shall be made by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs only upon the authorization of the Director of the Office of

Management and Enterprise Services and the Oklahoma Veterans

Commission.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 34

H. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is hereby

authorized to deposit in the fund created in subsection D of this

section all federal grant monies which it receives in conjunction

with projects which it has caused to be financed through revenue

bonds issued by public trusts.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-354 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-354
Privileges and immunities
Status: in_force

A physician or other qualified health care professional or a

hospital or other medical facility, subject to this act, who

complies with this act may not be held civilly or criminally liable

for providing the information required by this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-48 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-48
Leave of absence during active or inactive duty or service
Status: in_force

- Public employees.

A. All officers and employees of the state or a political

subdivision thereof who are members, either officers or enlisted, of

the state military forces or any branch of the United States

Military or its reserve components, shall, when ordered by the

proper authority to active or inactive duty or service, including

state active duty, be entitled to a leave of absence from such

civilian employment for the period of such service without loss of

status or seniority. During the first thirty (30) regularly

scheduled work days for officers and employees of the State of

Oklahoma or a political subdivision thereof, or not to exceed two

hundred forty (240) hours, of such leave of absence in any federal

fiscal year, the officers or employees shall receive their full

regular pay from the employing state agency or political

subdivision. During the remainder of such leave of absence in any

federal fiscal year, the employing state agency or political

subdivision shall pay the officer or employee an amount equal to the

difference between his or her full regular pay from the employing

state agency or political subdivision and his or her military base

pay. Military allowances and entitlements not subject to federal

taxation shall not be included in the computation of the difference

between the full regular pay of the officers or employees from the

employing state agency or political subdivision and their Oklahoma

National Guard or United States military reserve component military

base pay. The durational limit of protected military service as

provided for in this section shall not be less than that provided by

federal law. If it is necessary in the public interest to provide

for the performance of the duties of their positions during such

absence, the authority having power to fill a vacancy in the

positions may appoint substitutes, to be known as acting incumbents,

who shall qualify as required for the regular incumbents and shall

receive the same pay, including benefits and pay adjustments as

fixed by law, if any, or otherwise such pay, including benefits and

pay adjustments, as may be fixed by proper authority.

B. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services shall

promulgate rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this

section that relate to state employees.

C. As used in this section, "state active duty" and "state

military forces" shall be defined in accordance with Section 801 of

Title 44 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 15
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-192 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-192
Guardianship created under prior law
Status: in_force

A. 1. Any guardianship established under the authority of the

Revised Uniform Veterans' Guardianship Act and in existence on

November 1, 2019, shall comply with the provisions of Title 30 of

the Oklahoma Statutes for guardianships for an incapacitated person

or partially incapacitated adult person and shall remain in full

force and effect unless modified or terminated.

2. All guardians shall retain the powers assigned to them,

unless otherwise modified or terminated by the court.

B. The chief judge of each district court shall establish a

schedule by court rule which shall provide for a court review by

November 1, 2020, of each guardianship case in which a guardian was

appointed pursuant to the Revised Uniform Veterans Guardianship Act

prior to November 1, 2019.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-441 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-441
State of Oklahoma Veterans Foundation – Authorization -
Status: in_force

Purpose.

A. There is hereby authorized the establishment by the Oklahoma

Veterans Commission of a private, not-for-profit, charitable

organization to be known as the “State of Oklahoma Veterans

Foundation”. The Foundation shall be for the purpose of soliciting,

accepting, receiving, holding, investing, managing, utilizing, and

expending contributions of money, real or personal property, and

services, for use in support of the activities, services,

facilities, properties, and programs of the Commission and the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, as they support veterans

who are residents of this state. Such contributions shall be

supplementary to any state funding received by the Department and

shall provide a means to further assist the needs of the veteran

community in this state.

B. The Foundation created pursuant to this act shall not be a

public body and may receive contributions from any public or private

source to carry out the purposes of this act including, but not

limited to, gifts or grants from private individuals, companies,

foundations, corporations, and others in the private and public

sectors.

C. Upon incorporation, the Foundation shall operate exclusively

for charitable and educational purposes and shall secure tax-exempt

status under the appropriate provision of Sections 501(c) and 509(a)

of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, 26 U.S.C.,

Sections 501(c) and 509(a).

D. The Department shall be authorized to create the board of

the Foundation. The commissioners of the Oklahoma Veterans

Commission shall determine the initial members of the Foundation and

elect the board of directors of the Foundation. No employee of the

Department shall be a voting member of the board of directors of the

Foundation. Any voting member of the board of directors of the

Foundation who may have a financial interest in an action under

consideration by the Foundation shall abstain from voting on any

such matter.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 79

E. No administrator of the Department shall provide any

preferential consideration to a potential resident of a State

Veterans Home in the application or admission process due to any

prior or pledged contribution to the Foundation.

F. The Foundation shall make all of its financial records and

documents including work papers, except for the names of donors and

other privileged or confidential materials, available to auditors

who are performing audits of the Department.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-221.5 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-221.5
Individual purchasing entity
Status: in_force

For the determination of compliance with limits set forth in the

Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, each division of the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs that operates a State Veterans Home

shall, if the division has a Certified Procurement Officer and makes

purchases in compliance with internal purchasing procedures of the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs that are approved by the

Office of Management and Enterprise Services, be regarded as an

individual purchasing entity.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-242 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-242
Officers - Rules and regulations - Qualifications and
Status: in_force

duties of staff.

The State Accrediting Agency shall:

(a) Select its officers from its membership.

(b) Adopt necessary rules governing its proceedings.

(c) Be authorized to appoint and fix the compensation of a

director, shall employ and fix the duties and compensation of such

clerical or other assistants necessary to effectuate the provisions

of Sections 241 and 242 of this title, and approve all expenditures.

The Agency shall elect officers annually. Except as provided in

Sections 840.8 and 840.10 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, all

officers, positions and employees of the State Accrediting Agency

shall be subject to the provisions of the Merit System of Personnel

Administration as created by the Oklahoma Personnel Act, Section

840.1 et seq. of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes and the rules

promulgated thereunder. Nothing contained herein shall change the

classified or unclassified status of any person employed by the

State Accrediting Agency on the effective date of this act.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 64
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.5a — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.5a
Authorization through the Centers for Medicare and
Status: in_force

Medicaid and Medicare Services.

A. The Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to obtain

certification through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

and accept payments and reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid

programs for services provided through Oklahoma Veterans Centers.

B. The Oklahoma Veterans Commission is authorized to promulgate

rules to implement the provisions of this section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-6-3 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-6-3
Manufacture, reproduction, or sale of objects related to
Status: in_force

certain Veterans' organizations - Punishment.

A. Whoever knowingly manufactures, reproduces, sells or

purchases for resale, either separately or on or appended to, any

article of merchandise manufactured or sold, any badge, medal,

emblem, or other insignia or any colorable imitation thereof, of any

veterans’ organization incorporated by enactment of the Congress of

the United States, or of any organization formally recognized by any

such veterans’ organization as an auxiliary of such veterans’

organization, or knowingly prints, lithographs, engraves or

otherwise reproduces on any poster, circular, periodical, magazine,

newspaper, or other publication, or circulates or distributes any

such printed matter bearing a reproduction of such badge, medal,

emblem, or other insignia or any colorable imitation thereof, except

when authorized under rules and regulations prescribed by any such

organization, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined an amount

not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or be imprisoned in the

county jail for a period of not more than one (1) year or both.

B. As used in subsection A of this section, “sells” includes

trades, barters, or exchanges anything of value.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-195 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-195
Bond requirements
Status: in_force

A. Before the entry of an order appointing a person as the

guardian or limited guardian of the property of an incapacitated or

partially incapacitated veteran pursuant to the Veterans Volunteer

Guardianship Act is submitted and before the letters of guardianship

issue, the court shall require the person to be appointed to provide

a bond, in an amount of the value of intangible personal property as

alleged in the petition or otherwise determined by the court at the

hearing on the petition, plus projected annual income of the subject

of the proceeding from all sources, rounded to the nearest One

Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

B. The court may waive or reduce the amount of the bond

required in subsection A of this section when the guardian's

authority does not include management of the property of the subject

of the proceeding.

C. The bond shall be provided or reimbursed by the Oklahoma

Department of Veterans Affairs, subject to availability of funds,

provided the guardian and subject of the proceeding meet the

requirements in subsections A and B of Section 4 of this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.15 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.15
Cooperative agreements with local public trusts
Status: in_force

The Department of Veterans Affairs, acting by and through the

Oklahoma Veterans Commission, is directed to cooperate with local

public trusts, either existing or to be formed, and to enter into

all requisite agreements and contracts in order to issue bonds for

the purposes prescribed herein.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-422 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-422
Oklahoma Women Veterans Program
Status: in_force

A. In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 76

1. "Department" means the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs;

2. "Executive Director" means the Executive Director of the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs;

3. "Program" means the Oklahoma Women Veterans Program; and

4. "Woman veteran" means a woman who served on active duty in

the armed forces of the United States or in the Oklahoma National

Guard on federal active duty under Title 10 U.S.C., and was

discharged or released from that service under conditions other than

dishonorable.

B. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall establish

the Oklahoma Women Veterans Program. The program shall be housed

within the office of the Executive Director. The mission of the

program shall be to ensure that women veterans in the State of

Oklahoma have equitable access to federal and state veterans'

benefits and services. The Executive Director shall designate a

women veterans coordinator for the State of Oklahoma.

1. The program shall:

a. provide assistance to the women veterans of the state

as provided by this section,

b. perform outreach functions to improve the awareness of

women veterans regarding eligibility for federal and

state veterans' benefits and services,

c. assess the needs of women veterans with respect to

benefits and services,

d. review programs, research projects, and other

initiatives designed to address the needs of the women

veterans of the state,

e. make recommendations to the Executive Director

regarding the improvement of benefits and services to

women veterans, and

f. incorporate issues concerning women veterans in

Department planning regarding veterans' benefits and

services.

2. The program shall advocate for women veterans and work to

increase public awareness about the gender-specific needs of women

veterans. The program shall recommend legislative initiatives and

the development of policies on the local, state and national levels

to address the issues affecting women veterans. The program shall

collaborate with federal, state, county and municipal governments

and with private organizations that provide services to women

veterans.

The program shall monitor and research issues relating to women

veterans. The program shall disseminate information regarding

opportunities for women veterans throughout the network of entities

with which the program collaborates.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 77

Through conferences, seminars and training workshops with

federal, state, county and municipal governments and with private

organizations, the program shall provide guidance and direction to

women veterans who are applying for grants, benefits or services.

The program shall provide facilities and staff as appropriate in

support of the program.

C. On behalf of the program, the Department may:

1. Accept and spend funds:

a. appropriated to the Department for the operation of

the program, and

b. received from other sources, including donations and

grants; and

2. Provide matching grants to assist in the implementation of

the program's goals and objectives.

D. Not later than November 1 of each even-numbered year, the

Department shall submit to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor,

Oklahoma Veterans Commission and the Legislature a report on women

veterans in this state.

The report may be delivered electronically, and shall:

1. Estimate the number of women veterans in this state;

2. Report the number of women veterans who contact the

Department for assistance;

3. Identify the unique problems faced by women veterans; and

4. Recommend policy proposals, initiatives and funding levels

to address the problems identified.

E. The Oklahoma Veterans Commission is authorized to promulgate

rules to implement the provisions of this section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.20 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.20
Deposit of proceeds
Status: in_force

All proceeds derived from the use, sale or lease of properties

under the control of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission shall be

deposited in the Capital Improvement Program Revolving Fund created

by Section 63.19 of this title to be expended according to law.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-357 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-357
Referral and screening functions to be discontinued under
Status: in_force

certain conditions.

If the Commissioner determines that an agency of the federal

government is performing the referral and screening functions

required by Section 7 of this act, the Commissioner may discontinue

any program required by this act or any duty required of a physician

or hospital or other medical facility under this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-67.14 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-67.14
Petty Cash Fund
Status: in_force

There is hereby created a "Petty Cash Fund" for the Oklahoma

Veterans Commission. The balance in the fund shall never exceed the

sum of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) which may be

expended for the purposes set forth in Section 67.13 of this title,

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 41

when the Oklahoma Veterans Commission shall determine that the

situation of the applicant is so urgent as to require immediate

financial aid. Provided that the "Petty Cash Fund" may be

reimbursed by the State Treasurer upon the filing of the claim

assigned to the "W.V.C. Petty Cash Fund", for the amount disbursed.

The reimbursement shall be made from the "W.V.C. Revolving Fund".

Further provided that if the emergency assistance allowed by this

section be made in the form of a loan to the applicant, the

applicant's repayment of the loan shall be remitted to the State

Treasurer for deposit to the credit of the W.V.C. Revolving Fund in

the State Treasury.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-365 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-365
Rulemaking
Status: in_force

The State Board of Health shall promulgate and adopt rules

necessary for the administration of the study authorized by this

act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-23 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-23
Copies of records - Court clerks - Judges of the district
Status: in_force

courts - Registrar of vital statistics.

The court clerks and judges of the district courts of the

several counties of this state, and the Registrar of the Bureau of

Vital Statistics of this state, when requested so to do by any

member of the armed forces of the United States, those serving

during World War II, or by their dependents or by any person in

behalf of such enlisted members or their dependents, or by any

honorably discharged person who served in any branch of the military

or naval forces of the United States during any war in which the

United States participated as a belligerent, or by the dependents of

such honorably discharged persons, or by any person in their behalf,

or by the Commissioner of Pensions of the United States, or by the

Director of the United States Veterans' Bureau, or Regional Manager

of any Regional office of the United States Veterans' Bureau, shall

furnish, without charge or fee therefor, duly certified copies of

any decree of divorce, marriage license, certificate of marriage,

birth certificate, certificate of death, order appointing

administrator or guardian, letters of administration or

guardianship, bond of administrator or guardian, order discharging

administrator or guardian, or other judgment, decree or document

required by law or by any rule or regulation of the Bureau of

Pensions or the United States Veterans' Bureau to be furnished as

evidence to establish a claim on behalf of those persons enumerated

above, for issuance of a birth certificate, pension, compensation,

family allowance, bonus, or other money or moneys claimed to be due

and payable by or through said Bureau of Pensions or United States

Veterans' Bureau.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-35 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-35
K-I-A Reinterment Fund
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a fund for the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to be designated the "K-I-A

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 12

Reinterment Fund". The fund balance shall not exceed Three Hundred

Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) and shall consist of:

1. All monies apportioned or allocated to the fund pursuant to

law;

2. Any amounts appropriated by the Legislature to the fund; and

3. Gifts, grants, and other donations received for the fund.

B. All monies accruing to the credit of the fund are hereby

appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Department of

Veterans Affairs for the purposes of disinterring those who were

killed in action while in combat with a hostile force and

reinterment in a State Veterans Cemetery. Expenditures from the

fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer

against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the

Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and

payment.

C. The Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall

establish the application procedure and the criteria for awarding

financial assistance.

D. All applications for reinterment shall be approved by the

Oklahoma Veterans Commission.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-50.26 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-50.26
Oklahoma Gold Star Medal
Status: in_force

A. The Oklahoma Gold Star Medal shall be awarded to a member of

the state or federal military forces who voluntarily performed a

deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice during combat after

September 11, 2001, that resulted in his or her loss of life.

B. The Oklahoma Gold Star Medal shall be awarded based on the

standard of extraordinary merit. The medal shall be awarded only on

incontestable proof.

C. To be eligible for the Oklahoma Gold Star Medal, a person

shall have been:

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 21

1. Born in this state, a resident of this state on the person's

death, or a resident of this state when the person entered military

service; and

2. Killed in the line of duty in a combat zone or died of

wounds inflicted in a combat zone.

D. A person shall not be ineligible for the Oklahoma Gold Star

Medal because the person received any other medal or award for

military service, including a medal or award made by the United

States.

E. To receive the Oklahoma Gold Star Medal, a person shall be

nominated by a member of the Oklahoma Legislature and approved by

the Adjutant General.

F. Pursuant to Section 192 of Title 44 of the Oklahoma

Statutes, the Adjutant General shall design the medallion and ribbon

for the Oklahoma Gold Star Medal and shall be responsible for

awarding the medal to persons who have been approved by the Adjutant

General pursuant to subsection E of this section.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-353 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-353
Identity of veteran not to be disclosed - Exception -
Status: in_force

Statistical information.

The identity of a veteran, the subject of a report made under

the provisions of Section 2 or 3 of this act, may not be disclosed

unless the veteran consents to the disclosure. Statistical

information collected under this act is public information.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-191 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-191
Short title - Veterans Volunteer Guardianship Act
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Veterans

Volunteer Guardianship Act".
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.5 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.5
Collections from patients and members for care and
Status: in_force

maintenance.

The Oklahoma Veterans Commission is hereby authorized to make

collections from eligible patients and members for care and

maintenance. Payments shall be established in the following manner:

1. All sources of personal income, except wages of a working

spouse, except as provided in this section, shall be considered when

computing care and maintenance charges including pensions and awards

for aid and attendance from the Veterans Administration;

2. Care and maintenance charges shall be computed in a manner

to maximize the Veterans Administration pension and compensation

benefits to which the veteran is entitled and shall allow a veteran

to retain not less than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per

month of total monthly income;

3. The care and maintenance charge shall not exceed the full

cost of care minus the Veterans Administration per diem payment;

4. Spouses, widows and widowers of eligible war veterans are

authorized to be admitted and maintained in the State Veterans

Homes. The facilities admitting and maintaining spouses, widows and

widowers shall make collections from the spouses, widows and

widowers first and to the fullest extent from sources of income

other than pension and compensation paid by the Veterans

Administration; and

5. The claim of the state for such care and maintenance shall

constitute a valid indebtedness against any such patient or member

and the patient's estate and shall not be barred by any statute of

limitations except as otherwise allowed by the Oklahoma Indigent

Health Care Act. At the death of the patient or member, this claim

shall be allowed and paid as other lawful claims against the estate.

Provided, no admission of a veteran of a period of war, as

referenced in 38 U.S.C., Section 1521 or detention of a patient in a

State Veterans Home shall be limited or conditioned in any manner by

the lack of ability to pay of a patient or member, the patient's

estate, or any relative of the patient or member. Any monies

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 27

collected by the provisions of this section shall be deposited in

the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving Fund.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-350 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-350
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this act:

1. "Veteran" means a person who was a resident of this state at

the time of his induction into the Armed Forces of the United States

of America, or was a resident of this state as of January 1, 1981,

and is currently a resident of this state, who served in Vietnam,

Cambodia or Laos during the Vietnam Conflict;

2. "Agent Orange" means the herbicide composed primarily of

trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5 T) and dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

(2,4 D) and its contaminant tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (dioxin,

TCDD);

3. "Department" means the State Department of Health;

4. "Resident of this state" means a person who has any one of

the following:

a. a valid Oklahoma driver's license,

b. an automobile registered within the state,

c. a valid Oklahoma voter identification card, or

d. any other valid identification as determined by the

Department;

5. "Committee" means the Agent Orange Outreach Committee; and

6. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.9 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.9
Muskogee and Tulsa Claims Offices - Managers and
Status: in_force

assistant managers.

The Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized

to employ a manager and an assistant manager for the Muskogee Claims

Office and for the Tulsa Claims Office whose positions shall be

unclassified and exempt from the rules and procedures of the Merit

System of Personnel Administration, except leave regulations.

Personnel employed in these classifications at the time of the

passage and approval of this act may elect to remain in the

classified service and be subject to the merit system rules and

regulations.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-361 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-361
Report of veterans who may have been exposed to certain
Status: in_force

causative agents during the Gulf War - Report form.

A. A physician or other qualified health care professional who

has primary responsibility for treating a veteran and who believes

the veteran may have been exposed to certain causative agents while

serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Gulf

War, shall, with the consent of the veteran, submit a report to the

Department on a form provided by the Department. If there is no

physician or other qualified health care professional having primary

responsibility for treating the veteran, the hospital or other

medical facility treating the veteran shall, with the consent of the

veteran, submit the report to the Department.

B. The form provided by the Department to the physician or

other qualified health care professional or hospital or other

medical facility shall request the following information:

1. Symptoms of the veteran which may be related to exposure to

causative agents during the Gulf War;

2. Diagnoses of the veteran; and

3. Methods of treatment prescribed.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-36 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-36
Short title - Dignity in Burial Act
Status: in_force

A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Dignity in

Burial Act".

B. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs shall establish

a program to ensure a dignified burial for honorably discharged

veterans of the United States Armed Forces who, prior to death,

lacked the financial capacity to prepare for or to provide for an

interment or cremation befitting a veteran of the United States

Armed Forces. The program shall aid in obtaining any available

burial benefits from the United States Department of Veterans

Affairs or through private organizations. The program shall provide

a burial grant for any veteran or any person who qualifies for

reimbursement, as determined by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs, for unpaid expenses directly resulting from interment or

cremation. The maximum amount of reimbursement, not including

private funds, shall not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per

application.

C. Eligibility requirements for the program shall be as

follows:

1. The deceased shall be a veteran as defined in Section 2 of

Title 72 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

2. The veteran shall have died in Oklahoma;

3. The veteran shall not have been in the custody of the

Department of Corrections at the time of death;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 13

4. The applicant shall provide documentation establishing the

burial location of the deceased veteran's remains in a cemetery or

the location where the deceased veteran's cremains have been

permanently placed;

5. The applicant shall provide documentation establishing that

the deceased veteran was provided an appropriate casket if the

deceased veteran was interred; and

6. The applicant shall provide documentation establishing that

the deceased veteran received a proper memorial headstone or marker

at the place of his or her interment as provided in 38 U.S.C.,

Section 2306 or that a memorial headstone or marker meeting the same

physical standards for size, material, composition, placement, and

informational content was provided in the event the deceased veteran

did not qualify under the provisions of 38 U.S.C., Section 2306.

D. The Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of

Veterans Affairs or his or her designee shall make final approval of

the Dignity in Burial Act applications, shall determine whether the

deceased meets eligibility criteria, and may approve funds to

reimburse the costs of interment or cremation.

E. Reimbursement shall be paid from the Indigent Veteran Burial

Revolving Fund provided in Section 34 of Title 72 of the Oklahoma

Statutes. If there are insufficient resources in the Indigent

Veteran Burial Revolving Fund, payment shall be made from the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving Fund.

F. An application process for the implementation of this

program shall be developed by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans

Affairs.

G. Rules for the implementation of this program shall be

promulgated by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-221.4 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-221.4
Purchase of products available through General Services
Status: in_force

Administration contracts.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of

Veterans Affairs shall be authorized to purchase products which are

available through a General Services Administration contract. Such

products shall not be required to be on a current state contract

before a purchase can be made.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-5 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-5
Veterans to whom provisions available
Status: in_force

The provisions of this act shall be available to any disabled

person who served during World War II, or any State of National

Emergency as declared by the President of the United States, in the

military or naval forces of any nation allied or associated with the

United States, provided that the person was at the time of enlisting

in the military or naval forces a citizen of the United States and

is a citizen of the United States at the time he or she applies for

the benefit of this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-307 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-307
Benefits prohibited in certain instances
Status: in_force

Any person whose tuition is paid directly to the institution by

any other governmental agency shall not be entitled to the benefits

of this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.7 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.7
Requirements for administrative personnel
Status: in_force

No funds shall be expended for the employment or salary of any

administrative personnel not under the provisions of the State Merit

System of Personnel Administration, at any facility under the direct

supervision and jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission,

unless honorably discharged veterans were given priority

consideration.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-411 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-411
Oklahoma Veteran Housing Program Revolving Fund
Status: in_force

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving

fund for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to

be designated the "Oklahoma Veteran Housing Program

Revolving Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not

subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all

monies received by the Oklahoma Department of

Veterans Affairs in the form of donations, appropriations

or other monies for such fund. All monies accruing to the

credit of the fund are hereby appropriated and may be

budgeted and expended by the Department for the

purpose of providing grants to eligible veterans as

provided by law. Expenditures from the fund shall be

made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer

against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director

of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for

approval and payment.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-303 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-303
Eligibility of veterans
Status: in_force

In order for a veteran to qualify for the benefits provided in

this act, the applicant must:

1. Have an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the

United States of America;

2. Have served a minimum of eighteen (18) consecutive months'

active duty between the dates of August 10, 1964, and December 31,

1976, or shall have been discharged with a service-connected

disability;

3. Be able to establish that he or she was a bona fide resident

of the State of Oklahoma at the time of entry into the military

service;

4. Accept the benefits of free tuition within fifteen (15)

years following his discharge or release from the armed forces; and

5. Satisfy the entrance and eligibility requirements imposed by

the technology center school.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 66
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-64 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-64
Certain positions to remain exempt
Status: in_force

The status of positions that have been exempted by executive

order and positions previously authorized to be exempt from civil

service rules are not affected by this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-63.8 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-63.8
Administration of various departments, agencies and
Status: in_force

funds.

The Oklahoma Veterans Commission shall have the authority to

administer the affairs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to

enter into agreements with the State Department of Rehabilitation

Services for the vocational rehabilitation of disabled veterans in

the Oklahoma State Veterans Centers. The Commission shall act as

the funding agency for the State Accrediting Agency and provide

office space for the staff of the agency. The State Accrediting

Agency shall pay to the Commission their pro rata share of utilities

and telephone service.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-221.2 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-221.2
State Veterans Home, Claremore Division - Operation and
Status: in_force

administration - Legal description.

In addition to the State Veterans Homes established by Sections

203, 221, 221.1, 226 and 229 of this title, the facility known as

the State Veterans Home, Claremore Division, since March, 1987,

shall continue to be operated as a State Veterans Home by the

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; such property described as

the real property situated in Rogers County, State of Oklahoma, and

more particularly described as follows:

A tract of land located in Lot 1, Section 7, Township 21 North,

Range 16 East of I.B.& M., further described as follows: Beginning

at the Northwest corner of Lot 1, thence North 89 degrees 42'40"

East along the North line thereof 671.00 feet; thence South parallel

to the West line of Lot 1, 750.00 feet; thence North 89 degrees

42'40" East 361.51 feet; thence South 567.53 feet to the South line

of Lot 1; thence South 89 degrees 44' West along the South line of

Lot 1, 1032.51 feet to the Southwest corner thereof; thence North

1317.14 feet to the point of beginning, the tract containing 25

acres, more or less.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-352 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-352
Compilation, evaluation and distribution of information
Status: in_force

A. The Department, with the assistance of the Committee, shall

compile and evaluate information received and actions taken pursuant

to this act in a report to be distributed annually to the Governor,

to the members of the Legislature and other interested institutions

or groups.

B. The Department must obtain consent from each veteran or

individual examined pursuant to Section 9 of this act. All

information obtained from a veteran or individual shall be

confidential and shall only be used for purposes of the study. The

Department shall compile and evaluate information obtained from

these studies in a report to be distributed as provided by

subsection A of this section.

C. The Department may request and shall receive from any state

agency such assistance and data as is necessary for the Department

to carry out the provisions of this act. The Department may enter

into a contract for services necessary to carry out the provisions

of this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-222.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-222.1
Renumbered as § 3426 of Title 70 by Laws 1999, c. 347, §
Status: in_force

6, eff. July 1, 1999.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-221.1 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-221.1
State Veterans Home at Norman - Operation and
Status: in_force

administration - Legal description.

Effective July 1, 1979, the responsibility for the operation and

administration of the State Veterans Home, Norman, Oklahoma, shall

be assumed by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

Thereafter, the State Veterans Home, Norman, shall operate as a

separate institution under the direction and control of the

Department of Veterans Affairs. The facility shall be described as

such real property situated in Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma,

and more particularly described as follows: The North half (N 1/2)

of Section 28, Township 9 North, Range 2 West, Indian Meridian,

Cleveland County, less and except the West half (W 1/2) of the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 54

Northwest quarter (NW 1/4) of Section 28, the tract containing 240

acres more or less.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-193 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-193
Appointment as guardian – Procedure - Duties
Status: in_force

A. A guardian or limited guardian may be appointed for an

incapacitated or partially incapacitated adult veteran by the court

in accordance with the procedures and requirements in Section 3-101

of Title 30 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B. A guardian shall be appointed as a general or limited

guardian as defined by Section 1-109 of Title 30 of the Oklahoma

Statutes.

C. The petition and orders for guardianship shall cite the

Veterans Volunteer Guardianship Act if the guardianship is intended

to be governed by and availed of the benefits of the Veterans

Volunteer Guardianship Act.

D. Unless otherwise provided in the Veterans Volunteer

Guardianship Act, a guardian appointed to a guardianship established

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 48

pursuant to this act shall be subject to all the duties,

requirements and protections provided to a guardian to an

incapacitated person or partially incapacitated person under Title

30 of the Oklahoma Statutes. In addition, the guardian shall

maintain:

1. Regular contact with the subject of the proceeding for

purposes of assessing the person's capabilities, limitations, needs

and opportunities; and

2. If applicable, regular contact with the social workers,

health care providers or institutions that provide services to the

subject of the proceeding.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-68.2 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-68.2
Contracts with educational institutions for establishment
Status: in_force

of training courses.

The Soldiers Relief Commission is hereby authorized to enter

into contracts with the Board of Regents of any educational

institution in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education,

subject to the approval of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher

Education, for the purpose of providing such institution with the

equipment and supplies necessary for the establishment, operation

and maintenance of the Rehabilitation Center for the Severely

Handicapped and for repair and replacement of said equipment and

supplies. Such contracts shall provide for the establishment of

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 42

such training courses as may be determined by the Soldiers Relief

Commission to be necessary for the achievement of the purposes of

this act; and shall provide for administration and operation of the

Rehabilitation Center by the Board of Regents of any Institution

with which such contract may be made, and shall require such Board

of Regents to cooperate with the Veterans' Administration of the

United States and all other state and federal agencies which may be

authorized to provide any funds, services or facilities which will

assist in giving effect to the provisions of this act.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-225 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-225
Duties and powers
Status: in_force

The Oklahoma Veterans Commission, in addition to its other

powers and duties as herein provided, shall have the following

specific powers and duties which shall, however, not be deemed to be

exclusive: (a) To make necessary rules and regulations not

inconsistent with Section 221 et seq. of this title for the

operation of the institutions. (b) To rule upon eligibility of

applicant and requirements for admission to the institution. (c) To

appoint all administrative personnel and provide for the employment

of all such other personnel as may be necessary to carry out the

provisions of Section 221 et seq. of this title and any other duties

as may be prescribed by law. The salaries and tenure of office of

all personnel shall be determined by the Commission. (d) To approve

or disapprove 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. (e) To enter into agreement or

contract with the Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Services, or other departments of the State of Oklahoma, to provide

necessary services to carry out the provisions of Section 221 et

seq. of this title. (f) To enter into agreement or contract with

the Veterans Administration, or other appropriate federal agency now

in existence or hereafter created, to provide necessary services to

carry out the provisions of this act; including but not limited to,

agreements by which the federal government contributes funds for the

construction of buildings in whole or in part. (g) To contract, as

herein provided or as otherwise provided by law, to remodel,

construct, repair, build additions, modernize or add improvements

necessary for hospitalization and domiciliary care of veteran

patients, members, or employee housing, using funds available by

law. (h) To expend necessary sums from funds provided by law, to

provide architectural plans, specifications, costs or other

information required by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, or

other appropriate federal agency, as basis of application for

approval to receive federal grant of funds to remodel, repair,

construct, build additions, modernize, or added improvements of

domiciliary or hospital buildings necessary for the care of

veterans, including tuberculosis, mentally ill, and neuro-

psychiatric, but not excluding others.
Okla. Stat. tit. 72, § 72-226 — OK Code / Title 72 / Section 72-226
State Veterans Home at Clinton - Establishment – Employees
Status: in_force

– Legal description.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors Page 59

There is hereby established, in addition to the State Veterans

Homes established by Section 221 of Title 72 of the Oklahoma

Statutes, the State Veterans Home at Clinton, Oklahoma, on the site

of the former Western Oklahoma Tuberculosis Sanatorium. All persons

serving as employees of the Western Oklahoma Tuberculosis Sanatorium

under provisions of the State Merit System of Personnel

Administration shall continue to serve as employees of the State

Veterans Home at Clinton, provided that such employees shall remain

in the classified service. All employees hired by the State

Veterans Home at Clinton on or after April 1, 1972, shall be under

the Oklahoma Merit System of Personnel Administration, except one

superintendent, one principal assistant or deputy, one private

secretary, part-time physicians and other professional personnel

engaged in clinical and consultant services. The buildings and

equipment and the following described land of the Western Oklahoma

Tuberculosis Sanatorium are hereby transferred to the State Veterans

Home at Clinton:

A strip, piece or parcel of land lying in the NE 1/4 of Section

26, T 12 N, R 17 W, in Custer County, Oklahoma, the parcel of land

being described by metes and bounds as follows:

Beginning at the point where the present east right-of-way line

of US Highway 183 intersects the north line of the NE 1/4 a distance

of 2,142.3 feet west of the NE corner of the NE 1/4, thence

southwesterly along the right-of-way line along a curve to the right

having a radius of 2,914.9 feet a distance of 155.2 feet, thence S

28 degrees 14' W along the right-of-way line a distance of 106.5

feet, thence S 51 degrees 46' E along the right-of-way line a

distance of 10.0 feet, thence S 28 degrees 14' W along the right-of-

way line a distance of 279.0 feet, thence S 21 degrees 46' E a

distance of 180.0 feet, thence S 01 degree 38' E a distance of 608.5

feet, thence S 83 degrees 54' E a distance of 2,323.6 feet to a

point on the east line of the NE 1/4, thence north along the east

line of the NE 1/4 to the NE corner of the NE 1/4 a distance of

1,503.5 feet, thence west along the north line of the NE 1/4 a

distance of 2,142.3 feet to the point of beginning.

Containing 73.09 acres more or less.