reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-63.22. Preference for veteran vendors.

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 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.
Added by Laws 2019, c. 472, § 2, eff. July 1, 2019.
NOTE: Laws 2019, c. 392, § 2 repealed by Laws 2020, c. 161, § 68, emerg. eff. May 21, 2020.
NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 63.22 of Title 74 to provide consistency in numbering.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-65.1. Department directed to proceed on certain projects.

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.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 376, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 649; Laws 2014, c. 212, § 17, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-67.11. W.V.C. Revolving Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund to be designated "W.V.C. Revolving Fund".
Laws 1949, p. 762, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 25, 1949; Laws 1987, c. 206, § 82, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 40, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-67.12. Nature of fund.

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.
Laws 1949, p. 762, § 2, emerg. eff. Feb. 25, 1949; Laws 1987, c. 206, § 83, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 41, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-67.13. Expenditures and loans from fund.

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.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 762, § 3, emerg. eff. Feb. 25, 1949. Amended by Laws 1951, p. 324, § 1, emerg. eff. April 18, 1951; Laws 1979, c. 47, § 87, emerg. eff. April 9, 1979; Laws 1981, c. 169, § 8, emerg. eff. May 13, 1981; Laws 1987, c. 206, § 84, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 42, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 1991, c. 259, § 1, emerg. eff. May 27, 1991; Laws 2012, c. 304, § 650; Laws 2014, c. 212, § 18, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2014, c. 247, § 1, emerg. eff. May 9, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-67.13b. Benefits for persons serving after January 31, 1955.

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.
Laws 1971, c. 97, § 1, emerg. eff. April 24, 1971; Laws 1986, c. 115, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-67.14. Petty Cash Fund.

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, 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.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 763, § 4, emerg. eff. Feb. 25, 1949. Amended by Laws 1979, c. 47, § 88, emerg. eff. April 9, 1979; Laws 1987, c. 206, § 86, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 44, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 2014, c. 212, § 19, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-67.15. Invalidity clause.

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.
Laws 1949, p. 763, § 5, emerg. eff. Feb. 25, 1949.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-68.1. Purpose of act.

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.
Laws 1947, p. 582, § 1, emerg. eff. May 2, 1947.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-68.2. Contracts with educational institutions for establishment 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 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.
Laws 1947, p. 582, § 3, emerg. eff. May 2, 1947.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-165. Union Soldiers Cemetery – Certification as State Veterans 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.
Laws 1939, p. 362, § 3, emerg. eff. May 10, 1939. Amended by Laws 2022, c. 76, § 1, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-192. Guardianship created under prior law.

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.
Added by Laws 2019, c. 23, § 2, emerg. eff. April 4, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-193. Appointment as guardian – Procedure - Duties.

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 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.
Added by Laws 2019, c. 23, § 3, emerg. eff. April 4, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-194. Requirements for subject and guardian.

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 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.
Added by Laws 2019, c. 23, § 4, emerg. eff. April 4, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-195. Bond requirements.

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.
Added by Laws 2019, c. 23, § 5, emerg. eff. April 4, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-196. Guardian as fiduciary.

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 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.
Added by Laws 2019, c. 23, § 6, emerg. eff. April 4, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-202. Management and control.

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;
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.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 620, § 2, emerg. eff. May 31, 1949. Amended by Laws 2013, c. 233, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2013; Laws 2022, c. 83, § 9, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-221. Establishment - Site - Purpose - Administration and 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.
Added by Laws 1953, p. 402, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 19, 1953. Amended by Laws 1955, p. 457, § 1, emerg. eff. May 6, 1955; Laws 1969, c. 184, § 2; Laws 1990, c. 265, § 62, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 2014, c. 212, § 21, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2022, c. 83, § 10, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-221.1. State Veterans Home at Norman - Operation and 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 Northwest quarter (NW 1/4) of Section 28, the tract containing 240 acres more or less.
Added by Laws 1979, c. 266, § 12, eff. July 1, 1979. Amended by Laws 1990, c. 51, § 141, emerg. eff. April 9, 1990; Laws 1997, c. 187, § 2, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 2022, c. 83, § 11, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-221.2. State Veterans Home, Claremore Division - Operation and 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.
Added by Laws 1992, c. 95, § 1, emerg. eff. April 17, 1992. Amended by Laws 2005, c. 70, § 1, eff. July 1, 2005; Laws 2022, c. 83, § 12, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-221.2A. State Veterans Home at Lawton - Development - Operation 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.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 125, § 1, emerg. eff. April 16, 1997. Amended by Laws 2005, c. 70, § 2, eff. July 1, 2005; Laws 2022, c. 83, § 13, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-221.3. Competitive bidding for provision of supplies and 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.
Added by Laws 1996, c. 149, § 1, emerg. eff. May 7, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-221.4. Purchase of products available through General Services 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.
Added by Laws 1996, c. 149, § 2, emerg. eff. May 7, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-221.5. Individual purchasing entity.

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.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 305, § 1, emerg. eff. June 5, 2000. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 652; Laws 2022, c. 83, § 14, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-222. Revolving fund.

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 Talihina. 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 Special Agency Account Board, 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.
Added by Laws 1953, p. 403, § 2, emerg. eff. Feb. 19, 1953. Amended by Laws 1955, p. 457, § 2, emerg. eff. May 6, 1955; Laws 1981, c. 254, § 9, operative July 1, 1981; Laws 1987, c. 206, § 87, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 45, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 2000, c. 338, § 3, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 20, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2012, c. 304, § 653; Laws 2014, c. 212, § 22, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-223. Acceptance of Act of Congress – Participation in per diem 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.
Added by Laws 1953, p. 403, § 3, emerg. eff. Feb. 19, 1953. Amended by Laws 1955, p. 457, § 3, emerg. eff. May 6, 1955; Laws 1987, c. 206, § 88, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 46, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 2003, c. 89, § 2, emerg. eff. April 15, 2003; Laws 2012, c. 304, § 654; Laws 2014, c. 212, § 23, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-223.1. Employer-based nurse aide training programs.

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.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 88, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-225. Duties and powers.

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.
Added by Laws 1953, p. 403, § 5, emerg. eff. Feb. 19, 1953. Amended by Laws 1955, p. 458, § 5, emerg. eff. May 6, 1955; Laws 1987, c. 206, § 89, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 47, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 1990, c. 51, § 142, emerg. eff. April 9, 1990; Laws 2014, c. 212, § 24, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-226. State Veterans Home at Clinton - Establishment – Employees – Legal description.

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.
Laws 1972, c. 100, § 6, operative April 1, 1972. Amended by Laws 2022, c. 83 § 15, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-229. State Veterans Home at Talihina - Establishment - Employees.

Until operations are transferred pursuant to subsection B of this section, there is hereby established, in addition to the State Veterans Homes established by Sections 221 and 226 of this title, the State Veterans Home at Talihina, Oklahoma, on the site of the Oklahoma State Sanatorium, Talihina, Oklahoma. All persons serving as employees of the Oklahoma State Sanatorium under the provisions of the State Merit System of Personnel Administration shall continue to serve as employees of the State Veterans Home at Talihina, provided that such employees remain in the classified service. All employees hired by the State Veterans Home at Talihina on or after July 1, 1975, shall be under the Oklahoma Merit System of Personnel Administration, except one manager, one principal assistant or deputy, one private secretary, part-time physicians and other professional personnel engaged in clinical and consultant services. The average number of full-time-equivalent employees utilized in the total operation of the State Veterans Home, Talihina, shall not exceed one hundred fifty-three (153) during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. The buildings, equipment and land under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma State Sanatorium, Talihina, are hereby transferred to the State Veterans Home, Talihina.
Added by Laws 1975, c. 255, § 1, operative July 1, 1975. Amended by Laws 2018, c. 100, § 3; Laws 2022, c. 83, § 16, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-229.1. Authority to plan, develop and construct Oklahoma 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; 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. The location of the facility referenced in paragraph 1 of subsection A of this section shall be subject only to such geographical constraints as are imposed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to preserve and continue recognition and certification of the facility as a State Veterans Home. 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. The Oklahoma Veterans Commission may consider any and all criteria which, in its sole discretion, further the interests of Oklahoma veterans.
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; and
3. 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.
Added by Laws 2018, c. 100, § 2. Amended by Laws 2019, c. 502, § 2, eff. July 1, 2019; Laws 2022, c. 83, § 17, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-240. Petty cash funds.

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, Talihina, 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.
Added by Laws 1981, c. 254, § 8, operative July 1, 1981. Amended by Laws 1988, c. 234, § 5, operative July 1, 1988; Laws 1992, c. 312, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 2001, c. 20, § 2, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2012, c. 304, § 655; Laws 2022, c. 83, § 18, emerg. eff. April 25, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-241. State Accrediting Agency - Members - Contracts with 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 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.
Added by Laws 1953, p. 401, § 1, emerg. eff. May 18, 1953. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 176, § 2, emerg. eff. June 7, 1983; Laws 1989, c. 60, § 1, operative July 1, 1989; Laws 1995, c. 12, § 1; Laws 2001, c. 8, § 1; Laws 2007, c. 18, § 1; Laws 2013, c. 297, § 1; Laws 2017, c. 293, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-242. Officers - Rules and regulations - Qualifications and 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.
Added by Laws 1953, p. 402, § 2, emerg. eff. May 18, 1953. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 176, § 3, emerg. eff. June 7, 1983; Laws 1994, c. 333, § 2, emerg. eff. June 8, 1994.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 72. Soldiers and Sailors › §72-302. Tuition-free career and technology education - Exception.

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.
Added by Laws 1974, c. 181, § 2, emerg. eff. May 14, 1974. Amended by Laws 2001, c. 33, § 163, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2008, c. 54, § 7, eff. July 1, 2008.