reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5003.15. 2nd Century Entrepreneurship Center.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall establish within the agency a central point of access and information for persons or business entities in order to facilitate the creation of new business enterprises within the state. The central point of access and the related programs shall be designated the “2nd Century Entrepreneurship Center”.
B. The Department shall utilize the existing Master Business Licensing System and incorporate the systems and informational resources currently in use to establish the 2nd Century Entrepreneurship Center.
C. The Department of Commerce shall develop a centralized method by which an emerging or expanding Oklahoma business enterprise may have access to all state and local permit information, license information, applicable state or local codes, and other information and resources necessary for the successful organization of a new business enterprise or for the expansion of an existing business enterprise.
D. To the extent possible, the 2nd Century Entrepreneurship Center shall allow an emerging or expanding business enterprise to complete all steps necessary for the formation and organization of the business entity, including the formal organization of the business entity, the acquisition of a federal employer tax identification number, if required, the acquisition of any needed licenses or permits from the Secretary of State, the Oklahoma Tax Commission, or the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.
E. The Department of Commerce may work in collaboration with other statewide partners also involved in the offering of entrepreneurship-based programs.
Added by Laws 2007, c. 245, § 1, eff. July 1, 2007.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5003.21. Oklahoma Department of Commerce - Accessing economic and tax incentives.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall provide direction and assistance to private for-profit business entities, community-owned business entities, and governmental entities which are engaged in an activity related to the processing of Eastern Red Cedar trees and products or processes related to the Eastern Red Cedar tree on the steps necessary to qualify for and access existing economic and tax incentives. The Department shall work with the Eastern Red Cedar Registry Board created in Section 4 of this act to identify viable programs that can provide or create opportunities for business or governmental entities involved in an activity related to the processing of Eastern Red Cedar trees and products or processes related to the Eastern Red Cedar tree.
B. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall utilize its existing resources in order to make the information described in subsection A of this section accessible to interested persons and business entities that could benefit from the utilization of any incentive programs.
Added by Laws 2010, c. 454, § 12, eff. July 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5004.1. General counsel.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce may employ an attorney. Such attorney shall be a full-time employee of the Department and act as general counsel for the Department.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 208, § 26, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 59, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5010.1. Purpose of act - Finding of Legislature.

The purpose of this act is to provide special assistance and aid to certain minority and disadvantaged persons, so that such persons may engage in gainful business and employment opportunities to the extent of their capabilities.
The Legislature hereby specifically finds there is a pattern of continuing and latent discrimination in the financial and commercial sectors of the business communities that results in the deprivation of opportunities to minority and disadvantaged persons in this state to engage in self-employment and establishment of business enterprises.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 148, § 1, eff. July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5010.2. Definitions.

For purposes of this act:
1. "Disadvantaged business" means a business employing less than twenty-five persons of which at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the outstanding stock is owned, regardless of minority status, by a person who is:
a.
by reason of social or economic background unable to compete in the free enterprise system due to diminished capital and credit opportunities of a quality or quantity similar to those available to others in the same business area who are not disadvantaged, and
b.
impeded from normal entry into the economic mainstream because of historical practices of discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnic background, sex, age, handicap, national origin, or service in the armed forces during the Vietnam conflict, and
c.
unable to compete effectively because of tendencies of regular financing and commercial organizations to restrict their services to established businesses, and
d.
in a state of low income;
2. "Low income" means annual income which is eighty percent (80%) or less of the median annual income of the citizens of this state as reported by the latest estimates of the U.S. Bureau of the Census;
3. "Minority business" means a business employing less than twenty-five persons which is fifty-one percent (51%) owned and operated by one or more minority persons; and
4. "Minority person" means a citizen of the United States who is Black, Hispanic, Oriental, American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut, or handicapped.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 148, § 2, eff. July 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5010.5. Certification program for women-owned businesses.

A. In order to facilitate contracting capabilities of women-owned businesses with public and private entities, and to establish criteria to certify such businesses, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce may establish a certification program for women-owned businesses which are in compliance with the definition of a small-business concern as set forth in 15 U.S.C., Section 632 and in regulations promulgated pursuant to said section by the Small Business Administration. For purposes of this section, a women-owned business is one that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned and operated on a day-to-day basis by one or more females.
B. The Department shall issue certificates to women-owned businesses which are small-business concerns as evidence of ownership for the purpose of contracting with corporate or governmental entities. Certification shall be based upon information which is required by the Department from the business seeking certification and which will be subject to verification and approval by the Department. The Department shall require an affidavit of ownership, organization and decision-making authority, financial information and such other information deemed necessary by the Department to evaluate a business for certification. The Department shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section. The certification program shall not replace any certification procedures or programs of other governmental agencies.
C. Certificates issued by the Department pursuant to this section shall not be financial guarantees or personal approvals of businesses but shall be for the purpose of verifying that businesses are women-owned in order to enhance the ability of such businesses to contract with public and private entities and to access state and federal information and assistance.
Added by Laws 1991, c. 341, § 15, eff. July 1, 1991.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5012. Oklahoma Department of Commerce Revolving Fund.

A. There is hereby created the "Oklahoma Department of Commerce Revolving Fund". The fund shall consist of all monies, other than appropriated monies, received by the Department which are not directed to be placed into another fund. The fund shall be a continuing fund not subject to fiscal year limitations and shall be subject to the administrative direction of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims submitted to the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Monies in the fund may be expended for the operating expenses of the Department and shall be made pursuant to the laws of this state.
B. On July 1, 1986, any unallotted cash balance in the funds created in Sections 678 and 2008 of this title shall be transferred to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Revolving Fund. All outstanding financial obligations and encumbrances of the funds created in Sections 678 and 2008 of this title are hereby transferred to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. After November 15, 1986, any unexpended balance in the funds created in Sections 678 and 2008 of this title shall be transferred to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Revolving Fund.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 18, operative July 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 1027.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5012.1. Program service fees - Amount, collection and disposition.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce may collect reasonable fees based on actual direct and indirect costs for programmatic services extended to users by the Department in accomplishing its mission. The Department shall set amounts of fees for programs it administers including but not limited to the Export Services Program, Quality Jobs Program or others in its General Rules of Practice and Procedure written in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act. Fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Revolving Fund.
Added by Laws 1993, c. 270, § 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5013. Community Planning Project Revolving Fund.

A. There is hereby created the "Community Planning Project Revolving Fund". The fund shall consist of any monies appropriated thereto and any monies payable to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce by the United States Federal Government or cities, towns, or counties of the State of Oklahoma for assistance in communities' planning projects. The fund shall be a continuing fund not subject to fiscal year limitations and shall be subject to the administrative direction of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims submitted to the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. The monies deposited in the revolving fund shall be expended by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to pay the cost of providing these services for the various planning projects.
B. On July 1, 1986, any unallotted cash balance in the fund created in Section 686 of this title shall be transferred to the Community Planning Project Revolving Fund. All outstanding financial obligations and encumbrances of the fund created in Section 686 of this title are hereby transferred to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. After November 15, 1986, any unexpended balance in the fund created in Section 686 of this title shall be transferred to the Community Planning Project Revolving Fund created in this section.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 19, operative July 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 1028.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5013.1. Minority Business Development Program Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to be designated the "Minority Business Development Program Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations. The fund shall consist of all monies authorized by law for deposit in such fund including, but not limited to appropriations, gifts, grants, private donations, fee revenues and funds by governmental entities authorized to provide funding for the purposes authorized for the use of the fund. Monies deposited or apportioned to the credit of the fund may be expended for the purposes of job creation and enhancement and business creation and expansion of Oklahoma minority owned businesses pursuant to law. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for purposes authorized by law. 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.
Added by Laws 1990, c. 266, § 29, operative July 1, 1990. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 1029.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5013.2. Expenditures from Minority Business Development Program Fund - Contracts.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall expend so much as appropriated to the Minority Business Development Program Fund as may be necessary to accomplish contractual responsibilities for job creation and enhancement and business creation and expansion of Oklahoma minority-owned businesses. The Department may contract with organizations which support minority businesses for these purposes only after:
1. An applicant organization has submitted an approved business plan;
2. An applicant organization has demonstrated through education and experience capabilities of offering management tools and technical assistance to minority-owned businesses;
3. An applicant organization has demonstrated that it can provide financial capacity and responsibility to manage a program to aid minority-owned businesses in the manner set out herein;
4. A panel of peer reviewers has received applications and recommended such applications for contracting;
5. The Department has given due consideration to those applicants that demonstrate an ability to attract matching funding from other governmental or private or charitable organizations;
6. The Department has given due consideration to those applicants that demonstrate an ability to aid minority-owned businesses located in communities with a population of less than ten thousand (10,000); and
7. The Department has developed, adopted and published additional criteria, upon receipt of advice and comment from qualified peer reviewers.
B. Any contract entered into pursuant to this section shall require quarterly reports of activities and expenditures upon forms prescribed by the Department. Said quarterly reports shall be reviewed by Oklahoma Futures. The Department or Oklahoma Futures may disallow expenditures and withhold funds accordingly, if reports reflect failure to comply with approved applications. All contractors shall submit annual audits as required by the Department of Commerce which may be paid from allocated, appropriated funds. The Department may utilize an amount not to exceed twenty percent (20%) of appropriated funds for administration of the minority-owned business program.
C. Contracts entered into by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the purpose of implementing the Minority Business Development Program shall be exempt from the requirements of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act.
Added by Laws 1992, c. 259, § 2, emerg. eff. May 22, 1992.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5013.3. Capital Improvement Program Revolving Fund.

There is hereby created the "Capital Improvement Program Revolving Fund". The fund shall consist of any monies appropriated thereto. The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall be subject to the administrative direction of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims submitted to the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. The monies deposited in the revolving fund shall be expended by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to pay the cost of providing services for the various capital improvement planning projects.
Added by Laws 1996, c. 257, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1996. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 1030.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5015. Filing of comprehensive plans and amendments - Comments and recommendations.

A. All comprehensive plans, or amendments thereto, to be financed in whole or in part by state or federal funds, being considered by any county, city, municipal corporation, governmental conference or council or regional planning commission shall be filed with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for review and recommendation prior to adoption. The Department shall communicate its comments and recommendations to the proponent within thirty (30) days following receipt of such plans or amendments unless the proponent shall authorize a longer time. Such comments and recommendations shall be advisory only.
B. As used in this section, "comprehensive plan" means an analysis of all information and alternatives to the future development of the governmental entity developing the plan.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 21, operative July 1, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5017.1. Enforcement of energy conservation programs - Abolition of Energy Conservation Services Division of Corporation Commission - Classification of transferred employees.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall have the authority to establish, administer and enforce state and federal energy conservation programs including, but not limited to, implementing The Energy Conservation Act of 1975 (P.L. 94-163), National Energy Extension Service Act (P.L. 95-39, 42 U.S.C. Section 7001 et seq.) and the National Conservation Policy Act (P.L. 95-619), except as otherwise provided by law.
The Energy Conservation Services Division of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is hereby abolished. All personnel, equipment, files, fixtures, funds, furniture, publications and supplies, and all duties, functions, authority and contractual obligations that relate to the Energy Conservation Services Division of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission are hereby transferred to and vested in the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Employees transferred to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall be classified and subject to the provisions of the Merit System of Personnel Administration as provided for in the Oklahoma Personnel Act. The salaries, grade and/or class of the employees transferred shall be adjusted to be commensurate with comparable positions in the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
The full-time-equivalent employee positions funded through the federal energy conservation programs outlined in this section shall terminate upon the exhaustion of said federal funding.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 236, § 60, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5017.2. Purpose of Sections 5017.2 to 5017.5.

The purpose of Sections 10 through 13 of this act is to stimulate international trade, produce more jobs, create economic diversity and sources of additional tax revenue, allow small and medium-sized businesses to take advantage of exporting opportunities formerly practically available only to larger businesses, and allow businesses in the state to compete in a world market with businesses in other states.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 214, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5017.3. Definitions.

As used in Sections 10 through 13 of this act:
1. "Shared foreign sales corporation" means a corporation that satisfies the requirements of Section 922, Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. Sec. 922) and is operated for the benefit of more than one business in this state.
2. "Department" means the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
3. "Director" means the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 214, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5017.4. Department - Powers and duties.

A. The Department shall encourage and assist in creation and operation of shared foreign sales corporations to benefit businesses in this state.
B. The Department may:
1. Develop model shared foreign sales corporations, including model bylaws, operation manuals, form contracts, a model certificate of incorporation and other appropriate aids that businesses may use in creating and operating shared foreign sales corporations;
2. Provide information and counseling to businesses relating to state, federal, and international law governing shared foreign sales corporations;
3. Provide accounting information and counseling to businesses in connection with creation and operation of shared foreign sales corporations; and
4. Provide other information and assistance necessary to the creation and operation of shared foreign sales corporations to benefit businesses in the state.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 214, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5017.5. Service fees.

The Department may collect fees for services provided under Sections 10 through 13 of this act in amounts which the Director determines to be necessary to cover costs of administering Sections 10 through 13 of this act.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 214, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5017.7. Oklahoma Chief International Protocol Office - Creation and operation by Department of Commerce.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall serve as the Oklahoma Chief International Protocol Office and provide a resource for information concerning proper protocol with regard to international diplomats and officials and shall cooperate with other state agencies already engaged in international relations to facilitate and coordinate government resources for optimal leveraging in achieving the common goal of advancing Oklahoma to the forefront of the global community. An associate with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce may also serve as the official representative of the Governor to ensure that the growing numbers of international officials traveling to Oklahoma are warmly received and enjoy productive visits to the state. When dealing with international visitors of foreign governments, the associate may greet chiefs of state, heads of government and other appropriate functionaries, and may provide support to coordinate, arrange and facilitate meetings and other engagements between the Governor and international leaders.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall, for the encouragement of international trade opportunities for Oklahoma businesses, encourage and assist private efforts toward the development of interpersonal relationships between citizens of this state and citizens of other nations.
Added by Laws 1996, c. 286, § 1, emerg. eff. June 5, 1996. Amended by Laws 2007, c. 103, § 1, eff. July 1, 2007; Laws 2021, c. 67, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2021.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5017.8. Financial assistance program for the employment of part-time city managers or planners.

Contingent on funding, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce may partner with a statewide organization to develop and coordinate a financial assistance program for qualifying municipalities having a population of less than five thousand (5,000) according to the latest Federal Decennial Census to employ a part-time city manager or a part-time city planner pursuant to Section 8-116 of Title 11 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The statewide organization shall demonstrate to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce that it is exempt from taxation under federal law and designated pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 170(a) and that it has represented municipalities, had statutory functions and conducted training programs for municipalities for at least fifteen (15) years prior to November 1, 2005. It shall further demonstrate that its continuous official purpose is to promote the general welfare of cities and towns, to foster or conduct schools, short courses and other training sessions, to provide technical assistance and consultative services and other aids for the improvement and increased efficiency of city and town government, and to serve as the representative of cities and towns in carrying out the duties and prerogatives conferred on it by state law.
Added by Laws 2008, c. 304, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2008. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 42, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2009.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5020.1. Community Development Centers Program Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to be designated the "Community Development Centers Program Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations. The fund shall consist of all monies authorized by law for deposit in such fund including, but not limited to appropriations, gifts, grants, private donations, fee revenues and funds by governmental entities authorized to provide funding for the purposes authorized for the use of the fund. Monies deposited or apportioned or donated to the credit of the fund may be expended for the purposes of community development centers, with emphasis on aging and elderly citizen interests pursuant to law. All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for purposes authorized by law. 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.
Added by Laws 1992, c. 337, § 16, eff. July 1, 1992. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 1032.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5023. Federal block grant programs - Equal access to programs and services - Proposals.

All state agencies providing services through federal block grant programs shallinclude, as part of their proposals for federal block grant programs, assurances to guarantee equal access to program services and resources, including contracted services, and guarantee the public uniform rights to appeal and appeal procedures. It is the intent of the Legislature that services maintain a commitment to the efficient delivery of vital services to the most needy persons in the state and that any changes in eligibility criteria be identified in a comprehensive plan. The proposals for federal block grant programs shall specify a process to guarantee that each person seeking services shall:
1. Have the right to file formal application for services or resources upon request;
2. Be afforded an opportunity to have private and confidential interviews pertaining to the case;
3. Not be denied assistance on the basis of race, color, gender, creed, religion, age, political preference or physical affliction;
4. Receive timely approval or disapproval of the application; and
5. Receive written notification of appeal and appeal procedures, including notice that:
a.
all aggrieved parties shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity for a fair hearing,
b.
the applicant or the representative of the applicant shall have access to records relevant to the appeal process, and
c.
the applicant shall have the right to a timely determination and prompt notice of hearing decisions.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 29, operative July 1, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5024. Professional auditing services.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is hereby authorized to contract for such professional auditing services as may be necessary to accomplish audits of funds processed through the Department. Such audits shall be made by a public accountant or an independent certified public accountant. A copy of a written report of the audit, certified to by said accountant, shall be placed and maintained on file with the State Auditor and Inspector. The contracted services shall be procured in accordance with applicable provisions of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 30, operative July 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 1990, c. 266, § 35, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 1990, c. 260, § 43, operative July 1, 1990.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5025. Department of Commerce - Negotiation of certain contracts.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall negotiate contracts for all expenditures by other entities in amounts over Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) which have been appropriated to the Department for the use of such entities. The Director of the Department may require a formal contract for such expenditures of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) or less.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 31, operative July 1, 1986; Amended by Laws 1991, c. 197, § 4, eff. July 1, 1991.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5028. County Jail Improvement Fund.

A. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to be designated the "County Jail Improvement Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations. All monies appropriated to the fund may be budgeted and expended by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the purpose of providing matching funds to counties to renovate existing or to construct new jail facilities in accordance with state-approved jail standards. 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.
B. On July 1, 1986, any unallotted cash balance in the County Jail Improvement Fund created in Section 66 of Title 57 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall be transferred to the County Jail Improvement Fund created in this section. All outstanding financial obligations and encumbrances of the County Jail Improvement Fund created in Section 66 of Title 57 of the Oklahoma Statutes are hereby transferred to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. After November 15, 1986, any unexpended balance in the County Jail Improvement Fund created in Section 66 of Title 57 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall be transferred to the County Jail Improvement Fund created in this section.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 34, operative July 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 1033.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5029. Application for county jail improvement funds.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall approve only those applications for funds to renovate an existing county jail facility or to construct a new county jail facility which contain proposed plans that are in compliance with state-approved jail standards as determined by the Jail Inspection Division, Oklahoma State Department of Health. Any jail facility which serves as a combined city and county jail facility shall be eligible to apply for a grant under the provisions of this act.
For each grant of funds by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to a county, the requesting county must legally bind itself to expend on said property funds equal to the amount of funds being applied for from the County Jail Improvement Fund.
No application for funds available under the provisions of this act may be filed where the construction of new facilities or the renovation of existing facilities has begun by July 1, 1981.
No applicant may receive more than a total of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) from the "County Jail Improvement Fund" in any one fiscal year.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 35, operative July 1, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5030. Weatherization Revolving Fund.

A. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund to be designated as the "Weatherization Revolving Fund", which shall consist of all monies appropriated or transferred to the fund. Said revolving fund shall be a continuing fund not subject to fiscal year limitations and shall be under the administration of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and may be disbursed without legislative appropriation. Warrants for expenditures from said revolving fund shall be drawn by the State Treasurer, based on claims signed by an authorized employee or employees of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and approved for payment by the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. It is hereby declared that energy conservation is in the interest of the State of Oklahoma. The purpose of this fund is to provide monies to be used for the purpose of weatherizing households in Oklahoma thereby conserving the oil and natural gas resources of the state.
B. On July 1, 1986, any unallotted cash balance in the Weatherization Revolving Fund created in Section 1537.1 of this title shall be transferred to the Weatherization Revolving Fund created in this section. All outstanding financial obligations and encumbrances of the Weatherization Revolving Fund created in Section 1537.1 of this title are hereby transferred to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. After November 15, 1986, any unexpended balance in the Weatherization Revolving Fund created in Section 1537.1 of this title shall be transferred to the Weatherization Revolving Fund created in this section.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 36, operative July 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 1034.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5032. Administration of weatherization funds of Low-Income Energy Assistance Block Grant.

Community action agencies shall administer the weatherization funds of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Block Grant on a local level unless the Oklahoma Department of Commerce determines that the program can be more effectively administered through another entity.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 38, operative July 1, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5034. Purpose of Sections 5035 through 5040.

It is the purpose of Sections 5035 through 5040 of this title to delineate a system of community action agencies to enhance and stimulate economic opportunity and self-sufficiency for all citizens. It is hereby found and determined that community action agencies provide services which are basic and essential to the well-being of low-income and economically disadvantaged persons of this state. It is further determined that the delivery of such services should be officially recognized in order to assure the effective and efficient continuation of such services and to solve existing problems of human service delivery systems. Community action agencies shall be considered a public agency for the purposes of the Prisoners Public Works Act, Section 215 et seq. of Title 57 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 40, operative July 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 2016, c. 199, § 1, eff. July 1, 2016.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5035. Community Service Block Grant Funds - Receipt - Use - Rules and regulations - Allocation to community action agencies - Consolidation of programs.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is hereby designated to receive Community Services Block Grant Funds appropriated, authorized or allocated for usage within the State of Oklahoma by the United States Government. These funds shall be used for, but not limited to the following:
1. Provide a range of services and activities having major impact on causes and effects of poverty in the community or those areas of the community where poverty is a particularly acute problem;
2. Provide activities designed to assist low-income participants including the elderly poor;
a.
to secure and retain meaningful employment,
b.
to attain an adequate education,
c.
to make better use of available income,
d.
to obtain and maintain adequate housing and a suitable living environment,
e.
to obtain emergency assistance,
f.
to remove obstacles and solve problems which block the achievement of self-sufficiency,
g.
to make more effective use of other programs;
3. Provide on an emergency basis for the provision of such supplies and services, nutritious foodstuffs and related services, as may be necessary to counteract conditions of starvation and malnutrition among the poor or temporarily indigent;
4. Coordinate and establish linkages between government and other social services programs to assure the effective delivery of such services to low-income individuals; and
5. Encourage the use of entities in the private sector of the community in efforts to eliminate poverty in the community.
B. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall promulgate and ensure compliance on rules, regulations, policies and procedures to carry out all programs of the Community Services Block Grant.
C. At least ninety percent (90%) of the Community Service Block Grant funds received by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the state from the United States Government shall be allocated to community action agencies, as defined in this act.
D. If the Community Services Block Grant is consolidated with any other block grant or other federal program, then a proportional share of the consolidated funds shall be used for services under the Community Services Block Grant program in accordance with this act for at least twelve (12) months. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall retain administrative responsibility of these funds.
E. For each consolidated program, proportional share shall be the percentage of total funds received by all consolidated programs prior to the consolidation.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 41, operative July 1, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5036. Community action agency defined - Evaluation of service areas and agencies.

A community action agency shall be defined as a public or private nonprofit agency, designated by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall have the right to evaluate existing service areas and community action agencies and, as may be necessary, modify boundaries of the service areas or rescind designation in accordance with the provisions outlined in Section 45 of this act so that services will be adequately and efficiently provided.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 42, operative July 1, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5037. Community action agencies - Boards of directors.

A community action agency shall establish a governing board of directors which shall consist of not less than twelve nor more than thirty-six members. At least one-third of the members shall be representative of the poor in the areas served and shall be chosen through a democratic selection process. One-third of the members shall be elected public officials or their designees as established by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The remaining members shall be representative of business, industry, labor, religious, welfare, education or other major groups and interests in the community. The community action agency board of directors shall be responsible for: 1. The appointment and dismissal of an executive director of the community action agency;
2. The approval of contracts, annual budget requests and operational policies of the community action agency;
3. The performance of an annual audit by an independent auditor;
4. Convening of public meetings to provide citizens the opportunity to comment on public policies and programs to reduce poverty;
5. Evaluate programs and policies of the community action agency; and
6. Compliance with all Oklahoma Department of Commerce, federal, local and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 43, operative July 1, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5040.1. Transfer of real or personal property to community action agency.

If a community action agency is otherwise eligible to receive real or personal property from the state or federal government, or any agency or instrumentality of the state or federal government, and state or federal law requires that the entity to which the property is transferred must be a governmental entity, the community action agency shall, for the purposes of the transfer and for purposes of managing the property so transferred, be deemed to be a governmental entity.
Added by Laws 2004, c. 440, § 1, eff. July 1, 2004.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5040.3. Definitions.

As used in the Rx for Oklahoma Act:
1. “Medically indigent” means a person who meets the criteria established by the drug manufacturer assistance programs for the purchase of prescribed medications; and
2. “Prescription drug” means a drug which may be dispensed only upon prescription by a health care professional authorized by the appropriate licensing authority and which is approved for safety and effectiveness as a prescription drug under Section 505 or 507 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (52 Stat. 1040 (1938), 21 U.S.C.A., Section 301).
Added by Laws 2005, c. 463, § 2, emerg. eff. June 9, 2005.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5040.21. Oklahoma Certified Retirement Communities Program.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall establish an Oklahoma Certified Retirement Communities Program to recognize communities in the state that have made themselves attractive destinations for retirees.
B. The purposes of the Program shall be to:
1. Encourage retirees to establish a residence in Oklahoma;
2. Help communities promote and market themselves as retirement destinations for retirees;
3. Assist the economic development of rural communities by encouraging retirees to live, work, and volunteer in these communities; and
4. Encourage tourism in Oklahoma by enhancing the marketing of the state to retirees everywhere.
C. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is encouraged to collaborate with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service in the development of an outreach program to assist communities seeking certification.
D. The Department shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this act.
Added by Laws 2010, c. 209, § 2, eff. July 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5040.22. Eligibility and certification.

A. Any community in this state is eligible to be named a certified retirement community. In an application to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for recognition as a certified retirement community, the applicant shall clearly articulate how the applicant defines community for purposes of seeking certification.
B. Each community seeking certification shall meet the following requirements:
1. The community shall submit an application to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce containing basic demographic and statistical information, including crime statistics, tax-related information, recreational opportunities, housing prices and availability, health care and emergency medical service availability and other factors deemed relevant by the Department;
2. The community shall demonstrate the support and active involvement of the local governing body, churches, clubs, businesses, media outlets or other entities with an interest in the future of the community;
3. The community shall submit with the application a plan describing the community’s long-term care facility and service capabilities and the community’s strategy for marketing the community to retirees. The plan shall include a target market, a list of competing communities, an analysis of the community’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and dangers, and the steps the community will employ to achieve the goals of the plan; and
4. The applicant community shall certify the availability of at least Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) to be expended by the community to implement the Certified Retirement Communities Program.
C. For purposes of this act, “community” means a city, town or county. A community can be coterminous with a political subdivision of the state or with a particular geographic boundary.
Added by Laws 2010, c. 209, § 3, eff. July 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5040.23. Review of applications - Criteria.

A. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall accept and review applications from communities seeking to become a certified retirement community. The Department shall determine which communities qualify for certification.
B. In determining which communities qualify, the Department shall develop a set of criteria for evaluating and scoring the applicants and comparing each applicant against the other applicants. The criteria developed by the Department shall include:
1. The competitiveness of the tax burden on residents in the community;
2. Housing availability and cost;
3. Climatic factors;
4. Personal and community safety;
5. Work, volunteer and community service opportunities;
6. Health care and emergency medical services available to residents of the community;
7. Public transportation and transportation infrastructure;
8. Educational quality and opportunities;
9. Recreational and leisure opportunities;
10. The availability of cultural and performing arts, sporting events, festivals and other activities; and
11. The availability of services and facilities necessary to assist retirees as they age.
Added by Laws 2010, c. 209, § 4, eff. July 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5040.24. Issuance of certificate - Re-certification.

A. If the Oklahoma Department of Commerce determines that a community qualifies for certification, the Department shall issue to the community a certificate recognizing the status of the community as an attractive destination for retirees.
B. 1. A community’s certification expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of initial certification.
2. To be recertified, a community shall submit a new application, as provided in Section 3 of this act. Such application shall include a report of the success or failure of the community’s past efforts to market itself to retirees.
Added by Laws 2010, c. 209, § 5, eff. July 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5040.25. Pilot project.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is authorized to implement the Oklahoma Certified Retirement Communities Program through a pilot project. During this pilot implementation, the community selection criteria and scoring methodology shall be defined, applications shall be developed, educational sessions shall be conducted and marketing strategies shall be developed. The City of Stillwater, Oklahoma, shall serve as the pilot community pursuant to this section. In recognition of the assistance the City of Stillwater shall provide in this pilot project, the application fee charged by the Department for the city’s initial application shall be Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00). The Department and the City of Stillwater shall jointly work to organize the community and prepare its application.
Added by Laws 2010, c. 209, § 6, eff. July 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5044. Counties not required to participate in certain districts and agencies.

No county in Oklahoma shall be required to be under the jurisdiction of a planning district or any clearing agency by whatever name, located in another state, in order to receive grants, aid, loans or other federal funds for any purpose. Appropriate federal agencies shall be advised of this provision and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall take such steps as are necessary to implement these provisions.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 50, operative July 1, 1986.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 74. State Government › §74-5045. Political subdivisions not required to participate in substate planning districts.

No county, city, town or other subdivision of the State of Oklahoma shall in any manner be compelled to be a member of or participate in a substate planning district.
No county, city, town or other subdivision of the State of Oklahoma shall be penalized in any manner whatsoever for said subdivision's election not to participate in a substate planning district.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 51, operative July 1, 1986.