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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
SENATE BILL 1688 By: Hicks
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to the Oklahoma Tourism and
Recreation Department; amending 74 O.S. 2021,
Sections 2203, 2204, and 2206, which relate to the
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission; removing
function of Commission as an advisory body; providing
provision for removal of Commission members;
transferring powers from the Executive Director to
the Commission; modifying powers and duties of the
Commission; authorizing the Commission to appoint
Executive Director; allowing the Commission to
establish salary for the Executive Director; and
providing an effective date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 74 O.S. 2021, Section 2203, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 2203. A. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation
Commission shall be an advisory body to the Executive Director of
the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and shall consist of
eight (8) members who shall serve a term of six (6) years.
Effective January 14, 2019, all duties and powers of the Commission
shall be transferred to the Executive Director. Any provision in
statute that provides to the Commission authority that is not
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advisory in nature shall be deemed to grant the duty or power to the
Executive Director. No more than one Commission member shall be
from any one county. The Lieutenant Governor shall serve as an ex
officio voting member of the Commission.
B. One member shall be appointed from each congressional
district, who shall be a resident and a qualified elector in the
district from which appointed, and the remaining members shall be
appointed from the state at large. If congressional districts are
redrawn each member appointed shall complete the current term of
office at which time a new appointment shall be made in compliance
with the redrawn congressional district.
C. Commission members shall be appointed by the Governor, with
the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve at the
pleasure of the may be removed with cause by the Governor. Whenever
a vacancy on the Commission occurs by death, resignation, or
otherwise, the Governor shall fill the same by appointment, with the
advice and consent of the Senate, and the appointee shall hold
office during the unexpired term. Each member shall hold office
until a successor has been appointed and qualified.
D. With the exception of the ex officio, no member of the
Commission shall seek election to a federal, state, or county office
while serving on the Commission.
SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 74 O.S. 2021, Section 2204, is
amended to read as follows:
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Section 2204. There are hereby granted to and imposed in the
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Commission, and in any
commission or body that may hereafter succeed to the powers, rights,
and duties of the Commission, the following additional powers,
rights and duties:
1. Sue and be sued;
2. Adopt, use, and alter an official seal;
3. Make bylaws for the management and regulation of its
affairs;
4. Appoint, prescribe the duties, and fix the compensation for
officers, agents, and employees;
5. Make contracts and execute instruments as in the judgment of
the Department Commission are necessary or convenient to the
exercise of the powers conferred upon it by law; and
6. Promulgate rules and policies necessary and convenient to
the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by law.
SECTION 3. AMENDATORY 74 O.S. 2021, Section 2206, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 2206. The chief executive officer of the Oklahoma
Tourism and Recreation Department shall be the Executive Director,
who shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent
of the Senate, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission and who
shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and may be removed or
replaced without cause Commission. The Executive Director shall be
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chosen with regard to knowledge, training, experience, and ability
to administer the functions of the Department. Compensation for the
The Commission shall establish the salary of the Executive Director
shall be determined pursuant to Section 3601.2 of this title.
SECTION 4. This act shall become effective November 1, 2026.
60-2-2603 YG 1/14/2026 10:03:54 AM