STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 54th Legislature (2014)

HOUSE BILL 3455	By:	Pittman

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to agriculture; creating the Urban Agriculture Initiative Task Force; providing for membership; providing appointment deadline; requiring members to elect a chair; providing for quorum; specifying meeting frequency; identifying staff assistance for the Task Force; prohibiting compensation and travel reimbursement; requiring written report; providing for codification; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 21-1 of Title 2, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A.  There is hereby created until December 31, 2014, the Oklahoma Urban Agriculture Initiative Task Force to recommend to the Legislature and other policymakers measures that strive to eliminate hunger and increase food security by creating sustainable, local food systems that bridge race, class, and age with a focus on low-income communities within the State of Oklahoma, through social change and youth empowerment.
B.  The Task Force shall be composed of three (3) members as follows:
1.  One member to be appointed by the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives;
2.  One member to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the State Senate; and
3.  The State Secretary of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.
C.  Members of the Task Force that are to be appointed shall be appointed no later than September 1, 2014.
D.  Members of the Task Force shall elect a chair from among the membership.  A majority of the members of the Task Force shall constitute a quorum to transact business.  The Task Force shall meet as often as may be required in order to perform the duties imposed upon it.
E.  Staff support for the Task Force shall be provided by the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the State Senate.
F.  Members of the Task Force shall receive no compensation for their services and shall not be eligible for reimbursement pursuant to the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
G.  The Task Force shall make a written report of its findings and recommendations, as well as make any additional reports deemed necessary and appropriate, by December 31, 2014.  All reports issued by the Task Force shall be presented to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective July 1, 2014.
SECTION 3.  It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.

54-2-9375	AMM	01/12/14