ENROLLED SENATE
BILL NO. 228	By:		Simpson, Ivester, Allen, Shortey and Fields of the Senate

			and

		Hardin, Pittman, Hoskin, Sherrer and Morrissette of the House

An Act relating to education and training programs; creating the Quality Workforce for Oklahoma's Heroes Act; providing short title; authorizing the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to establish programs; authorizing certain contracts; providing for funding of programs; clarifying employee status; establishing criteria for participation in program; authorizing tuition reimbursement for successful candidates; outlining procedures for promissory note; establishing penalties; authorizing payment of certain fees; directing promulgation of rules; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.

SUBJECT:  Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs education and training programs

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 1735 of Title 74, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Quality Workforce for Oklahoma's Heroes Act".

SECTION 2.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1735.1 of Title 74, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

Beginning November 1, 2013, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to establish education and training programs for positions critical to the quality care of veterans residing within Department institutions.  The Department may contract with accredited institutions necessary to provide this education and training.  Funds of the Department or its institutions may be used to pay salaries or tuition and subsistence for employees in these training programs, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2 of this section.  Employees may be in work status while engaging in training and education programs provided for in this section.

1.  An employee of the Department, who has achieved a "meets" or "exceeds" standards on his or her performance evaluation and meets the standards as established in rules promulgated pursuant to this act, shall be eligible for additional education and/or training provided by the Department.

2.  An employee of the Department who participates in the education and training program outlined in this act shall execute a promissory note for expenses payable to the Department whereby the employee promises to repay the note by remaining in employment with the Department.  The duration of the loan repayment will correspond with the program in which the employee participated as set forth in rules promulgated for the implementation of this act.

a.	The amount due pursuant to this act shall be reduced at a rate of Thirteen Dollars ($13.00) per calendar day beginning the first day after graduation from the education or training program.  If for any reason the employee leaves the employment of the Department, the obligation will be considered due.

b.	Violation of the provisions of the terms of the promissory note for training expenses entered into pursuant to this section shall give rise to a cause of action and suit may be commenced by the Department for and on behalf of the State of Oklahoma for restitution of any and all sums plus interest at the statutory rate, costs, and reasonable attorney fees.  The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons who volunteer or are drafted into active military service subsequent to receiving training at state expense.

SECTION 3.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1735.2 of Title 74, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs may pay fees for employees to maintain licenses and certification required to provide quality care and maintain accreditation at Department institutions.  The Department may require repayment of such fees pursuant to paragraph 2 of Section 2 of this act.

SECTION 4.     NEW LAW     A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1735.3 of Title 74, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

The War Veterans Commission of Oklahoma, in cooperation with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, shall promulgate rules pursuant to the implementation of this act.

SECTION 5.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2013.

Passed the Senate the 1st day of May, 2013.

	
	Presiding Officer of the Senate

Passed the House of Representatives the 9th day of April, 2013.

	
	Presiding Officer of the House
	of Representatives

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Received by the Office of the Governor this ____________________ day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________
Approved by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma this _________ day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.

	_________________________________
	Governor of the State of Oklahoma

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________ day of __________________, 20 _______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________