ENROLLED SENATE
BILL NO. 712	By:	Gumm, Bass, Burrage, Ivester, Russell, Schulz and Corn of the Senate

			and

		Roan, Carey, Inman and Wright (John) of the House

An Act relating to definitions and general provisions; stating legislative findings; authorizing and requesting flags be flown at half-staff under certain circumstances; specifying duty of Director of Department of Central Services; 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 90.19 of Title 25, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

A.  The Legislature finds that:

1.  The Congress of the United States has authorized the President to use military force against “nations, organizations, or persons the President determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons”, Pub. L. 107-40, and has further authorized the President to use military force in order to “defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq”, Pub. L. 107-243;

2.  Although these policies have resulted in some degree of controversy, it is incontrovertible that the members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been deployed with respect thereto have served with honor, dignity, and bravery, and that public support for the members of the Armed Forces, and for their families, has been steadfast and unwavering; and

3.  For as long as members of the Armed Forces are so deployed, such public support must continue and be demonstrated in every way possible.

B.  Until such time as such use of military force as referenced in subsection A of this section is concluded, whether by Presidential or congressional action, the Governor is directed to order flags of the United States and the State of Oklahoma, on state property, be flown at half-staff on the day of the memorial service for any Oklahoman who lost his or her life while a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.

C.  On each such day of remembrance, all state agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals are authorized and requested to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff.  The Director of the Department of Central Services shall cause the provisions of this section to be implemented by all appropriate agencies of state government.

SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective July 1, 2009.

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.

Passed the Senate the 3rd day of March, 2009.

	
Presiding Officer 	of the Senate

Passed the House of Representatives the 30th day of March, 2009.

	
Presiding Officer	of the House
	of Representatives