STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 54th Legislature (2013)

SENATE BILL 964	By:	Marlatt

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to water planning; authorizing volunteer organizations for water planning; providing for transmission of information to Oklahoma Water Resources Board; requiring Board to recognize organizations and provide technical assistance; stating purpose for information; authorizing promulgation of rules; providing for codification; 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 1085.1A of Title 82, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A.	The citizens of this state are authorized to create volunteer organizations at local or regional levels, for the purpose of gathering information and planning for local or regional current and future water needs.  Such information shall be transmitted to the members and staff of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
B.	The Board shall devise a process to recognize volunteer organizations created pursuant to this section and may provide technical assistance when requested by an organization and upon approval by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
C.	Credible scientific information produced by any such volunteer organization may be submitted to the Board for consideration in statewide water planning and development.
D.	The Board is authorized to promulgate rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
SECTION 2.  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.

54-1-681	MJM 	1/17/2013 5:09:17 PM