House releases list of approved interim studies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author : Erin Boeckman
Date : 06/11/2007
Staff Writer
(OK) Beginning in July, House committee rooms could be abuzz once again with activity when representatives begin discussing the more than 90 interim studies that were approved by House leadership.
Of the 181 studies that were requested, Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, approved 93 on Friday, according to a House memorandum. He also allowed 15 proposals to be combined with other interim studies on similar topics. Topics range from water quality to tax structure to horse racing tracks to utility service.
The workload for the 2007 interim session is a bit more than what legislators dealt with last year. In 2006, then Speaker Todd Hiett, R-Kellyville, approved 59 of the 67 requests for study submitted to his office. The demands of campaigns and elections may have contributed to the lower number of studies last year.
This year, Cargill said he expects studies to flow smoothly. In his memorandum to members of the House, he advises that beginning July 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays will be designated for interim studies. The studies have been referred to full standing committees and may be referred to subcommittees, at the discretion of the full committee chair people. Study authors are urged to work with committee chairs and staff to develop meeting schedules and agendas well in advance to allow for the smooth flow of procedure, according to the memorandum.
During the interim, House members are eligible for travel reimbursement, but at a lower rate than that provided while the Legislature is in session. Eligible members may be reimbursed at a rate of $25 per day and mileage, according to the memorandum. Cargill advised representatives to use their time and expenditures wisely to develop bold new ideas to move Oklahoma forward.
"This interim study period serves as one of our most important periods in the legislative process," Cargill said in the memo. "The ability to meet, gather data and query experts on matters that are important to the state is an invaluable tool."
In 2006, members of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee studied financial incentives for businesses to locate to Oklahoma, alternative funding sources for municipal governments, the Oklahoma tax structure and economic development tax credits. This year's Appropriations and Budget Committee will study the following topics:
"
Interim Study 2007H-028, by Rep. Todd Thomsen, R-Ada, will study a bill Thomsen proposed during the 2007 session. HB 2073 would have allowed a corporation having a net operating loss beginning with the 2008 tax year to transfer net operating loss amounts to any corporation or limited liability company that has a potential liability and has been formed under Oklahoma law for three years or less as of the date of the transfer. For the net operating loss to be transferable, the entity acquiring the net operating loss would be required to pay the transferring entity value equal to or greater than 75 percent of the par value of the loss. The entity that sells the net operating loss or portion thereof would be required to use the proceeds from the sale of the loss in furtherance of its principal business purpose. If a net operating loss is sold, the net operating loss transferred could not be allocated to a person to offset any taxable income regardless of whether the entity to which the net operating loss is transferred is legally entitled to allocate the loss to a person pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. The bill presented the idea of Transferable Loss for Start-Up Businesses but did not receive a House committee hearing. In the study request, Thomsen said he wanted the opportunity to examine the concept, its feasibility and potential impact on the state's economy in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. The committee may review the impact of similar legislation in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
"
Interim Study 2007H-037, by Reps. Charles Key, R-Oklahoma City, and Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville, will explore the sales tax apportionment, particularly as it affects municipalities.
"
Interim Study 2007H-042, by Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, will study tax credits.
"
Interim Study 2007H-043, by Terrill, will explore the state's sales tax exemptions.
"
Interim Study 2007H-044, by Terrill, will review the current Oklahoma tax structure.
"
Interim Study 2007H-047, by Terrill, will examine economic development incentives offered at the state and local levels.
"
Interim Study 2007H-062, by Rep. Ron Peterson, R-R-Broken Arrow, will look at the state's tobacco tax issue and the best solution to alleviate any problems.
"
Interim Study 2007H-073, by Rep. Mike Jackson, R-Enid, will study Native American tobacco tax rates, tax revenue received by the state and the transportation of untaxed tobacco products. The study would specifically examine possible changes in the enforcement state tobacco taxes and tobacco tax mechanisms as well as impacts of revenue losses to the state.
"
Interim Study 2007H-142, by Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, on gross production taxation will look at ways to smooth variances in revenue for use by counties for infrastructure.
"
Interim Study 2007H-147, by Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, will examine the implementation of performance-based budgeting on every state agency, board and commission to be reviewed by the conference committee on appropriations. The study would also explore the implementation of an anonymous hotline notification similar to SafeCall that would allow citizens to report government waste and inefficiency without fear of repercussions.
"
Interim Study 2007H-151, by Dorman, will take a comprehensive look at Tax Increment Financing (TIF), including the structure and membership established to create such a district, the number currently in the state and similar vehicles in other states, the history of TIFs in Oklahoma and potential laws to safeguard against their abuse.
"
Interim Study 2007H-174, by Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond, on government consolidation will examine all government agencies for potential consolidation or streamlining.
In 2006, legislators interested in economic development studied the economic impact of local festivals on tourism. This year, the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee has the following topics to study:
"
Interim Study 2007H-001, by Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie, was combined with Interim Study 2007H-097, by Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City, on retirement systems. The intent of Murphey's study is to develop statutory language that prohibits the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System, the Uniform Retirement System for Justices and Judges, the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and the retirement plan adopted by the Wildlife Conservation Commission from investing in for-profit business entities or obligations of for-profit business entities organized in a country other than the United States or Canada, when such an entity has entered into transactions with, or entities working on behalf of, the governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the most beneficial possible manner for the funds in question. Hamilton's study proposes divestment of/in Darfur as well as exploring the effects the uninsured and specialty hospitals are having on acute care hospitals' bottom line.
"
Interim Study 2007H-025, by Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa, was combined with Interim Study 2007H-149, by Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs. McCullough's study on worker's compensation will study providing for a dramatic shift in Oklahoma's current system, away from litigation and toward an administrative model as followed by most other states including Texas. It would emphasize medical outcomes, vocational rehabilitation (with an augmented role for CareerTech schools) and would explicitly do away with monetary compensation for injuries in most cases. It could emphasize monetary compensation for getting better and back to work. The study would look at bills from other states to draw a base-line bill. Dorman's study proposed exploring the effects of applying the same standards for claim reporting with insurance companies to worker's compensation insurance.
"
Interim Study 2007H-054, by Rep. Jeff Hickman, R-Dacoma, on the health benefits of the state's retirement systems will explore the state's health care liabilities for retired state employees and how services could be delivered more efficiently and cost effectively.
"
Interim Study 2007H-063, by Rep. Ron Peterson, R-Broken Arrow, will research the pension reforms currently available and those yet to be proposed to determine the best way to stabilize the pension system.
"
Interim Study 2007H-064, by Peterson, on the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board will look at restructuring the state's delivery system for state employee health insurance coverage.
"
Interim Study 2007H-066, by Peterson and Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, will look at current and possible programs and incentives to retain and recruit new talent for the purpose of driving economic growth in Oklahoma.
"
Interim Study 2007H-070, by Reps. Don Armes, R-Faxon, and Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah, will study the practice of allowing Oklahoma racetracks to import full card simulcasts of out-of-state horse races for wagering purposes at Oklahoma racetracks and the resulting effects on revenue generated for purses of horses participating in the live racing programs at Oklahoma racetracks.
"
Interim Study 2007H-087, by Rep. Lucky Lamons, D-Tulsa, will study the possibility of enacting a Right to Repair Act in the state.
"
Interim Study 2007H-109, by Rep. Susan Winchester, R-Chickasha, will look at restructuring the Opportunity Fund.
"
Interim Study 2007H-120, by Peterson, will investigate the requests of the Department of Labor concerning elevator compliance, fee increases, the Sharp program, defining welders and pipe fabricators, jurisdictional fines and asbestos and possible linkage to other state agencies.
"
Interim Study 2007H-121, by Peterson, will examine credit card fees and other chargeable fees placed on merchants.
"
Interim Study 2007H-173, by Rep. Skye McNiel, R-Bristow, and Armes, will study specifying requirements and procedures for licensing of auctioneers.
"
Interim Study 2007H-176, by Winchester, will study the problem and recommend a possible solution to the naked short selling of stock.
Water was the topic du jour for last year's committees on natural resources, which examined the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer, water rights versus property rights and the Eucha-Spavinaw Watershed. This year, the House Natural Resources Committee will explore the following areas:
"
Interim Study 2007H-002, by Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing, on canine breeding will study the unregulated and indiscriminate canine breeding practices in Oklahoma.
"
Interim Study 2007H-005, by Rep. Wallace Collins, D-Norman, was combined with Interim Study 2007H-155, by Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs. Collins' study would look into the conditions of Oklahoma's horse racing tracks and explore the possible usage of "synthetic dirt" for the racing surface. If implemented, it would create a uniform racing surface at each track and give Oklahoma an advantage over the other states, drawing top horses, more horses, increase purse size and state revenue. Dorman's study proposed examining the possibility of courting private investment for a multi-use race track in Oklahoma, including the potential use as a NASCAR circle track.
"
Interim Study 2007H-006, by Rep. Dale DeWitt, R-Braman, on the Oil Seed Commission will look at combining different oil seed producer organizations under a single entity.
"
Interim Study 2007H-007, by DeWitt, will study the consolidation of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Department of Environmental Quality into one entity.
"
Interim Study 2007H-014, by Rep. Paul Roan, D-Tishomingo, was combined with Interim Study 2007H-179, by DeWitt, on the topic of rural fire. Roan's study proposed examining funding for proper equipment for rural volunteer fire departments.
"
Interim Study 2007H-032 and Interim Study 2007H-033, both by Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City, were combined with Interim Study 2007H-126, by Reps. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh, and Don Armes, R-Faxon, on the Oklahoma film and entertainment industry. The study by Jett and Armes proposes exploring and evaluating creative methods for improving and enhancing the film and related entertainment industry in Oklahoma. McDaniel's studies would examine what states, other than California, have been most successful attracting movies, where Oklahoma ranks amongst them with regard to the number of movies, the economic impact and the incentives offered. Another topic of study would be the music industry, specifically investigating what incentives Nashville and other cities offer to attract musicians and where Oklahoma ranks with regard to the economic impact of its music industry.
"
Interim Study 2007H-065, by Rep. Ron Peterson, R-Broken Arrow, will study the effects of consolidating the Department of Mines under the Department of Labor or the Department of Environmental Quality.
"
Interim Study 2007H-069, by Armes, will study Oklahoma's wine and grape growing industry, including an overview into the shipping laws of Oklahoma and other regulatory rules and authority over the grape growers and wine industry.
"
Interim Study 2007H-101, by Reps. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City; DeWitt; and R.C. Pruett, D-Antlers, was combined with Interim Study 2007H-134, requested by the same representatives; Interim Study 2007H-136, by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, R-Tulsa; and Interim Study 2007H-166, by Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs. IS 2007H-101 will study the challenges that economically depressed counties and municipalities face in the development of natural resources. The study will search for feasible solutions in an attempt to improve the standard of life in Oklahoma's most depressed communities. IS 2007H-134 is to examine the water needs of the state. IS 2007H-136 will study ways to streamline or consolidate enforcement functions of state agencies with jurisdiction over water quality. IS 2007H-166 will study the availability of fresh water in rural areas, in Oklahoma in accordance with the Oklahoma Water Resource Board, and examine methods to assist with the accessibility of fresh water.
"
Interim Study 2007H-132, by DeWitt, will look at the setback lines currently determined by law in the Oklahoma Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Act.
"
Interim Study 2007H-135, by Sullivan, will study the current status of poultry waste removal from nutrient-limited watersheds and make recommendations for further actions to be taken.
"
Interim Study 2007H-145, by Dorman, will examine the impact of providing additional tax dollars to the Department of Wildlife to provide for losses related to various free licenses given away by the state.
Last year's education committees studied home schooling, a financial management course, remedial math and science courses, expansion of regional Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics sites, the operations and funding of the Oklahoma Land Commission, teacher pay and tuition increases. During the 2007 interim, the House Education Committee will study the following issues:
"
Interim Study 2007H-003, by Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing, was combined with Interim Study 2007H-177, by Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa. Denney's study will review the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics and the possibility of separating the regional from the residential programs. Peters' proposal will study the Oklahoma School for the Arts.
"
Interim Study 2007H-029, by Reps. Edward Cannaday, D-Porum, and Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville, is on the topic of due process for common education and career and probationary teachersand administrative personnel. The study proposes conducting a comparison with other states on the issue. The role of the courts in the due process procedure in common education would also be examined further. According to the study, Cannaday and Sears said they hope to find ways to improve due process for these employees and school districts in Oklahoma.
"
Interim Study 2007H-030, by Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City, was combined with Interim Study 2007H-061, by Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore, on the possibility of extending the school year. McDaniel's study proposed examining (1) the cost per day extending the school year, excluding salary and benefits, but including utilities to open the schools; (2) extending the school day by one hour, excluding salary and benefits, but including include utilities; and (3) extending the school year or the school day including utilities but excluding salaries and benefits in the calculation.
"
Interim Study 2007H-034, by Jones and Reps. Ann Coody, R-Lawton; Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa; and Todd Thomsen, R-Ada, will examine state mandates that may be repealed to allow schools more flexibility to meet their unique needs.
"
Interim Study 2007H-035, by Jones, will examine teacher shortages in the career and technology education system.
"
Interim Study 2007H-036, by Jones and Rep. Lisa Joe Billy, R-Purcell, will study common education capital improvements, including the possibility of assisting schools with a low ad valorem base to better meet their capital improvement needs.
"
Interim Study 2007H-059, by Rep. Terry Ingmire, R-Stillwater, on higher education was combined with Interim Study 2007H-107, by Reps Terry Hyman, D-Leon; Dale DeWitt, R-Braman; and Phil Richardson, R-Minco, on relationships between higher education institutions and nonprofits. The scope of the study would encompass the financial relationship between the state's colleges and universities and various nonprofits that benefit the university.
"
Interim Study 2007H-141, by Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, will study the impact of and suggest solutions to pay raises given inside the formula to schools with high chargeables.
In 2006, the House committees on judiciary and public safety reviewed protection of mineral rights, real estate abstracts, sanctions for judges, requirements for ballot initiative petitions, training for all-terrain vehicle riders and fire extinguisher regulations. In 2007, the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee is charged with examining the following subjects:
"
Interim Study 2007H-015, by Rep. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa, on the pardon and parole process will investigate taking the governor out of the process.
"
Interim Study 2007H-016, by Tibbs, on re-entry halfway houses will look at how much time is now being required in re-entry halfway houses and how much is recommended.
"
Interim Study 2007H-017, by Tibbs and Rep. Paul Roan, D-Tishomingo, to study sentencing restructuring was combined with Interim Study 2007H-021, by Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa, which was proposed to examine the adoption of a model penal code and the possible elimination of preliminary hearings.
"
Interim Study 2007H-018, by Tibbs, will examine dividing the duties of the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission among other state agencies.
"
Interim Study 2007H-039, by Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow, will study legal reform of government initiated lawsuits, including studying alternatives that would reduce the amount of litigation risk on the government and limit the number of jury trials between property owners and governmental entities when determining just compensation.
"
Interim Study 2007H-051, by Rep. Trebor Worthen, R-Oklahoma City, will examine the current penalties and adjudication process for those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or intoxicating substances. The study would take a global look at (1) the current penalties and process an individual must go through when convicted of DUI/DWI; (2) the range and scope of punishments available for DUI offenders and the use of such penalties by the Court; (3) whether the punishments in current law are consistent with one another; (4) DUI penalties/sentences, drug and alcohol assessment programs and ignition; and (5) whether offenders are complying with the law.
"
Interim Study 2007H-076, by Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, will study long-term care and security for senior adults living in nursing homes. The purpose of this study is to examine the possibility of establishing a single site for persons who are registered sex offenders and/or violent offenders in need of long-term care. According to the study request, the idea is to ensure the safety of vulnerable seniors by removing known sex offenders and violent offenders from community nursing homes and placing them in a single designated facility.
"
Interim Study 2007H-106, by Rep. Danny Morgan, D-Prague, will examine the duplication of enforcement by state agencies in the area of trucking rules and regulations and traffic laws.
"
Interim Study 2007H-123, by Rep. Charles Key, R-Oklahoma City, will study current laws regarding private property rights and eminent domain.
"
Interim Study 2007H-137, by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, R-Tulsa, will study codification of legislative intent, including a viable plan to document and codify legislative intent.
"
Interim Study 2007H-138, by Rep. Ryan McMullen, D-Burns Flat, will study the topic of surface damage compensation due to seismic surveys. It will examine the current level of satisfaction among parties involved in the process of seismic surveys and the mechanisms of other oil and gas producing states in allowing for fair compensation for seismic survey damage. The intent of the study, according to the request, is to create a dialogue to help ensure that Oklahoma's statutes provide for a fair and reasonable framework to protect the rights of property owners yet ensure the swift completion of important seismic survey work.
"
Interim Study 2007H-143, by Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, will review bed space available within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and look at expansion plans for prison facilities and options available for new facilities.
"
Interim Study 2007H-146, by Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, will study repeat driver's license offenses. The study will look at the benefits provided by disallowing waiving fines on second and subsequent offenses related to a driver's license such as failure to carry or driving under a suspended or revoked license.
"
Interim Study 2007H-171, by Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa, will review the assessment and treatment programs for criminals within the Department of Corrections and the Oklahoma criminal justice system to identify the role of forensic counselors, including licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists and other trained behavioral health professionals who are specially trained and certified in the assessment and treatment of disorders related to criminal behavior. The questions to be examined are: Could we improve the criminal justice system and reduce recidivism and victimization through better assessment of inmates prior to release? Could more appropriate targeted counseling for certain populations of inmates result in a reduction in crime? The study will also review the contributions of forensic counselors in treating criminals and their victims and reducing recidivism for crimes involving sexual offenses, domestic violence, child abuse and other violent offenses.
"
Interim Study 2007H-172, by Peters, will examine the role of active global-positioning system monitoring in preventing further acts of domestic violence in cases where a victim's protective order has already been violated and the perpetrator has demonstrated a history of violence. The study will examine the technical usefulness of GPS in saving lives and reducing domestic crime and determine the best legal manner in which to utilize GPS monitoring in conjunction with VPOs to protect intended victims.
"
Interim Study 2007H-181, by Rep. Mike Jackson, R-Enid, will study law enforcement for court-appointed special advocates (CASA), specifically examining how to best protect children through law enforcement for CASA.
Last year, the House General Government and Transportation Committee reviewed the state's bonded indebtedness. During the 2007 interim session, members of the committee will discuss the following matters:
"
Interim Study 2007H-023, by Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa, on turnpikes will commission a study examining the feasibility of removing the tolls completely from Interstate 44. It would include basic data like cars and trucks per day/year and an economic impact study that may demonstrate projects for increased revenues from projected increased use, for example increased sale taxes - not just a drop in toll revenue. The study would also include all available information from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, including how much case reserves they have and the bidding process for the contracts. The study would also compare the toll revenue from all individual turnpikes in reference to the cross-pledge situation. The study should determine to what extent the others could counter-balance the drop in tolls from I-44.
"
Interim Study 2007H-041, by Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City, will examine Oklahoma's current transportation infrastructure and future transportation needs. The study would include an overview of rail, trucking and road conditions, looking at where Oklahoma is now and where it needs to be to meet the needs of Oklahoma residents and attract or spur more economic growth.
"
Interim Study 2007H-056, by Reps. Jeannie McDaniel, D-Tulsa, and Dale Turner, D-Holdenville, will study modifying the powers exercisable by housing authorities The study will evaluate changing 63 O.S. 2001, to allow local, one public housing authority, to build, own, operate and manage public housing and other market rate housing outside of its original jurisdiction. According to the study request, this is an effort to provide affordable housing to areas that do not have the resources to develop these facilities for their residents.
"
Interim Study 2007H-057, by Reps. Charles Joyner, R-Midwest City, and Ken Luttrell, D-Ponca City, will investigate and discuss whether the Department of Labor or the Oklahoma State Department of Health is best suited to provide office space and administrative support to the Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission and recommend which agency the commission should be attached based on its mission.
"
Interim Study 2007H-067, by Rep. Ron Peterson, R-Broken Arrow, will determine pros and cons for issuing new state tags for all registered vehicles in the state of Oklahoma.
"
Interim Study 2007H-113, by Rep. Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City, will examine access to state-operated buildings for people with disabilities, including what state agencies and boards are doing to accommodate employees and visitors with disabilities.
"
InterimStudy 2007H-131, by Reps. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh, and Ryan Kiesel, D-Seminole, will study the acquisition and revitalization of a rail line between McAlester and Shawnee. The study would look at acquisition options such as an outright purchase to exchanging assets. Further, this study would investigate the economic development benefits and opportunities for the communities along the rail line and to the entire state. Finally, the study will look into how the revitalization of this rail line would benefit Oklahoma's national security by connecting military installations in McAlester and Oklahoma City.
"
Interim Study 2007H-133, by Thompson, will examine the Corporation Commission's enforcement of portable weight stations, including the process and procedures for enforcement of portable weight stations. The study will also look at abuses in the system; examine the employment of enforcement officers within the Corporation Commission; and review the financial records of enforcement and the impact on small business and state government.
"
Interim Study 2007H-140, by Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, will study the unreimbursed costs to county jails, including medical costs, as well as ad valorem double homestead exemptions.
Last year's committees on health and human services explored topics such as implementation of a requirement for carbon monoxide alarms, certification of massage therapy, services available for traumatic brain injury patients, workplace drug testing, post traumatic stress disorder, employment for persons with severe disabilities and foster services. This year, the House Human Services Committee will delve into the following subject matters:
"
Interim Study 2007H-049, by Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa, will determine if there are statutory or regulatory barriers preventing private providers from delivering high quality child care.
"
Interim Study 2007H-052, by Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, D-Tulsa, will examine equal access to original birth certificates for adult adoptees. Prior to 1939, all adoptions in Oklahoma were open, according to the study request. McDaniel said she would like to investigate why the state discriminates against this minority - adult adoptees - by not allowing equal access to their own original birth certificates. Only adult adopted persons are precluded from accessing their own personal history. All other individuals are granted their own original birth certificate and court records, upon request. By state statute, the Legislature has made adult adoptees' inquiries inoperative by anticipative action. This is a violation of equal access and discrimination against adult citizens, according to the study request.
"
Interim Study 2007H-058, by Peters, will study and explore methods, strategies and technologies that might be available to lower the cost to the state in delivering human services.
"
Interim Study 2007H-074, by Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, will review the mission statement of the Office of Handicap Concerns to ensure Oklahomans with disabilities are receiving the state services they are eligible to receive.
"
Interim Study 2007H-077, by Steele, will explore the value and/or benefit of entering into some kind of public/private partnership with mentoring programs - such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters - to better meet the needs of children living in Oklahoma.
"
Interim Study 2007H-078, by Steele, will determine the feasibility of restructuring the Department of Human Services to include a Department of Aging. The study would include a look at the fiscal impact and the pros and cons of restructuring state government to include a Department of Aging to meet the needs of Oklahoma's aging Baby Boomer population.
"
Interim Study 2007H-108, by Rep. Susan Winchester, R-Chickasha, was combined with Interim Study 2007H-125, by Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, both of which proposed studying the funding levels for youth services.
"
Interim Study 2007H-110, by Winchester, will examine and discuss the need for an updated interstate compact on the placement of children, to review potential language of a new compact and to develop a greater understanding of Oklahoma's participation in interstate compacts.
"
Interim Study 2007H-111, by Winchester, will examine the application and review process, criteria, training and compensation of foster care parents in Oklahoma.
"
Interim Study 2007H-122, by Rep. Ron Peterson, R-Broken Arrow, will analyze a new pilot program that uses finger imaging and Biometrics to eliminate and/or decrease Medicaid fraud.
"
Interim Study 2007H-128, by Reps. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh, and Lisa Joe Billy, R-Purcell, will examine and explore achievable synergies in the areas of policy and economic development in tribal state government-to-government cooperation.
"
Interim Study 2007H-180, by Peters, will study reforming Department of Human Services' procedures for notifying parents of DHS' concerns about certain child care centers. The study will focus on the procedures followed that led up to the recent death of Joshua Minton in a Tulsa child care center. Questions to be considered include: Why wasn't the facility closed sooner? Why weren't earlier confirmations of abuse reported? The study will also examine DHS' proposed online reporting of child center complaints. Discussion will include what information should be posted online and the time delay in posting. The study will also identify any state laws that may need to be changed to ensure that notifications are given as quickly as possible.
The Public Health Committee will look at the following issues:
"
Interim Study 2007H-050, by Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing, will study Oklahoma's pandemic influenza preparedness, including the use of antiviral medications and vaccines.
"
Interim Study 2007H-081, by Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove, will look at (1) amending the assignment of benefits exclusion found in 36 OS 6055 (E); (2) the duplicate application of out of network deductibles as found in 36 OS 6055 (B)(2)(a); and (3) the denial of insurance payments to nurse practitioners working under off site physician supervisor. 1. 36 OS 6055 (E) provides for an exemption of the assignment found in Section D. The assignment of benefits allows an insured to assign their insurance benefits to a practitioner providing treatment. This allows the practitioner to be paid directly by the insurer. If this is not granted, the insurer pays the insured directly. This often results in the practitioner not getting paid. This is often done when the practitioner is not an in network practitioner. 2. The second issue is the practice known as stacking of deductibles. 36 OS 6055 (B)(2)(a) states that an out of network deductible for a non preferred provider shall not be greater than three times that of an in network provider. With the practice of stacking, insurers are applying deductibles separately and requiring an in-network deductible and an out-of-network deductible that is three times the amount of the in network deductible, according to the study request. This practice requires apatient to meet the requirements of two separate and distinct deductibles, which Cox indicated is contrary to the intent of the Healthcare Freedom of Choice Act.
"
Interim Study 2007H-099, by Cox and Rep. Wes Hilliard, D-Sulphur, will study Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) Transparency. According to the study request, PBMs are the largely unregulated drug middlemen that administer the prescription drug benefit portion of health insurance plans for private companies, unions and governments. Some of the common transparency issues that need to be addressed in the interim study include: plan sponsors and patients who may not be receiving all rebates due them from a PBM; plan sponsors who should demand very precise definitions of rebates; spread pricing; the PBM-owned mail order pharmacy; the calculation of average wholesale price to clients and actual payments to pharmacies may be different; and PBM drug formularies that may be too restrictive for patients.
Members of the 2006 House Energy and Utility Regulations Committee studied natural gas seepage as it related to problems in northeast Oklahoma. This year's Energy and Technology Committee will explore the following topics:
"
Interim Study 2007H-060, by Rep. Mike Jackson, R-Enid, will study the state's air transportation system and aerospace industry to specifically examine how the state funds its air transportation system, centers for aerospace supplier quality and excellence and generally examine how to foster growth of the aerospace industry.
"
Interim Study 2007H-085, by Reps. Terry Harrison and Brian Renegar, both D-McAlester, will study the topic of natural gas disconnect/termination of service. In March 2007, natural gas service to 250-plus residences in House Districts 17 and 18 was terminated without notice, according to the study request. Some weeks later, service was restored to 70 percent of the homes, but other homes have not been reconnected to natural gas service. The study will seek a solution to any loopholes in policy or statute in an effort to keep this type of outage from happening to any other Oklahoma households.
"
Interim Study 2007H-100, by Reps. Doug Cox, R-Groove and Dennis Adkins, R-Tulsa, will examine the current and future cost of electricity generated by coal, natural gas and hydro. The study will also examine the feasibility of building a nuclear plant in Oklahoma including the cost, economic impact and risks.
"
Interim Study 2007H-175, by Adkins, on energy sources will examine energy emissions and study clean fuel alternatives.
"
Interim Study 2007H-178, by Adkins, will study municipalities, utilities and annexation.
The House Rules Committee will consider the following studies:
Interim Study 2007H-071, by Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond, will study the feasibility of moving the Legislature's organization day to coincide with swearing-in day.
"
Interim Study 2007H-127, by Rep. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh, will evaluate the state Constitution for possible revision.
"
Interim Study 2007H-130, by Jett, on telecommunications and wireless technology will examine the infrastructure needs and explore new technologies available for expanding Oklahoma's statewide connectivity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
©2006 Oklahoma Publishing Today. All rights reserved.