Oklahoma § 74-846 - One-year commitment of service for positions critical to

§ 74-846. One-year commitment of service for positions critical to

public safety.

A. Beginning November 1, 2019, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol

Division of the Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma State

Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections

are authorized to establish a program requiring a one (1) year

commitment of service from individuals who are being trained for

positions critical to the safety of the public. Funds of the

agencies may be used to pay salaries or tuition and subsistence for

employees in these training programs, pursuant to the provisions of

subsection C of this section. Employees may be in work status while

engaging in training and education programs provided for in this

section.

B. Employees training for positions critical to the safety of

the public shall be eligible to execute a promissory note for

training expenses payable to the agency whereby the employee

promises to repay the note by remaining in employment with the

agency for at least one (1) year. 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 section.

C. The amount due pursuant to this section 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.

D. 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 agencies 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, who are drafted into

active military service subsequent to receiving training at state

expense or who have been terminated prior to the obligation being

fulfilled.

E. The agencies may pay fees for employees to maintain licenses

and certification required to provide services essential to the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 74. State Government

mission of the agencies. The agencies may require repayment of such

fees pursuant to subsection C of this section.

F. The Commissioner of Public Safety, the Oklahoma State Bureau

of Investigation Commission and the State Board of Corrections shall

promulgate rules pursuant to the implementations of this section.

Added by Laws 2019, c. 256, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2019.