ENROLLED SENATE
BILL NO. 1056	By:	Simpson of the Senate

			and

		Ownbey and Cannaday of the House

An Act relating to technology center schools; amending 70 O.S. 2011, Section 14-103.3, which relates to rural development pilot program; allowing certain programs to increase the number of students seeking industry certification; permitting technology center boards to adopt certain policy; deeming certain funds public purpose; providing certain funds shall be expended to cover direct cost of obtaining certain certification or licenses; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

SUBJECT:  Industry certification and licensure

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION 1.     AMENDATORY     70 O.S. 2011, Section 14-103.3, is amended to read as follows:

Section 14-103.3.  A.  Subject to the availability of funds appropriated specifically for this purpose, the State Board of Career and Technology Education shall implement a pilot program at technology center schools, the purpose of which is to provide services and training to help rural businesses expand.  The purpose of the pilot program is to provide tuition grants and offer economic development, marketing and technology access services to qualifying rural businesses and communities as determined by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

B.  A pilot program may be established at technology center school districts to increase the number of students taking industry certification examinations and obtaining trade-specific industry certifications and licenses.  The local technology center board may establish board policy suitable for their district.  The expenditure of public funds for this purpose shall be deemed a public purpose and the funds expended shall be an authorized expenditure of general funds from the technology center school districts to cover the direct costs of trade-specific industry certification examinations and licenses related to the program of study.

SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective July 1, 2012.

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 12th day of March, 2012.

	
	Presiding Officer of the Senate

Passed the House of Representatives the 16th day of April, 2012.

	
	Presiding Officer of the House
	of Representatives