Title 74, Sections 665-669
of the
Oklahoma Statutes

§74-665

In furtherance of its obligation to advance the general welfare of the state, the Legislature is cognizant of its duty to give all citizens their opportunities to reach their full potential. Therefore, the Legislature declares its intent that any inhibiting conditions caused by any factors which impede the ability of an individual to reach the full potential of that individual are matters of public concern.

§74-666

There is hereby created the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women. The Commission shall consist of thirty (30) members. No later than August 1, 1994, the members shall be appointed as follows: two members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term ending June 30, 1995; two members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term ending June 30, 1996; two members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term ending June 30, 1997; two members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term ending June 30, 1998; and two members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term ending June 30, 1999. As the terms of office of such appointees expire, their successors shall be appointed by the appropriate appointing authority for a term of five (5) years. In making such appointments to the Commission, consideration shall be given to making the membership broadly representative of the geographic areas of the state and the several racial, religious and ethnic groups residing in the state. Each member shall hold office until the successor of the member is appointed and has qualified. A member of the Commission may be removed by the appropriate appointing authority for cause. A member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of a term of a member separated from the Commission for any cause shall be appointed for the remainder of the term of the member whose office has been so vacated. Members of the Commission shall receive no salary, but shall be entitled to travel reimbursement as provided by the State Travel Reimbursement Act, Section 500.1 et seq. of this title, from funds available to the appropriate appointing authority.

§74-667

Initially, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall name the chair of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall name the vice-chair. Any other officers deemed necessary shall be elected from among the members at the first meeting of the Commission. Thereafter, at the first meeting of each fiscal year, the Commission shall elect a chair, a vice-chair and such other officers deemed necessary to conduct the business of the Commission from among its members. The Commission shall meet at least once every three (3) months and at such other times as called by the chair or by a majority of the Commission.

§74-668

Repealed by Laws 2002, HB 2473, c. 491, § 7, emerg. eff. July 1, 2002.

 §74-669

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women shall have the power and the duty to:

1. Act as an advisory entity on equity issues relating to gender bias not only to state agencies and employees, but to communities, organizations and businesses of this state which desire the services of the Commission;

2. Act as a monitor on legislation as to whether the legislation is discriminatory toward one gender or the other or whether the gender of an individual would have an effect on the enforcement of the legislation;

3. Act as a resource and a clearinghouse for research on issues related to women and gender bias;

4. Conduct meetings and seminars within the state as appropriate to support the goals and duties of the Commission; and

5. Make an annual report to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of its activities under this act. Such recommendations may include recommendations concerning needed legislation or regulatory changes relating to equity and gender bias.

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