House Bill No. 1376 amends Section 5060.26 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence (OAME). The bill modifies the composition of the board of directors, increasing the number of representatives from small and medium-sized manufacturing firms from five to nine, while also including four representatives from large corporations. Additionally, the bill specifies that the board will include ex officio members from various state entities, including the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, among others. The changes aim to enhance the representation and governance structure of OAME to better support small and medium-sized manufacturing firms, particularly those owned by minorities.

The bill also outlines the powers and responsibilities of OAME, emphasizing its role in assisting manufacturing firms through education, technology transfer, and other means to improve their competitiveness. It allows for the establishment of various membership classes and the authority to set membership dues, while ensuring that no state entity will be required to pay dues. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.