Senate Bill No. 1040 amends the existing law regarding the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. The bill re-creates the Board, which will continue until July 1, 2025, and modifies the appointment process for its seven members. Specifically, it removes the previous requirement for the Governor to appoint members from specific lists provided by various organizations, allowing instead for the Governor to consider recommendations from a broader range of groups, including statewide organizations representing alcohol and drug counselors and individuals in recovery.

Additionally, the bill maintains the requirement that the Board consists of six members who are certified alcohol and drug counselors, with five needing to be licensed at the time of appointment, and one representing the general public. The terms of the Board members are set to five years, with initial appointments staggered for three, four, and five-year terms. The bill also outlines the reasons for which Board members may be removed and stipulates that they will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for travel expenses. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-1873
Floor (Senate): 59-1873