House Bill No. 2769 introduces significant amendments to the Oklahoma Statutes concerning the Oklahoma Military Department and the responsibilities of the Adjutant General. Key changes include new eligibility requirements for the Adjutant General, mandating that the individual must be a colonel or higher in the Oklahoma National Guard with a minimum of eight years of service. The bill also establishes a compensation guideline that aligns the Adjutant General's pay with that of a Major General on federal active duty, irrespective of their federal recognition at the time of appointment. Additional authorities granted to the Adjutant General include the ability to arm state military members, accept donations for National Guard programs, and oversee fire protection and police units. The bill further modernizes military operations by exempting federal programs from certain Information Services Division requirements and creating the Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Program, which provides tuition assistance to eligible members.

Moreover, the bill revises laws related to nonjudicial punishment within the state military forces, clarifying the roles of commanding officers and establishing a structured appeals process for members facing punishment. It prohibits rank reduction for E-8 or E-9 members unless imposed by a Brigadier General or the Adjutant General and allows colonels to consider rank reduction for E-7 or below. The bill also addresses drug use, specifically prohibiting the use of marijuana by military personnel, and outlines offenses related to domestic violence, ensuring alignment with federal regulations through the incorporation of the Manual for Courts-Martial. Additionally, it creates the Oklahoma National Guard Supplemental Retirement Pay Revolving Fund and establishes criteria for transferring educational assistance entitlements to dependents, with specific service requirements and limitations on the number of months that can be transferred. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
House Committee Substitute: 44-940b
Floor (House): 44-940b
Engrossed: 44-940B
Enrolled (final version): 44-940B