OK SB595

Secretary of Transportation directed to complete feasibility study of alternative highway advertising programs used in other states, such as Georgia, involving private business advertisements on toll booths, highway signs, and electronic message boards.

Study goals include reducing Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority in-house costs and generating additional revenue without raising taxes, with emphasis on transparency and strict regulatory oversight including open competitive bidding.

Secretary may appoint a working group of interested stakeholders and utilize staff assistance to conduct the feasibility study.

Secretary must complete study and distribute report to Governor, President Pro Tempore of Senate, and Speaker of House of Representatives by December 1, 2011.

Emergency clause declared to make act effective immediately upon passage and approval.