SB1425 Summary

• Directs the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management to develop legislative recommendations for a statewide program allowing residents to burn vegetative debris onsite on private property following a gubernatorial declaration of emergency or disaster due to natural disaster.

• Requires consultation with nine state agencies and organizations including the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Agriculture, State Fire Marshal, Oklahoma Municipal League, and Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma.

• Program guidelines must allow affected residents to burn vegetative material onsite, permit counties or municipalities to opt out through local action, and establish annual program reviews by the Department of Emergency Management.

• Mandates submission of legislative recommendations to the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 1, 2012.

• Intended to reduce costs to private property owners and taxpayers while expediting debris removal operations following natural disasters by incorporating best practices and safety guidelines.