HB 1922 Summary

• Board of Commissioners of the Scenic Rivers Commission gains authority to bring injunctions in district court, initiate administrative and criminal actions, and hear appeals from hearing examiners in administrative matters.

• Knowingly making false statements, representations, or certifications to the Scenic Rivers Commission becomes a violation of the Scenic Rivers Act.

• Board of Commissioners may assess administrative penalties of $50 to $500 per violation after notice and hearing under the Administrative Procedures Act, with each day a violation continues constituting a separate violation.

• Board may appoint administrative law judges or hearing officers to conduct hearings in the region where the violation occurred or at Commission headquarters in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

• Administrator may issue emergency orders without notice or hearing when necessary to protect public health, welfare, or environment; persons may request a hearing within 15 days with Board decision within 10 days of request.

• All penalties, fees, fines, and collected monies go to the Scenic Rivers Commission Revolving Fund for general operations and public access area purchases.