HB2296 Summary

• Establishes the Oklahoma Freedom Trail Act to recognize, document, and mark historical sites associated with African-American freedom and civil rights history in Oklahoma

• Designates the Oklahoma Historical Society as lead administrator, with cooperation from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and Department of Transportation for planning, marketing, and marker placement

• Creates a distinctive marker system to be placed along highways highlighting selected historical sites, with the Department of Transportation responsible for placement and maintenance using existing funds

• Allows Oklahoma taxpayers to voluntarily donate their state income tax refunds to support the Freedom Trail, with donations deposited into the Historical Society Revolving Fund

• Implementation is contingent upon funding availability; bill becomes effective November 1, 2013