SB 228 - Quality Workforce for Oklahoma's Heroes Act

• Authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to establish education and training programs for positions critical to veteran care at Department institutions, effective November 1, 2013.

• Allows the Department to contract with accredited institutions and use departmental funds to pay salaries, tuition, and subsistence for employees participating in training programs while maintaining work status.

• Eligible employees must have achieved "meets" or "exceeds" standards on performance evaluations and meet criteria established by rules, and must execute a promissory note agreeing to repay training expenses through continued employment.

• Loan repayment obligation reduces at $13.00 per calendar day beginning the first day after program graduation; full amount becomes due if employee leaves Department employment.

• Exempts employees who volunteer or are drafted into active military service from loan repayment obligations; Department may pursue legal action for breach including restitution, interest, costs, and attorney fees.