HB 2959 Summary: Oklahoma-A STEM State of Mind Act

• Creates a 16-member Oklahoma STEM Advisory Committee with representatives appointed by the Governor (4 members), President Pro Tempore of the Senate (6 members), and Speaker of the House (6 members) from education, business, and industry sectors.

• Committee must establish criteria by October 1, 2014, for designating communities and regions as official STEM communities/regions based on local commissions involving educators, business leaders, and government officials.

• Advisory committee duties include studying STEM education and training promotion, addressing workforce shortages in five major economic sectors (advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology centers, universities, and K-12 education), and making recommendations for improvements.

• Committee members serve at the pleasure of their appointing authorities, with travel reimbursement provided by respective appointing authorities under the State Travel Reimbursement Act.

• Committee terminates December 31, 2016; act becomes effective July 1, 2014, with emergency clause for immediate implementation.