Enrolled Senate Bill No. 1970 Summary

• Creates the Oklahoma Veterans Commission as an administrative body for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, a cabinet-level department, replacing references to the Soldiers Relief Commission.

• Changes commission membership from varying numbers appointed by different veterans organizations to nine total members, with at least eight being honorably discharged veterans, including specific requirements for Vietnam Conflict and Persian Gulf War veterans.

• Modifies the appointment process to require one representative each from American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and National Guard Association of Oklahoma, with three additional at-large appointments by the Governor with Senate advice and consent.

• Establishes staggered implementation timeline with representatives from American Legion and Paralyzed Veterans taking office by July 1, 2015; Veterans of Foreign Wars and Purple Heart by July 1, 2016; and Disabled American Veterans and National Guard by July 1, 2017.

• Updates commission duties language and sets vacancy procedures requiring the represented organization to submit five names for the Governor's selection, with effective date of November 1, 2014.