HB1076 Summary

• Creates the "Oklahoma Cedar Control Project" program allowing the Department of Corrections to employ selected inmates in work release programs to harvest Eastern Red Cedar and other invasive cedar species on public and private lands.

• Requires successful program participation to earn inmates access to specific future educational and training certifications, with completion expected before parole or release.

• Establishes the "Hope for Tomorrow Revolving Fund" in the State Treasury to receive donations for reimbursement of harvesting, classroom, and tuition expenses related to inmate education and training in the program.

• Limits cedar removal on public lands to areas where trees pose threats to water supplies, rivers, streams, or present fire hazards; restricts removal methods to mechanical means only.

• Requires county commissioners, municipalities, state agencies, and private landowners requesting inmate labor for cedar removal to reimburse the Department of Corrections for all related costs under the Prisoners Public Works Act.

• Effective November 1, 2015.