OK HB2997

State agencies may establish education and training programs for positions critical to their missions and contract with accredited Oklahoma institutions to provide the training.

Employees must achieve "meets" or "exceeds" standards on their performance evaluation and meet standards established in rules to be eligible for state-funded education and training.

Participating employees must execute a promissory note requiring repayment through continued employment, with the debt reduced at $13.00 per calendar day beginning the first day after graduation.

If an employee leaves agency employment for any reason, the full remaining obligation becomes immediately due; however, the repayment requirement does not apply to persons who volunteer or are drafted into active military service.

Agencies may pay for employees to maintain licenses and certifications essential to their mission, with the same promissory note repayment terms applying.

The act becomes effective November 1, 2016.