SB1536 Summary

• Consolidates the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, and Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission into a single Department of Economic Development and Tourism effective July 1, 2016.

• The Executive Director of the Department of Commerce assumes all executive-level responsibilities and powers as director for all three consolidated agencies.

• Transfers all funds, personnel, functions, powers, duties, and obligations from the three separate agencies to the new unified Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

• All existing rules, regulations, and decisions of the consolidated agencies remain in force until modified or abrogated by the appropriate body or by law.

• References throughout Oklahoma statutes to the former agencies (Department of Commerce, Tourism and Recreation Department/Commission, and related predecessor entities) are replaced with references to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.