A. Beginning November 1, 2019, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections are authorized to establish a program requiring a one (1) year commitment of service from individuals who are being trained for positions critical to the safety of the public. Funds of the agencies may be used to pay salaries or tuition and subsistence for employees in these training programs, pursuant to the provisions of subsection C of this section. Employees may be in work status while engaging in training and education programs provided for in this section.
B. Employees training for positions critical to the safety of the public shall be eligible to execute a promissory note for training expenses payable to the agency whereby the employee promises to repay the note by remaining in employment with the agency for at least one (1) year. The duration of the loan repayment will correspond with the program in which the employee participated as set forth in rules promulgated for the implementation of this section.
C. The amount due pursuant to this section shall be reduced at a rate of Thirteen Dollars ($13.00) per calendar day beginning the first day after graduation from the education or training program. If for any reason the employee leaves the employment of the Department, the obligation will be considered due.
D. Violation of the provisions of the terms of the promissory note for training expenses entered into pursuant to this section shall give rise to a cause of action and suit may be commenced by the agencies for and on behalf of the State of Oklahoma for restitution of any and all sums plus interest at the statutory rate, costs and reasonable attorney fees. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons who volunteer, who are drafted into active military service subsequent to receiving training at state expense or who have been terminated prior to the obligation being fulfilled.
E. The agencies may pay fees for employees to maintain licenses and certification required to provide services essential to the mission of the agencies. The agencies may require repayment of such fees pursuant to subsection C of this section.
F. The Commissioner of Public Safety, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Commission and the State Board of Corrections shall promulgate rules pursuant to the implementations of this section.
Added by Laws 2019, c. 256, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2019.