Committee advances bill restoring authority to Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Board

A legislative committee advanced HB 1327 on a 3–1 vote, restoring full authority to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Board and specifying member qualifications, the committee was told.

Representative Doc Newton, the bill’s sponsor, said, “1327 restores the full authority to the Oklahoma Tourism Recreation Board,” and described listed qualifications including hospitality management, venue management, tourism promotion, real estate development and outdoor experience. He told members the board would be eight members and require five members for a quorum while preserving the governor’s ability to choose the chair, vice chair and secretary of the board.

The sponsor said the change would give appointees “better input” and background knowledge to help pick the next director of the tourism and recreation department. Representative King McCain asked for clarification of the rationale; Representative Newton said members appointed to the board would have experience relevant to tourism operations and department oversight.

After brief questions, the chair called for a motion and the committee voted; staff announced “3 aye, 1 nay,” and the chair declared the bill passed in committee.

The committee record does not specify next steps beyond committee passage.