Oklahoma Capitol briefs
NewsOK
Published: May 4, 2011
The House defeated a bill Wednesday that would have allowed a pilot community service program backed by an Oklahoma County commissioner to be expanded in the state's two largest counties. Opponents said they were concerned that House Bill 1283 would allow Tulsa and Oklahoma counties to use money from the county road fund to pay for the program, which originally was created to divert nonviolent offenders into community service.
Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan worked with school leaders to develop SHINE for Students, which has resulted in students cleaning up litter, clearing brush, painting over graffiti and making Oklahoma City neighborhoods more livable. High school and college students enlisted in the program commit to giving at least 100 hours of community service before graduation, to any worthy effort, including service to local nonprofit organizations.
Once their service is certified, the students will receive a certificate and the right to wear a red, white and blue cord on their graduation gowns. Rep. Randy Grau, R-Edmond, who worked for Oklahoma County Commissioner Ray Vaughn before being elected a legislator last year, said the program has merit. But he said the money for the program should not come from money earmarked for road and bridge projects and maintenance.
Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, said diverting money from the county road fund would violate the state constitution. HB 1283 failed by a vote of 48-41; it needed at least 51 votes to pass in the 101-member House. Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, the author of the measure, used a parliamentary procedure to keep control of the bill. He said he may ask to bring it up again on the House floor.
MICHAEL MCNUTT, CAPITOL BUREAU
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Wed, May 4, 2011
by John Cox