Small changes...big differences, spring 2013, v.13 no.2

              Oklahoma 			 ABLE Tech
Volume 13, Issue 2
Spring 2013
Assistive Technology
Small Changes...Big Differences
Spring 2013 Legislative Update
February 2013 kicked off the First Session of the
54th Oklahoma Legislature and with it came many bills
that will impact people with disabilities, state agencies
that serve them and state employees. With the
dreaded sequester now in place, and for all practical
purposes remaining with us in the foreseeable future,
everyone is concerned and watching to see what will
happen on the legislative front.
Disability legislation of interest:
HB-1264 would extend the termination date
of Rethinking Special Education, Competency and
Transition Task Force until May 31, 2014. This bill
passed during the previous legislative session by Rep.
Nelson was intended to provide a comprehensive
study of current Special Education services and
practices in our state and could potentially have great
impact on these going forward. The bill passed the
House 93-3. The bill has cleared the Senate Education
Committee and is ready for a Senate vote.
HB-1555 titled the Steve Stokes Act would
assure the $500 maximum fine for violations of
disability parking. It provides that all municipalities,
with authority, to establish and pass ordinances
implementing the provisions of state law related
to disabled parking. Additionally, the bill requires
that 20% of fines collected be transmitted to the
Department of Public Safety. An amendment has
been offered to raise this to 25%. The bill passed in the
House and has moved to the Senate for consideration.
HB-1612 would provide a tax refund check-off
for Hearts of Hearing, an organization that sponsors
cochlear implants for children with hearing loss. The
bill passed in the House and has moved to the Senate
for consideration.
SB-251 provides that with regard to the End of
Instruction tests required for high school graduation
at both the School for the Blind and the School for
the Deaf, reasonable accommodation determinations
for students, who have individualized education
programs or Section 504 plans, would be made by the
superintendent of the applicable school. A committee
substitute removed the language in the original bill
and provides instead that OSB and OSD may order
and administer tests and receive student test results
for the EOI tests. This bill has passed in both houses
and has been signed into laws by the Governor.
Written by Linda Jaco, Director of Sponsored
Programs, with legislative information provided by
Jean Jones in the DRS Legislative Update.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech Director,
Linda Jaco, will visit Capitol
Hill in May to promote the
good work of several programs
serving Oklahomans.
Congratulations!
to Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Director
Linda Jaco
for receiving the
Oklahoma State University
President’s Leadership & Service Recognition
Outstanding Staff of the Year award