1. A.

   1. 1. The State of Oklahoma shall contain one boll weevil eradication district to be known as the Oklahoma Boll Weevil Eradication Organization for the purpose of eradicating boll weevils as an agency of the State of Oklahoma. The Organization may enter into agreements with other state agencies, other states, the United States of America and any other entity or party as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the Boll Weevil Eradication Act.
   2. 2. The Organization shall be, and is hereby declared to be, a governmental agency of the State of Oklahoma, body politic and corporate, with powers of government and with the authority to exercise the rights, privileges and functions specified by the Boll Weevil Eradication Act.
2. B. Every person who is a cotton grower in this state is subject to the provisions of the Boll Weevil Eradication Act; however, only eligible cotton growers may vote in the elections provided for by the Boll Weevil Eradication Act.

3. C.

   1. 1. The Organization's initial board shall be composed of four (4) members. Three members shall be cotton growers from this state who are selected by the Governor from a list of six persons submitted by the Oklahoma Cotton Improvement Association for purposes of appointment to the initial board. The fourth member, appointed by the Governor, shall be a representative of state government from this state. The initial board shall serve only until a board of directors is elected pursuant to Section 3-50.6 of this title.

   2. 2. The primary function of the initial board is to:

      1. a. fairly and equitably establish five election districts,
      2. b. conduct the election of the first board of directors of the Organization,
      3. c. establish written procedures for the due and orderly administration of the affairs of the initial board and for its responsibilities specified pursuant to the provisions of the Boll Weevil Eradication Act,
      4. d. advise, consult and cooperate with agencies of this state and political subdivisions thereof, other states, the federal government and with affected groups,
      5. e. collect and disseminate information relating to boll weevil eradication,
      6. f. hold public hearings regarding the establishment of election districts, and
      7. g. facilitate the expeditious transfer of authority to the elected board of directors.
   3. 3. In creating election districts the initial board shall utilize geographic areas balanced by cotton production density as the primary factor.

Added by Laws 1993, HB 1198, c. 198, § 5, eff. September 1, 1993; Amended by Laws 1997, HB 1882, c. 381, § 1, emerg. eff. July 1, 1997 (superseded document available); Amended by Laws 1998, HB 2487, c. 253, § 1, emerg. eff. July 1, 1998 (superseded document available); Amended by Laws 2000, HB 2567, c. 231, § 1, emerg. eff. May 24, 2000 (superseded document available).