1. A. There is hereby created until December 31, 2007, the Oklahoma Task Force on Hunger. The task force shall consider, but not be limited to, making recommendations about the following:

   1. 1. Strategies for coordinating services among federal, state, faith-based and nonprofit organizations;
   2. 2. Strategies for extending existing programs and outreach efforts to serve more people;
   3. 3. Strategies to involve schools to identify and improve students’ access to sufficient and nutritious food;
   4. 4. Strategies to connect eligible hungry people with existing programs;
   5. 5. Recommendations for provider accountability;
   6. 6. Recommendations for funding sources to implement the recommendations; and
   7. 7. Recommendations for legislation to implement the findings of the task force.

2. B. The task force shall be composed of fifteen (15) members as follows:

   1. 1. The Secretary of Health or a designee;
   2. 2. The Director of the Department of Human Services or a designee;
   3. 3. The Commissioner of Health or a designee;
   4. 4. The Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or designee;
   5. 5. The Director of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority or a designee;
   6. 6. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction or a designee;
   7. 7. One member appointed by the Governor from a list submitted by a nonprofit regional food bank organization representing central and western Oklahoma;
   8. 8. One member appointed by the Governor from a list submitted by a nonprofit regional food bank organization representing eastern Oklahoma;
   9. 9. One member appointed by the Governor from a list submitted by a statewide organization of child advocates;
   10. 10. Two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate representing faith-based organizations involved in hunger programs;
   11. 11. One member appointed by the President Pro Tempore from a list submitted by a comprehensive antipoverty agency whose mission is to help families in need achieve self-sufficiency;
   12. 12. One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives from a list submitted by a statewide organization representing senior citizens;
   13. 13. One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives from a list submitted by a nonprofit educational organization that assists in developing sustainable food and farming systems; and
   14. 14. One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives from a list submitted by a nonprofit organization committed to effective solutions and key policies which affect hunger and poverty.
3. C. The members of the task force shall select a chair and vice-chair from among its membership. A quorum of the task force shall be required in order for any final action of the task force.
4. D. The task force may meet as often as may be required in order to perform the duties imposed upon it.
5. E. The meetings of the task force shall be subject to the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act.
6. F. Members of the task force shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties by their respective agency pursuant to the provisions of the State Travel Reimbursement Act. Members appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be reimbursed by the Department of Human Services pursuant to the provisions of the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
7. G. Staff support for the task force shall be provided by the Department of Human Services.
8. H. The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate by December 31, 2007.

Added by Laws 2007, SB 499, c. 95, § 1, emerg. eff. July 1, 2007.