Beginning November 1, 2013, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to establish education and training programs for positions critical to the quality care of veterans residing within Department institutions. The Department may contract with accredited institutions necessary to provide this education and training. Funds of the Department or its institutions may be used to pay salaries or tuition and subsistence for employees in these training programs, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2 of this section. Employees may be in work status while engaging in training and education programs provided for in this section.

1. An employee of the Department, who has achieved a "meets" or "exceeds" standards on his or her performance evaluation and meets the standards as established in rules promulgated pursuant to this act, shall be eligible for additional education and/or training provided by the Department.

2. An employee of the Department who participates in the education and training program outlined in this act shall execute a promissory note for expenses payable to the Department whereby the employee promises to repay the note by remaining in employment with the Department. The duration of the loan repayment will correspond with the program in which the employee participated as set forth in rules promulgated for the implementation of this act.

a.The amount due pursuant to this act shall be reduced at a rate of Thirteen Dollars ($13.00) per calendar day beginning the first day after graduation from the education or training program. If for any reason the employee leaves the employment of the Department, the obligation will be considered due.

b.Violation of the provisions of the terms of the promissory note for training expenses entered into pursuant to this section shall give rise to a cause of action and suit may be commenced by the Department for and on behalf of the State of Oklahoma for restitution of any and all sums plus interest at the statutory rate, costs, and reasonable attorney fees. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons who volunteer or are drafted into active military service subsequent to receiving training at state expense.

Added by Laws 2013, c. 211, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2013.