A. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission is encouraged to explore the potential benefits of not-for-profit foundations for support of state parks. Such support from a not-for-profit foundation shall not substitute for the obligation of the state to support the natural resources infrastructure of the state, but shall serve only as a supplement to state funding and as a means to further assist the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department in preserving the natural resources and historical, educational, and cultural facilities of significance in the state.

B. There is hereby authorized the establishment of a not-for-profit state park foundation for the purpose of encouraging contributions by private individuals, companies, foundations, corporations, and others in the private and public sectors. Contributions shall be utilized for the support, preservation, and development of state park properties. This support, preservation, and development shall include, but is not limited to, preservation of historic facilities, development of educational and interpretive programs, materials, and other means of support.

C. As used in this section, a “state park foundation” means any company, trust, corporation, or association:

1. That solicits money or property in the name of any state park under the jurisdiction of the Commission; and

2. Which is exempt from federal income taxes.

D. The Commission may refuse to accept any grant, award, or donation of real or personal property offered by or through a state park foundation.

E. No employee of the Department shall be a voting member of a state park foundation board. Members of the Commission may serve on the board of a state park foundation, but shall not constitute a majority of the members of the board of the foundation. No member of the Commission serving on the board or an employee of the Department serving as an ex officio member of the board shall be compensated by the foundation for service as a member of the foundation board.

F. A state park foundation created pursuant to this section shall not be an entity of state government. No state funds shall be deposited in any account owned or controlled by a state park foundation.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 363, § 26, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.