A. The Risk Management Administrator, pursuant to the provisions of this section and Section 85.34 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, may obtain or provide insurance coverage for any vehicle used by any entity specified in subsection B of this section for transportation services for elderly and/or handicapped persons. The Risk Management Administrator is authorized to determine eligibility criteria for participation in the Risk Management Program by such transportation services. In addition, the Risk Management Administrator is authorized to establish equipment and safety standards for the vehicles to be covered by the Risk Management Program.

B. The Risk Management Administrator may obtain or provide the insurance coverage authorized by subsection A of this section for:

1. Counties;

2. Municipalities;

3. Community action agencies designated pursuant to Sections 5035 through 5040 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

4. Any charitable corporation formed for the purpose of providing either a volunteer or full-time fire department, established pursuant to Section 592 of Title 18 of the Oklahoma Statutes, furnishing transportation for elderly and handicapped persons; and

5. Any vehicle owned and operated by a nonprofit organization that pursuant to contract with the state or a political subdivision of the state provides older persons transportation to and from medical, dental and religious services and relief from business and social isolation.

C. The governing authorities of such transportation services for elderly and handicapped persons shall be required to make payments for such insurance coverage as provided by Section 85.37 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

D. Requests for the insurance coverage provided pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be submitted in writing to the Risk Management Administrator by the transportation services for elderly and handicapped persons specified in subsection B of this section. Those transportation services for elderly and handicapped persons meeting eligibility criteria shall be approved for participation in the Risk Management Program by the Risk Management Administrator if the vehicles used by transportation services for elderly and handicapped persons meet the equipment and safety standards established by the Risk Management Administrator.

Added by Laws 1988, c. 40, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1988. Renumbered from § 85.34C of this title by Laws 1998, c. 371, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.