Speaker Pro Tem-Elect Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, is pushing for a more self-contained college sports scene in Oklahoma. In his latest legislative move, he has introduced House Bill 1017, a proposal to create an all-Oklahoma intercollegiate athletic conference. Tagged as the Oklahoma College Athletic Conference Act, this bill could shake things up for in-state higher education sports by requiring Oklahoma teams to compete exclusively with each other, as reported by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Moore, who is signaling a turn inward for collegiate athletics, insists this move has the students' best interests at heart. "With student athletes spending less time on a bus traveling to other states to compete, they would have more time in the classroom, improving their academic performance, and their overall collegiate experience," Moore said, according to a statement published by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He also points out potential cost savings for universities as a bonus.
The bill doesn't just advocate for tighter competition borders but comes with machinery to make it happen, like a new commission. The proposed Oklahoma National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Athletic Conference Commission would have membership roster of institutional heavyweights - presidents from ten state colleges including Northeastern State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and Cameron University, among others, as detailed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
In a more interconnected stance, the commission is open to expanding its membership base. A majority vote from the initial members could bring other institutional presidents into the fold. This commission would embark on fact-finding missions and draft action steps to carve out this new chapter in state collegiate sports, "The commission would be required to submit a final report of its findings and proposed action steps to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and the state Senate," as highlighted in HB1017's text. The endeavor's financial infrastructure would hinge on a mix of appropriations, gifts, and potentially private partnerships, aiming for a diverse stream of financial support,according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
For those keeping an eye on the legislative clock, HB1017's emergency clause signals urgency and immediate effect upon its possible passage and the governor's signature. The date to circle on the calendar for potential movement on this bill is February 3, when Moore and his legislative colleagues reconvene for the 60th Legislature's first session. Time then, will tell the tale of college sports' localizing journey in Oklahoma.
