To ensure full evaluation and consideration of the impact of restructuring of the electric utility industry on municipal and state tax revenues the Legislature hereby directs the Joint Electric Utility Task Force to study and fully assess the impact of restructuring on state tax revenues and all other facets of the current utility tax structure both on the state and all other political subdivisions of the state. The task force shall direct the Oklahoma Tax Commission to assist the task force in completion of this study. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is hereby authorized to retain such consultants and experts as may be necessary to complete this study. The study shall include the feasibility of establishing a uniform consumption tax or other method of taxation which may be applied in a restructured industry and shall also assess means of ensuring that tax revenues derived by municipalities will not be adversely impacted as a result of restructuring. A final report shall be completed by the task force no later than October 1, 1999. During the transition period prior to full consumer choice, the Oklahoma Tax Commission is expressly prohibited from promulgating any rule or issuing any order relating to methods of taxation to be applied to a restructured electric industry without prior express authorization by the Oklahoma State Legislature or the Joint Electric Utility Task Force.

Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in this act, a uniform tax policy which allows all competitors to be taxed on a fair and equal basis shall be established on or before July 1, 2002.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 162, § 5, emerg. eff. April 25, 1997. Amended by Laws 1998, c. 391, § 5, emerg. eff. June 10, 1998.