Bill would continue riot commission indefinitely

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- A Tulsa legislator says he plans to introduce a bill Monday that would continue the Tulsa Race Riot Commission indefinitely. The bill by Democratic state Rep. Don Ross also would

Thursday, February 3rd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- A Tulsa legislator says he plans to introduce a bill Monday that would continue the Tulsa Race Riot Commission indefinitely. The bill by Democratic state Rep. Don Ross also would authorize the exhumation and reburial of any remains of riot dead found in Oaklawn Cemetery.

In addition, the measure would create a state park and riot memorial in the Greenwood district of Tulsa. "I'd be shocked if it didn't pass, at least the part that deals with the extension," Ross said Wednesday. The commission's authorization expires Monday, the first day of the legislative session. Ross said he does not expect his bill to go through immediately, meaning the panel is likely to be in limbo for a while.

Regardless, he said he expects the commission's work to continue. "One of my goals was to get the story of the riot out, so in that respect the commission has been successful," said Ross, who introduced legislation creating the commission two years ago. The commission plans to meet Friday to review its findings and consider of issues related to reparations from the 1921 riot.