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On a bipartisan vote of 38 to 8, the full Senate on Wednesday gave its approval to a voluntary measure aimed at persuading more Oklahoma restaurants to go smoke-free. State Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, and Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, are authors of the “Clean Air in Restaurants Act.” Jolley explained the goal of House Bill 2774 is to provide restaurants with financial incentives to go completely smoke-free by 2012.
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Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instituted new standards related to ground-level ozone just two years ago, the federal agency has already proposed revisions to those limits—revisions that could push every state in the country into non-attainment status.
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State Sen. Kenneth Corn won approval Tuesday for a measure to abolish the governor’s cabinet. Corn successfully attached the language as an amendment to House Bill 3035, which was approved unanimously by the Senate. Corn, D-Poteau, said the move would save approximately $2 million a year.

“The governor’s cabinet is an extra layer of bureaucracy with no real authority over any agencies,” Corn said. “It’s just people who provide advice to the governor, but it isn’t necessary—especially now when vital services are being cut throughout state government.”

State Senator Jay Paul Gumm said Oklahoma now has a stronger law on the books when it comes to protecting children from sexual predators. That’s after Gov. Brad Henry signed Senate Bill 2064 into law on Tuesday. The measure, by Gumm, a Democrat from Durant and Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, increases the “zone of safety” around schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds and parks.
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The full Senate on Wednesday approved language to give 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans a special two-day hunting season. Senator Jay Paul Gumm included the measure as an amendment to House Bill 2701.

“This is based on a law on the books in the State of Michigan,” explained Gumm, a Democrat from Durant. “Our disabled veterans have sacrificed more than any of us can imagine. This benefit is just one more way we can honor and thank them for their service.”
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“The revenue collections for the month of March are indeed encouraging, but the reality is we have farther to go on this road to recovery. Fiscal responsibility of taxpayer dollars will continue to be a priority, as well as funding for core functions of government. The Legislature will keep track of revenue numbers as we work to draft a balanced budget and complete the people’s business.”

State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm has won Senate approval for measures aimed at better protecting families mourning the loss of fallen soldiers. Gumm successfully amended HB 2572 on Monday.

That legislation would better define the language in Oklahoma’s Funeral Picketing Act, which is aimed at keeping protestors from coming within 500 feet of where funeral services are being held from one hour before the services until an hour after the end of the services.
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