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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate chamber burst into applause Friday after the unanimous final passage of a bill eliminating the state’s 13-year waiting list for developmental disability services.  House Bill 4466 provides $32.5 million, the largest funding increase to this program in state history, to clear that waitlist. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given its approval to a measure aimed at addressing Oklahoma’s nursing shortage, which has worsened as a result of the pandemic.  Senate Bill 1458  would use $55 million of the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to establish grant programs to help 21 state colleges, universities, and technology centers to address this pressing need.

Senate Democrats held a press conference to give an update on the 2022 legislative session. Speakers included:

Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa

Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa

Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman

Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation giving firefighters statutory authority to transport patients to the hospital in emergency situations has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 1515, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, and Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, was signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday.

Senate Democrats held a press conference to give an update on the 2022 legislative session. Speakers included:

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa

Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman

OKLAHOMA CITY – Now that Oklahoma’s Imagination Library will be expanding to all 77 counties, the legislators who authored the measure creating the state’s program are working to help spread the news. Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow and Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, were co-authors of the 2020 legislation.

The Senate has given final approval to Senate Bill 1367, which increases the penalties for those who purchase medical marijuana and then sell the product to non-cardholders. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The governor has signed Senate Bill 1596, also known as the Oklahoma Health Care Agent Act, which establishes requirements for health care power of attorney and allows Oklahomans to make advanced decisions about their care in case they are temporarily or permanently incapacitated. The measure was authored by Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus.

Senate Democrats held a press conference to give an update on the 2022 legislative session. Speakers included:

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill giving greater protection to victims of human trafficking and child abduction has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 1569, by Sen.