Monday, Feb. 22 to Thursday, Feb. 25, 2009

Monday, Feb. 22

• The Senate approved the following legislation on Monday:

-SB 1280 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies the definition of “employment” under the Employment Security Act as it relates to home services as part of a program administered by the Department of Human Services.

-SB 1318 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, allows court clerks to charge 25 cents per page for making a copy of an instrument of record or on file pursuant to a request under the Open Records Act.

-SB 1359 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, authorizes institutions of higher learning that are eligible to participate in the Section Thirteen Fund and the New College Fund during fiscal year 2011 for ongoing expenses.

-SB 1697 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, states legislative intent that state agencies issue publications in an electronic format whenever possible and that the Oklahoma Department of Libraries disseminate links to or other means by which to access publications.

-SB 1895 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies language relating to probate procedure to require no release of estate tax liability for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2010.

-SB 2038 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, requires that every applicant who seeks to be examined for enrollment as a certified shorthand reporter prove to the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters that the applicant possesses a minimum level of court reporting proficiency that would allow the person to meet the examination requirements.

-SB 2063 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, requires the county clerk to collect from a party seeking a general execution all fees necessary for payment of the disinterested persons for their services in appraising certain property.

-SB 2201 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, allows the administrators and executors of the estates of deceased persons and the guardians of estates, minors and incompetent persons to enter into contracts with companies, corporations, individuals, partnerships, the state of Oklahoma or any subdivision thereof or any municipal corporation for the construction, operation and maintenance of wind energy conversion systems.

-SB 1645 by Sen. Susan Paddack, clarifies statutory references to punishments for child abuse.

-SB 1754 by Sen. Debbe Leftwich, modifies language and statutory references related to the classification of certain drugs.

-SB 1775 by Sen. Sean Burrage, requires landlords to provide information in rental agreements regarding whether the premises to be rented has been the location of methamphetamine production in the past five years.

-SB 1883 by Sen. Debbe Leftwich, adds language authorizing peace officers to detain and arrest any person operating a wrecker or tow truck without a valid license.

-SB 2102 by Sen. Jerry Ellis, provides that a county sheriff will not be named as a party to any action against a trust, owner, entity or facility when a public trust, private owner or management entity by contract or otherwise operates or manages a jail facility.

• Senate committees approved the following measures on Monday:

-HB 2350 by Rep. Scott Martin, appropriates $103,450,382 from the Constitutional Reserve Fund to the General Revenue Fund to address the current General Revenue Fund failure.

-HB 2351 by Rep. Scott Martin, appropriates $223.7 million from the Constitutional Reserve Fund to the Special Cash Fund for appropriation in fiscal year 2011.

• The House convened Monday, approving the following measures:

-HB 2826 by Rep. Ron Peters, directs the presiding judge or chief judge of district courts to adopt forms for use by pro se persons seeking the dissolution of a marriage or determination of paternity, custody or visitation.

-HB 3006 by Rep. Pam Peterson, eliminates the five-day wait requirement for approval of purchase orders by boards of county commissioners.

-HCR 1047 by Rep. Randy McDaniel, states that the Legislature believes that the protection of insurance consumers should continue to be based exclusively at the state level.

• House committees met Monday and approved the following legislation:

-HB 3422 by Rep. Kenneth Miller, creates the Government Accountability and Transparency Act of 2010.

-HB 2310 by Rep. Jason Murphey, creates the Oklahoma Innovation, Efficiency and Accountability Act of 2010.

-HB 2324 by Rep. Jason Murphey, creates the Omnibus Modernization and State Employee Health Insurance Act.

-HB 2328 by Rep. Jason Murphey, modifies language related to the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Act.

-HB 2600 by Rep. Richard Morissette, adds a definition of “best value” under the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974.

-HB 2647 by Rep. Fred Jordan, allows a retiree to cease coverage under the State and Education Employees Group Insurance plan if the member provides proof that he/she has or will have health insurance with a different insurer.

-HB 2651 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, increases from eight to 10 the membership of the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board.

-HB 2886 by Rep. Lewis Moore, adds language directing the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Council to take and award bids for workers’ compensation insurance for state agencies.

-HB 2888 by Rep. Lewis Moore, modifies language relating to the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Act.

-HB 2889 by Rep. Lewis Moore, directs the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board to provide certain data concerning large health insurance claims by employees for all health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations subject to the board’s oversight upon request.

-HB 3173 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, creates the Agency Consolidation Act of 2010.

-HB 2634 by Rep. Mark McCullough, requires applicants for a $5 marriage license to submit proof they have completed at least 20 hours of approved premarital counseling.

-HB 2005 by Rep. Harold Wright, creates the Oklahoma Drunk Driving Penalties Act of 2009.

-HB 2304 by Rep. Dennis Ray Bailey, increases from $6,000 to $10,000 the maximum threshold for claims to be brought under the small claims procedure.

-HB 2541 by Rep. Marian Cooksey, requires that municipal courts keep confidential all personal identifying information of the parties involved in any case.

-HB 2572 by Rep. Lisa J. Billy, modifies language regarding demonstrations at a funeral service.

-HB 2604 by Rep. Dennis Johnson, requires a court to delay sentencing for up to one year under the Delayed Sentencing Program for Young Adults.

-HB 2630 by Rep. Sue Tibbs, prohibits persons subject to the Sex Offenders Registration Act from using homelessness as a defense to any prosecution under registration requirements.

-HB 2720 by Rep. Mark McCullough, modifies punishments for certain crimes of theft.

-HB 2721 by Rep. Ben Sherrer, allows for adjudication of paternity of a child within one year of discovery of fraud perpetrated upon the presumed father or individual.

-HB 2732 by Wade Rousselot, updates language related to the transmission of certain diseases, making it a felony to knowingly expose or communicate a sexually transmitted infection or disease to another person through sexual intercourse unless the other person has been informed.

-HB 2780 by Rep. Lisa J. Billy, requires an abortion provider one hour prior to performing or inducing an abortion to perform an obstetric ultrasound on the woman, provide a simultaneous explanation of what the ultrasound is depicting, display the ultrasound images so the woman may view them, provide a medical description of the images, obtain written certification that the woman received such information and retain such certification for at least seven years.

-HB 2800 by Rep. Ryan Kiesel, grants the executor or administrator of an estate the power to take control of any account of a deceased person on a social networking website, microblogging or short messaging service.

-HB 2865 by Rep. Samson Ray Buck, adds language requiring prosecutions for criminal violations in which a deadly weapon is used to commit or attempt to commit a felony be commenced within seven years after the commission of the crime.

-HB 2939 by Rep. Todd Russ, extends the circumstances under which a durable power of attorney may be used to include an extended absence.

-HB 2944 by Rep. Fred Jordan, creates the Oklahoma School Relief Act of 2010.

-HB 2946 by Rep. Fred Jordan, requires a plaintiff prior to filing a civil action based on a construction-related accessibility claim that a facility does not conform with applicable law, codes or standards for the physically disabled to first notify the defendant in writing.

-HB 2962 by Rep. John Wright, creates a felony for any executor, administrator or party to a probate proceeding convicted of embezzlement from an estate, punishable by imprisonment with the Department of Corrections for up to 10 years.

-HB 2968 by Rep. Mike Sanders, increases from 25 to 50 the maximum sentence for anyone who willfully or maliciously engages in sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child under 12.

-HB 3000 by Rep. Kris Steele, modifies language related to the Governmental Tort Claims Act.

-HB 3076 by Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, makes it unlawful to buy or sell another human being with the intent of having such person commit an act of prostitution or any other lewd or indecent act.

-HB 3102 by Rep. John Trebilcock, creates the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.

-HB 3110 by Rep. Pam Peterson, creates the Freedom of Conscience Act.

-HB 3155 by Rep. Leslie Osborn, makes confidential and not subject to the Open Records Act information obtained in an autopsy report until it is discoverable under law.

-HB 3225 by Rep. Chuck Hoskin, modifies the definition of “rape” to include instances in which the victim is between age 16 and 20 and engages in sexual intercourse with a person in a position of trust.

-HB 3267 by Rep. Mike Jackson, creates the Child Advocacy Act of 2010.

-HB 3284 by Rep. Pam Peterson, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Public Health Code.

-HB 3290 by Rep. Skye McNiel, prohibits any person from knowingly or recklessly giving, selling, dispensing, administering, prescribing or providing RU-486 to induce an abortion unless the person is a physician who has the ability to assess the duration of the pregnancy.

-HB 3354 by Rep. Rex Duncan, creates the Title 21 Crimes and Punishments Review Act of 2010.

-HB 3293 by Rep. Pam Peterson, modifies language relating to a minor’s desire to seek rights of majority.

-HB 2648 by Rep. Jason Nelson, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Adoption Code.

Tuesday, February 23

• The Senate met Tuesday, approving the following legislation:

-SB 1298 by Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, authorizes the Oklahoma Tax Commission to design and issue the Oklahoma State Capitol Restoration license plat for people wishing to demonstrate support for restoration of the state Capitol building.

-SB 1313 by Sen. Susan Paddack, authorizes the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training to establish and host law enforcement youth camps at the CLEET statewide training facility.

-SB 1326 by Sen. David Myers, recreates the Oklahoma Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide Task Force.

-SB 1333 by Sen. John Ford, authorizes a maximum of two technology center school districts to offer a pilot basis program that has an emphasis on a focused field of career study and that includes a full range of technical and academic courses.

-SB 1344 by Sen. Jerry Ellis, authorizes the Oklahoma Tax Commission to design and issue an Oklahoma Rifle Association license plate.

-SB 1351 by Sen. David Myers, adds the Oklahoma Film and Music Office to the list of entities that may keep confidential business plans, financial statements or trade secrets submitted by a person or entity seeking economic advice, business development or customized training.

-SB 1365 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, allows the fee for lifetime fishing, hunting or combination licenses for persons under age 18 to be paid in installments for up to three years.

-SB 1600 by Sen. Brian Crain, exempts from the requirements of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act purchases and solicitations made from funds or assets received by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

-SB 1636 by Sen. Ron Justice, designates a portion of State Highway 81 in Chickasha from Choctaw Avenue to Grand Avenue as “Don R. Dunn Memorial Highway.”

-SB 1668 by Sen. David Myers, modifies the definition of “project” under the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority Act.

-SB 1713 by Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, designates a portion of State Highway 32 in Kingston west to the intersection of State Highway 377 in Madill as “Corporal Michael Eyre Thompson Memorial Highway.”

-SB 1715 by Sen. Ron Justice, provides a school attendance exemption to any child excused to participate in a military funeral honors ceremony.

-SB 1782 by Sen. David Myers, allows the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to sell any used vehicles, used emergency vehicle equipment or any other used equipment, determined to be surplus to any federal, state, county or municipal agency or public school district.

-SB 1812 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies the notice requirement related to the disposal of personal property, money or legal tender by chiefs of police.

-SB 1818 by Sen. Brian Crain, creates the Oklahoma Certified Health Communities Act.

-SB 1830 by Sen. Brian Crain, requires the Department of Human Services to immediately make a referral to an appropriate law enforcement agency for the purpose of conducting a possible criminal investigation when the department determines that alleged abuse or neglect of a child involves a child in the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs and the child was placed in an Office of Juvenile Affairs secure juvenile facility at the time of the alleged abuse or neglect.

-SB 1889 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, modifies language relating to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.

-SB 1903 by Sen. Cliff Aldridge, creates the Oklahoma Home Service Contract Act.

-SB 1916 by Sen. John Ford, requires the State Department of Health to establish and make available to the public on its website a registry for persons who are employed by or who contract with a home care agency to provide home care services.

-SB 2042 by Sen. Bill Brown, modifies and recodifies citations of the Perpetual Care Fund Act.

-SB 2104 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, increases from within one business day to five business days after the date of filing of a lien statement for the mailing of notice of the lien.

-SB 2111 by Sen. Sean Burrage, changes the name of the Public Company Auditing Oversight Board to the Public Accounting Oversight Board.

-SB 2139 by Sen. John Ford, directs the State Board of Education to adopt expected alternate year percentage growth targets for all public secondary schools and districts based on high school graduation rates.

-SB 2223 by Sen. Sean Burrage, makes it unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle or motor-driven cycle usually distinguished as a law enforcement vehicle or equip any motor vehicle or motor-driven cycle with any spot lamps, audible sirens or flashing lights.

-SR 84 by Susan Paddack, congratulates Taylor Treat for her selection as Miss Oklahoma 2009.

• Senate committees took no action on Tuesday.

• The House convened Tuesday and approved the following measures:

-HB 1686 by Rep. Seneca Scott, directs the Department of Central Services, in instances when multiple bids for a contract are otherwise equal in quality and price, to ascertain if one or more of the bidders provides health care insurance to their employees and provide a selection preference in favor of such bidders.

-HB 2530 by Rep. Colby Schwartz, expands the exemptions granted under the Elevator Safety Act to include elevators located in or adjacent to a building or structure owned by an Oklahoma public trust.

-HB 2656 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, states legislative intent that the birth of a child does not constitute a legally recognizable injury and that it is contrary to public policy to award damages because of the birth of a child of for the rearing of the child.

-HB 2934 by Rep. Ken Luttrell, allows a court to require someone who must register under the Sex Offenders Registration Act to register any e-mail address information used for social networking or other similar internet communications.

-HB 2274 by Rep. Todd Thomsen, allows building funds of technology center school districts to be used for repairing and maintaining computer systems and equipment.

-HB 2285 by Sen. John Wright, recreates the Long-Term Care Facility Advisory Board.

• House committees met Tuesday and approved the following measures:

-HB 2852 by Rep. John Wright, modifies language relating to the Administrative Procedures Act.

-HB 2290 by Rep. John Wright, recreates the Minority Teacher Recruitment Advisory Committee.

-HB 2281 by Rep. John Wright, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Sunset Law.

-HB 2920 by Rep. John Trebilcock, requires hospitals and birthing centers to provide postnatal education to new parents before their infant may be released from the hospital or center.

-HB 3224 by Rep. Chuck Hoskin, allows an employee of a residential care home to assist a home resident with the use of prescription nebulizers or inhalers.

-HB 2529 by Rep. Colby Schwartz, creates the Oklahoma Public Health and Safety Review Act.

-HB 2596 by Rep. Richard Morrisette, creates the Empower-OK Act, directing the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s cash and counseling program to include provisions ensuring that existing benefits are not terminated or decreased as a result of developing the program.

-HB 2922 by Rep. John Trebilcock, modifies language related to a county jail reaching its inmate capacity, stating that such circumstances may be as prescribed by Department of Health standards.

-HB 2986 by Rep. Colby Schwartz, directs the Department of Health to establish a registry for individuals providing companion or sitter services that are not employed by an agency.

-HB 2973 by Rep. Mike Sanders, creates the Oklahoma Wind Energy Development Act.

-HB 2558 by Rep. Marian Cooksey, allows electric utilities subject to rate regulation by the Corporation Commission to recover costs and earn a 15 percent rate of return on investments in and installations of voltage regulation technologies and defines voltage regulation technology.

-HB 2909 by Rep. Danny Morgan, requires any person, firm or corporation contesting the reasonableness of a fee imposed for the issuance of a permit for drilling and operation of an oil and gas well to first petition the Corporation Commission to determine the reasonableness before appealing that decision to a district court.

-HB 3053 by Rep. Pat Ownbey, requires real property taken by eminent domain to be used for a public purpose within five years before the property is declared surplus and offered for sale back to the person from whom the property was taken.

-HB 2075 by Rep. Skye McNiel, creates the Advisory Committee for the Oklahoma Housing Trust Fund.

-HB 2907 by Rep. Danny Morgan, allows municipalities and political subdivisions with the authority to regulate standing or parked vehicles to permit specific parking spots to be reserved for expectant mothers.

-HB 2910 by Rep. Danny Morgan, requires state agencies awarding contracts to give preference to goods and services manufactured or produced in Oklahoma.

-HB 2574 by Rep. John Trebilcock, authorizes county commissioners to clear waterways of debris as needed for public safety.

-HB 3055 by Rep. Chris Benge, creates the County Officers Act of 2010.

-HB 3056 by Rep. Chris Benge, modifies language related to the Emergency Management Interim Legislative Succession Act as it relates to natural disasters.

-HB 2829 by Rep. Ron Peters, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Telecommunications Act of 1997.

-HB 3242 by Rep. David Derby, modifies language related to county sheriff contracts, directing contracts to attempt to locate and notify persons of outstanding failure-to-pay warrants.

-HB 3260 by Rep. Gus Blackwell, directs the Wildlife Conservation Commission to declare an open season in any counties for a species of wildlife if a state contiguous with Oklahoma has declared and established open season on that species.

-HB 2585 by Rep. R.C. Pruett, modifies exemptions to hunting license requirements for residents and nonresidents.

-HB 2595 by Rep. Dan Kirby, directs certain hunting licenses to terminate on Aug. 31 for the year issued.

-HB 2701 by Rep. Randy McDaniel, provides a half-off discount on five-year hunting and fishing licenses to active members of the military or reserve that are stationed in or are residents of Oklahoma.

Wednesday, February 24

• The Senate met Wednesday, approving the following measures:

-SJR 59 by Sen. Dan Newberry, proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting a law from compelling any person, employer or health care provider from participating in any health care system.

-SB 2330 by Sen. John Ford, creates the Empowered Schools and School Districts Act.

-SJR 64 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, directs the Oklahoma Attorney General to file a lawsuit against the U.S. Congress, the President of the United States and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to prevent the provisions of federal health care legislation from taking effect.

-SJR 58 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, petitions the federal government to opt out of any federal mandates related to health care reform.

-SB 1295 by Sen. Andrew Rice, modifies membership of the Oklahoma Emergency Response Systems Development Advisory Council to include a person specializing in pediatric services.

-SB 1305 by Sen. Susan Paddack, directs the State Board of Career and Technology Education to increase the number of dropout recovery programs operated by technology center schools beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.

-SB 1321 by Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, increases the penalty for vendors who willfully or intentionally refuse to honor a consumer’s sales tax exemption.

-SB 1325 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies language related to the prescribed form for an Oklahoma do-not-resuscitate consent form.

-SB 1331 by Sen. Susan Paddack, requires school districts to report to the State Department of Education by Dec. 31 each year the percentage of students in the district that have enrolled in college preparatory/work ready curriculum and the percentage of students in the district enrolled in the core curriculum.

-SB 1376 by Sen. Sean Burrage, provides a sales tax exemption on tangible property or services sold to a licensed hospital that provides medical care to children with severe illnesses, injuries or sever disabilities.

-SB 1387 by Sen. Debbe Leftwich, modifies language related to accidents involving persons with a canceled, denied, suspended or revoked license.

-SB 1394 by Sen. Clark Jolley, designates a section of U.S. Highway 77 crossing Memorial Road in Oklahoma County as “U.S. Navy Captain Steven L. Farley Memorial Interchange.”

-SB 1637 by Sen. Cliff Aldridge, grants a 4 percent increase in benefits from the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System or the Uniform Retirement System for Justices and Judges as of June 20, 2009, and continues to receive benefits on or after July 1, 2010, effective July 2010, subject to the Legislature’s right to suspend such action at any time.

-SB 1714 by Sen. Ron Justice, states legislative intent that all state public entities procure products using the wood of the eastern red cedar when available.

-SB 1855 by Sen. Brian Crain, adds language related to the Comprehensive Childhood Lead Poisoning Program, requiring the State Board of Health to promulgate rules for establishing procedures to notify current and future tenants of lead hazards in dwelling units where a child with an elevated blood lead level has been identified.

-SB 1956 by Sen. Ron Justice, removes the Institute for Issue Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution as the directing authority of the Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program and places it under the Agricultural Mediation Board.

-SB 1964 by Sen. John Ford, clarifies language related to caterer’s licenses and limits their issue to those that prepare, sell and distribute food for consumption on either a licensed or unlicensed premises.

-SB 2073 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, authorizes any insurance provider authorized to sell life insurance products whose appointment has been terminated for certain reasons and is still the agent of record to have access to the information relating to the policy of the persons who purchased a product from the producer unless the insured signs a form denying access.

-SB 2142 by Sen. Steve Russell, allows certain electors to request a special write-in absentee ballot for statewide offices in addition to federal offices.

-SB 2151 by Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, allows drug court judges to enter a written order requiring the Department of Public Safety to restore the Class D driving privileges of any offender who has successfully completed the drug court program in good standing.

-SB 2318 by Sen. Clark Jolley, allows students enrolled in any district, program or charter school that is not operated or authorized by their district of residence to be administered any test required by the Oklahoma School Testing Program Act.

-SB 1997 by Sen. Clark Jolley, creates the Marvin Williams Robbie Chase Whitebird County Sheriff Assistance Act.

• Senate committees took no action on Wednesday

• The House met Wednesday, approving the following legislation:

-HB 2305 by Rep. Dennis Ray Bailey, prohibits the Oklahoma Real Estate Code from applying to any person or entity managing a transient lodging facility.

-HB 2319 by Rep. Jason Murphey, creates the Task Force Accountability Act of 2010.

-HB 2827 by Rep. Ron Peters, allows a victim of domestic violence, stalking or harassment to request a petition for an emergency temporary order of protection when a court is not open for business.

-HB 2890 by Rep. Lewis Moore, adds language relating to the Government Tort Claims Act, requiring a written notice of claim to the state or political subdivision contain any and all information required to process the claim pursuant to state and federal law.

-HB 2959 by Rep. Harold Wright, allows the owner, legal possessor or authorized agent of a property owner who is unable to obtain a licensed wrecker or towing service to remove an abandoned vehicle within a reasonable amount of time to contact a service from an adjacent county.

-HB 2992 by Rep. John Enns, modifies language related to notices for bids issued by boards of county commissioners.

-HB 3075 by Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, requires facilities that perform abortions, other than abortions performed for the safety of the mother, to post a legal notice in each waiting or consultation room stating that it is illegal to perform an abortion against the patient’s will or for anyone to force the patient to get an abortion.

-HB 3158 by Rep. Leslie Osborn, allows the period of supervision in a drug court program to be extended by a court order.

• House committees on Wednesday approved the following bills:

-HB 3250 by Rep. Danny Morgan, prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle while using a cellular telephone or electronic communication device to converse with another person or write, send or read a text-based communication while the vehicle is in motion.

-HB 2717 by Rep. Jerry McPeak, modifies language related to the Muskogee Creek Nation Housing Authority.

-HB 2940 by Rep. Todd Russ, directs the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission to provide access to locations designated as primitive areas within a state park for camping, hiking and horseback riding.

-HB 2753 by Rep. Lee Denney, removes the population restrictions associated with forming charter schools under the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act.

-HB 1530 by Rep. Ann Coody, creates the Health Education Act.

-HB 3030 by Rep. Chris Benge, expands the application of the Teacher Due Process Act of 1990 to include teachers who are employed in positions fully funded by educational services contracts with a state agency or private entity.

-HB 3307 by Rep. Sally Kern, modifies language related to the Oklahoma School Code.

-HB 2584 by Rep. Todd Thomsen, removes social studies and geography as subjects to be included in criterion-referenced tests administered to grades three, four, seven and eight.

-HB 2686 by Rep. Richard Morrissette, creates the Eastern Red Cedar Initiative Act of 2010 and the Eastern Red Cedar Registry Board Act.

-HB 3015 by Rep. Seneca Scott, modifies definitions under the Agricultural Linked Deposit Act by including certified “healthy corner stores” under the definition of “eligible agricultural business.”

-HB 3160 by Rep. Leslie Osborn, modifies the definition of “blighted area” as it relates to eminent domain, stating that certain conditions do not constitute a blight in an area primarily devoted to farming, ranching or forestry.

-HB 3206 by Rep. Don Armes, modifies language relating to the Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act.

-HB 3398 by Rep. Skye McNiel, modifies language relating to the Oklahoma Meat Inspection Act.

-HB 2295 by Rep. Fred Jordan, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Registered Poultry Feeding Operations Act.

-HB 2927 by Rep. Ann Coody, authorizes the State Board of Education to grant emergency exemptions to any or all school districts from any education-related statutory requirement.

-HB 2928 by Rep. Ann Coody, establishes minimum criteria to be included in a policy of evaluation for teachers and administrators adopted by a board of education.

-HB 3168 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, directs the State Board of Education to set and announce the testing window dates for each criterion-referenced rest one year in advance.

-HB 3190 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, recreates the Oklahoma Accountancy Board.

-HB 2731 by Rep. Wade Rousselot, creates the Any Willing Institute Task Force to study the feasibility of creating an Any Willing Institute program in which an medical institution may be compensated by insurers for services provided by the institution regardless of whether the institution has a contractual relationship with the insurer.

-HB 3025 by Rep. Chris Benge, creates the Task Force for the Study of Lottery and Gaming Revenue.

-HB 2911 by Rep. Danny Morgan, prohibits the creation of a new business entity to evade payment of wage claims, workers’ compensation claims or penalties.

-HB 1613 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, creates the Oklahoma Insurance Act of 2009.

-HB 2320 by Rep. Steve Martin, modifies the definition of “lock” and “locksmith industry” under the Alarm and Locksmith Industry Act.

-HB 2326 by Rep. Steve Martin, directs the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Commission to provide for off-premises displays and sales of new upfitted motor wrecker vehicles by wrecker and equipment manufacturers of their in-state or out-of-state representatives.

-HB 2333 by Rep. Jason Murphey, repeals statutory language regarding the commissioner of labor approving a list of the most hazardous industries in the state.

-HB 2664 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, modifies language under civil procedure related to the calculation of prejudgment interest using the average U.S. Treasury rate bill, stating that certain methods are applicable to actions filed in district courts on or after Nov. 1, 2009, rather than Jan. 1, 2010.

-HB 2771 by Rep. Eric Proctor, creates the Oklahoma Home Based Bakeries Act of 2010.

-HB 2772 by Rep. Weldon Watson, creates the Oklahoma Appraisal Management Company Regulation Act.

-HB 3213 by Rep. Charles Ortega, prohibits an insurer from offering a cash settlement for the purchase of a vehicle comparable to one determined to be a total loss and then subsequently sell the motor vehicle which has been determined to be a total loss back to the claimant.

-HB 3300 by Rep. Mike Thompson, creates the Intoxicating Liquors and Beverages Act.

-HB 3301 by Rep. Mike Thompson, modifies language related to the Construction Industries Board Act.

-SB 573 by Sen. Harry Coates, permits a prime contractor, subcontractor or sub-subcontractor in lieu of retainage to execute and deliver to the owner, prime contractor or subcontractor before the commencement of construction for which the prime contractor, subcontractor or sub-subcontractor will be responsible for performing a good and sufficient release of retainage bond in an amount equal to 10 percent of the contract or subcontract price.

-SB 1012 by Sen. Harry Coates, creates the Private Construction Progress Payment Act, requiring an owner to make progress payments to a contractor on all private construction contracts lasting more than 60 days.

-HB 3219 by Rep. Sally Kern, proposes a legislative referendum and creates the Oklahoma Environmental Authority Act.

-HB 1393 by Rep. Mike Jackson, allows the Accountancy Board to use all or part of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant’s Examination developed by the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants.

-HB 3289 by Rep. Skye McNiel, makes in unlawful for any person registered under the Sex Offenders Registration Act to reside, temporarily or permanently, within a 10-mile radius of the primary residence of his/her victim.

-HB 1350 by Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, creates the Oklahoma Restoration of Voting Rights Act to increase participation in the voting process.

-HJR 1018 by Rep. Joe Dorman, proposes a constitutional amendment related to state matching funds for federal disaster funds, allowing funds to be drawn from the Constitutional Reserve Fund.

-HB 3032 by Rep. Chris Benge, creates the Energy Stabilization Fund Act.

-HB 3024 by Rep. Chris Benge, creates the Tax Incentive Clarification Act.

-HB 3029 by Rep. Chris Benge, clarifies statutory language related to appropriations to schools.

-HB 3035 by Rep. Chris Benge, creates the Oklahoma Executive Branch Agency Consolidation Act of 2010.

-HB 2638 by Rep. Mark McCullough, creates the Prevention Services Consolidation Act of 2010.

-HB 2331 by Rep. Steve Martin, removes language instituting a Dec. 31, 2009, deadline by which the Department of Public Safety’s online verification system for vehicle liability insurance must be operational.

-HB 1658 by Rep. Joe Dorman, exempts from liability for damages as a result of any acts or omissions, except for gross, willful or wanton negligence, in rendering the emergency care any physician or healthcare provider who provides medical services at a secondary school athletic event and renders or attempts to render emergency care to an injured participant in need of immediate aid.

-HB 2325 by Rep. Jerry Shoemake, increases from 43 to 49 the maximum age for commissioned officers within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol division.

-HB 2327 by Rep. Glen Bud Smithson, modifies the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, removing any conviction relating to illegal drug use or possession as grounds for denial of a handgun license.

-HB 2831 by Rep. Ron Peters, modifies language relating to the Department on Consumer Credit.

-HB 3384 by Rep. Randy Terrill, creates the Oklahoma Illegal Immigration Review Act of 2010.

-HB 2641 by Rep. Steve Martin, directs that any tax credit based upon an expenditure to acquire tangible personal property be reduced in an amount equal to any federal income tax credit that may be claimed by the same acquisition beginning for tax years after Dec. 31, 2010.

-HB 2815 by Rep. Charles Key, provides an income tax deduction in tax years after Dec. 31, 2010, where the severance or production of oil, gas or oil and gas from an inactive well has been reestablished for 12 months.

-HB 3166 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, creates the Tax Credit Analysis Act.

-HB 2573 by Rep. John Trebilcock, requires sheriffs to reimburse health care providers for medical care and treatment for inmates in county jail according to the Oklahoma Medicaid Fee Schedule.

Thursday, February 25

• The Senate met Thursday, approving the following measures:

-SB 1335 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, requires the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority to refund and restructure obligations for colleges and universities.

-SB 2303 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, states that the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training shall have the authority to approve the creation of a law enforcement agency or police department.

-SB 2260 by Sen. Steve Russell, adds members of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol to the list of state employees granted certain privileges related to disaster relief services.

-SB 2018 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, increases penalties for aggravated assault of a peace officer and solicitation of minors to join a gang, deems gang activities a felony offense and requires school employees to notify superintendents of suspected minor gang members.

-SB 1938 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, designates that the venue of action in cases involving a deprived child be where the child resides or has resided for six months before the filing.

-SB 1337 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, requires the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to be moved near the Forensic Science Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma.

-SB 1692 by Sen. David Myers, extends the activities of the OK Clean Energy Independence Commission from Dec. 1, 2010, to Dec. 20, 2010.

-SB 1814 by Sen. Brian Crain, includes a definition of sex in regards to employment discrimination and states that those affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or other related conditions shall be treated the same as their contemporaries for purposes of employment.

-SB 2203 by Sen. Brian Crain, terminates the attorney of a principal if a court of the principal’s domicile appoints a guardian of the estate.

-SB 2270 by Sen. Brian Crain, states that in order to accept real estate pursuant to a transfer on death deed, a grantee beneficiary shall execute a notarized affidavit affirming the death of the owner.

-SB 1373 by Sen. Brian Crain, creates the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Act.

-SB 1816 by Sen. Brian Bingman, states that military servicemen and women shall be exempt from fines for failing to register a vehicle with the state by the proper date.

-SB 1785 by Sen. Brian Bingman, designates a portion of SH 66 in Sapulpa as the Officer Larry W. Cantrell Memorial Highway.

-SB 1764 by Sen. Brian Bingman, sanctions the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to construct and operate a new turnpike beginning near the intersection of Interstate 44 and 49th West Ave. and continuing eastward to the L.L. Tisdale Expressway in Tulsa.

-SB 2231 by Sen. Cliff Branan, states that the Sex Offender Registration Act requires the offender to list their physical address, not a post office box.

-SB 2179 by Sen. Cliff Branan, adds language to clarify placement of signage along or near roads, highways and interchanges.

-SB 1771 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies language relating to the escape of a juvenile from a court ordered facility, and lists such offenses as possible grounds for trying the offender as an adult.

-SB 1670 by Sen. Randy Bass, modifies membership of the Advisory Committee for Motorcycle Safety and Education.

-SB 1684 by Sen. Cliff Aldridge, states that circuit engineering districts can create County Energy District Authorities.

-SB 1659 by Sen. Cliff Aldridge, states that no entity of the executive branch shall exceed minimum overtime pay provisions, except as provided.

-SB 1917 by Sen. Cliff Aldridge, allows for the creation of the Downed Bikers Association License Plate.

-SB 1765 by Sen. Brian Bingman, mandates that the person that has contracted with the installer of a sewage treatment system has the duty to certify the water usage of the home or business.

-SR 88 by Sen. Constance Johnson, commends Sheila Ford for her service to the Oklahoma State Senate and congratulates her on her retirement.

-SB 2197 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, amends language to allow subsequent or additional guidance measures regarding the health center program as provide by BPHC to possibly guide healthcare center policy in the future.

-SB 1776 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, changes the name of the Oklahoma 2-1-1 Advisory Collaborative to the 2-1-1 Oklahoma Coordinating Council.

-SB 1612 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Advisory Council for Children of Incarcerated Parents.

-SB 499 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, clarifies language of funding limitations and operations relating to the Council on Judicial Complaints.

-SB 1646 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, modifies the definition of “Special Event” in regards to tax requirements to include those sponsored by an entity organized to promote state parks.

Other News

• The members and staff of the Oklahoma State Senate this week mourned the passing of long-time Senate webmaster, Charles Israel. Israel, 48, had battled Muscular Dystrophy for years, yet diligently carried out his responsibilities managing the Senate website even as the illness progressed. He also was the point-man for Executive Nominations heard by the Senate, ensuring proper protocol was followed at all stages of the process. Israel passed away early Wednesday morning after suffering a massive stroke late Tuesday afternoon while at work. Israel worked at the state Senate for 15 years.

• The Senate welcomed Miss Oklahoma 2009 Taylor Treat to the Oklahoma State Senate Tuesday. Sen. Susan Paddack presented the University of Oklahoma senior with Senate Resolution 84 recognizing her many talents and accomplishments. Treat reigned as Miss Ada in 2006, Miss University of Oklahoma in 2007, Miss State Fair of Oklahoma in 2008, and Miss University of Oklahoma again in 2009, and was selected Miss Oklahoma on June 24, 2009.