Monday, March. 12 to Thursday, March 15, 2012

Monday, March 12

• The Senate approved several bills on Monday:

-SB 1571 by Sen. Clark Jolley, would reduce the income tax for fiscal year 2013.

-SB 1903 by Sen. Steve Russell, states legislative intent for Oklahoma to apply for a single purpose U.S. constitutional convention to propose an amendment that would require approval from the majority of state legislatures before increases in the federal debt could be implemented.

-SB 1052 by Sen. Harry Coates, modifies language related to the Public Building Construction and Planning Act.

-SB 1053 by Sen. Harry Coates, extends requirements for surety bonds and letters of credit for construction or repair contracts exceeding $50,000 to private buildings.

-SB 1056 by Sen. Frank Simpson, authorizes a pilot program to be established at technology center school districts to increase the number of students taking industry certification examinations and obtaining trade-specific industry certification and licenses.

-SB 1096 by Sen. Brian Bingman, creates the Oklahoma State Facilities Energy Conservation Program.

-SB 1144 by Sen. Brian Bingman, replaces the Higher Education Facilities Revolving Fund with the Weigh Station Improvement Fund in the list of revolving funds that receive benefits provided from a 1 cent per gallon assessment on each gallon of motor fuel used or consumed in the state.

-SB 1336 by Sen. Cliff Branan, requires the administrator of the Petroleum Storage Tank Indemnity Fund to notify the Oklahoma Tax Commission if the fund falls below the required maintenance level on or before Dec. 31, 2022.

-SB 1340 by Sen. Cliff Branan, provides an exception for local exchange companies from certain administrative rules and establishes requirements to be followed by local exchange companies.

-SB 1420 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, prohibits any person from using a laser sighting device as a hunting aid except for better powered scoping devices that project a light or dot inside the scope and pin sight lights on archery equipment.

-SB 1532 by Sen. Clark Jolley, changes the day of the election for school board members and for technology center school districts from the second Tuesday in February of each year, except in any year when a presidential preferential primary is held in February when the election is held on the same day as the primary, to the second Tuesday of June in odd-numbered years and the last Tuesday in June of any even-numbered year.

-SB 1535 by Sen. Clark Jolley, requires the Capitol architect and curator to develop technical plans and programs for consideration by and make recommendations to the Legislature and governor, in addition to the State Capitol Preservation Commission.

-SB 1541 by Sen. Clark Jolley, permits the attorney general or any assistant attorney general to carry a firearm anywhere in the state if the person has successfully completed an approved course of firearm training conducted by a certified firearms instructor which is equal to the minimum requirements for firearms training set forth by CLEET.

-SB 1544 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, exempts a reserve special agent with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control from the prohibition that no person holding an office under the laws of the state and no deputy of any officer may during their term of office hold any other office or be the deputy of any officer holding any office under the laws of Oklahoma.

-SB 1546 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, clarifies language related to the authority of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate oil and gas industry crimes.

-SB 1551 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, requires the director of corrections to have knowledge and skill in the correctional field and a master’s degree with a major study in business, public administration or a closely related field.

-SB 1554 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, removes language limiting the State Fire Marshal Revolving Fund to $550,000.

-SB 1571 by Sen. Clark Jolley, adds language providing funding for the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety Fund.

-SB 1578 by Sen. Harry Coates, authorizes the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to promulgate rules and set fees for a temporary license.

-SB 1592 by Sen. Clark Jolley, defines “physical therapy” as care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to the Physical Therapy Practice Act.

-SB 1627 by Sen. Brian Bingman, creates the Oklahoma Energy Initiative.

-SB 1628 by Sen. Brian Bingman, deletes references to the Bartlesville Energy Research Center regarding the use of funds from the Interstate Oil Compact Fund of Oklahoma and replaces it with the Oklahoma Energy Initiative.

-SB 1640 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, eliminates increased fines for second and subsequent toll violations, setting the monetary penalty at $25 per violation.

-SB 1641 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, changes the way toll evasion notices are sent from registered mail to first class mail.

-SB 1649 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, modifies the funds that may be deposited in the Commissioners of the Land revolving fund to include any appropriated money designated for transfer into the fund.

-SB 1686 by Sen. Greg Treat, permits commercial airport operators to prohibit the use of lighted tobacco in any indoor area that is open to or used by the public.

-SB 1799 by Sen. Kim David, removes native cats from the list of prohibited animals for sale and breeding.

-SB 1800 by Sen. Kim David, expands the duties of advisory committees of representatives of child care facilities and others that the Department of Human Services is required to appoint to include providing advice regarding concerns brought by child care facilities or referred by the department to assist facilities in meeting minimum requirements.

-SB 1827 by Sen. Clark Jolley, creates the Universal Brand Study Task Force.

-SB 1828 by Sen. Clark Jolley, expands the duties of the Department of Commerce to include developing public-private partnerships to further the mission and development plans for the department.

-SB 1887 by Sen. Steve Russell, creates the Veteran’s Benefit Protection Act.

-SB 1352 by Sen. Clark Jolley, prohibits any public investment in or purchase of any goods or services by public contract from Iran unless and until all sanctions by the U.S. government have been lifted.

• Senate committees did not advance bills on Tuesday.

• The House met Monday, approving the following measures:

-HB 2388 by Rep. Guy Liebmann, directs the Department of Human Services to require a drug test to screen each individual who receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families within three months of being approved for benefits.

-HJR 1085 by Rep. Phil Richardson, proposes a constitutional amendment creating the Water Infrastructure Credit Enhancement Reserve Fund within the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to be used by the board solely to secure the payment of principle, interest and premiums on bonds and other financial obligations issued or incurred to provide for the financial assistance programs.

-HB 2914 by Rep. Phil Richardson, creates the Regional Water Planning Act.

-HB 2929 by Rep. Don Armes, requires 50 percent of the credits accruing to the Community Water Infrastructure Development Water Plan for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to be transferred to the Statewide Water Development Revolving Fund.

-HB 2835 by Rep. Scott Martin, prohibits the Department of Environmental Quality from requiring a permit for applying less than 250 gallons per day of private residential gray water originating from a residence for the household gardening, composting or landscape irrigation under certain conditions.

-HB 2393 by Rep. Guy Liebmann, modifies definitions under the Oklahoma Brine Development Act.

-HB 1605 by Rep. Aaron Stiles, modifies language related to the temporary injunction automatically in effect upon the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage.

-HB 2266 by Rep. Doug Cox, creates the Public Health Delivery Act.

-HB 2304 by Rep. Wes Hilliard, creates the Recovery Audits for Government Overpayments of Tax Dollars Act.

-HB 2329 by Rep. James Lockhart, prohibits any person convicted of arson-related crimes from working or volunteering as a firefighter in the state.

-HB 2521 by Rep. Sally Kern, modifies language under the Volunteer Professional Services Immunity Act.

-HB 2578 by Rep. Glen Mulready, allows a board of county commissioners to enter into a contract with a collection agency for the collection of debts and accounts receivable.

-HB 2605 by Rep. Gus Blackwell, permits a county clerk to provide records by electronic means and may charge a fee not to exceed 15 cents per page.

-HB 2618 by Rep. Dennis Johnson, clarifies that county commissioners are allowed to pay for any safety training or safety devices and equipment out of the general county funds or county highway funds available to the commissioners.

-HB 2634 by Rep. Ben Sherrer, directs a court clerk upon receipt of supplemental information concerning the biological parents or the adopted person’s genetic history to send notice to the adult adopted person at the most recent address.

-HB 2686 by Rep. Gary Banz, allows the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors to deny the restoration or renewal of or place a probation for a period of time and subject to such condition as the board may specify on a license.

-HB 2724 by Rep. Scott Inman, requires state employees to be notified 30 days in advance of a furlough.

-HB 2836 by Rep. Scott Martin, prohibits municipal or county governing bodies from taking or requiring rights-of-way or easements or restricting the occupancy or development of private land beyond the federally established 100-year floodplain.

-HB 2920 by Rep. Steve Martin, allows a person to use enclosed trigger traps for the purpose of catching wildlife.

-HB 2942 by Rep. David Derby, adds to the list of Schedule I controlled substances.

-HB 2943 by Rep. David Derby, provides that no workers’ compensation reimbursement shall be allowed for any magnetic resonance imaging unless the MRI is provided by an entity that meets Medicare requirements for the payment of MRI services or is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

-HB 2946 by Rep. David Derby, allows a pharmacist to dispense quantities of maintenance medications up to the total number of dosage units authorized by the prescriber on the original prescription and any refills, not to exceed a 90-day supply.

-HB 2988 by Rep. Mike Ritze, presumes a person held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm to himself or herself when using defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another if a person against whom the defense force as used was in the process or had unlawfully entered a place or worship or if that person had removed or was attempting to remove against the will of that person from a place of worship.

-HB 3009 by Rep. Randy Terrill, states that a person commits murder in the first degree when that person intentionally causes the death of a law enforcement officer, correctional office or corrections employee while the officer or employee is in the performance of official duties.

-HB 3058 by Rep. Kris Steele, creates the Oklahoma Hospital Residency Training Program.

-HB 3074 by Rep. Joe Dorman, requires hospitals that furnish emergency medical or other service to any patient injured by an accident who is not covered by the Workers’ Compensation Code.

-HB 3113 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, modifies language regarding building funds of technology center school districts.

• House committees took no action on bills on Tuesday.

Tuesday, March 13

• The Senate approved the following measures on Tuesday:

-SB 1001 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, modifies language relating to retirement benefits for municipal officers or employees.

-SB 1511 by Sen. Ron Justice, makes the Insurance Department a non-appropriated state agency.

-SB 1530 by Sen. John Ford, permits a school district to submit a request to the State Board of Education for exemption from statutory requirements and state board rules from which charter schools are exempt.

-SB 178 by Sen. Brian Crain, authorizes the State Board of Health to adopt rules and requirements as necessary to establish adaptive standards of care where an extreme emergency exists, as defined in the Oklahoma Emergency Response Act.

-SB 1041 by Sen. Ron Justice, clarifies language related to publication notices for construction projects.

-SB 1055 by Sen. Steve Russell, clarifies language related to the mandatory preclusions for obtaining a handgun license.

-SB 1127 by Sen. Ron Justice, requires an application for a bail bondsman license to show that the applicant is competent, trustworthy, financially responsible and of good personal and business reputation and character.

-SB 1156 by Sen. Cliff Aldridge, repeals language related to limitations on subrogation and set-off under medical coverage in provisions in an automobile liability policy.

-SB 1179 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, permits the electronic prescribing of certain drugs.

-SB 1222 by Sen. Frank Simpson, creates the Oklahoma Veterans Treatment Act.

-SB 1229 by Sen. John Ford, requires the State Board of Education to provide the method of assistance to be provided to a consistently low-achieving school when a school is required to implement an alternative governance arrangement.

-SB 1264 by Sen. Dan Newberry, creates the Oklahoma Debt Reduction Fund.

-SB 1321 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, authorizes the attorney general to enter into contracts with retired peace officers certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.

-SB 1409 by Sen. John Ford, requires the State Board of Education to develop criteria for the approval of full-time statewide virtual education instruction providers.

-SB 1483 by Sen. Clark Jolley, clarifies language related to the audit of financial records of the state treasurer.

-SB 1506 by Sen. Eddie Fields, permits the Grand River Dam District to participate in the Southwest Power Pool Integrated Marketplace.

-SB 1525 by Sen. Clark Jolley, permits the secretary of environment to take certain actions to promote compliance with federal law protecting endangered species and candidate species in a manner consistent with Oklahoma’s economic development and fiscal responsibility.

-SB 1530 by Sen. John Ford, permits a school district to submit a request to the State Board of Education for exemption from statutory requirements and state board rules from which charter schools are exempt.

-SB 1533 by Sen. Clark Jolley, states legislative intent to make an appropriation to the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission.

-SB 1616 by Sen. Harry Coates, creates the Controlled Insurance Policies Act.

-SB 1623 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, clarifies language relating to numerous tax credits.

-SB 1634 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, clarifies language related to the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act.

-SB 1638 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, modifies removal date of non-conforming signs.

-SB 1643 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, modifies the amount apportioned to the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety Fund.

-SB 1642 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, modifies the apportionment of fees, taxes and penalties collected under the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act.

-SB 1665 by Sen. Rob Johnson, creates the Energy Litigation Reform Act.

-SB 1667 by Sen. Rob Johnson, clarifies language related to the licensing of the sale, distribution, possession and handling of low-point beer.

-SB 1694 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, modifies the definition of “claim” under the Oklahoma Medicaid False Claims Act.

-SB 1696 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, requires each district attorney to create a Delinquent Sales Tax Restitution Program and assign sufficient staff and resources for the efficient operation of the program.

-SB 1714 by Sen. John Ford, provides that if the Tax Commission determines that the total combined credits claimed for contributions made under the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act to scholarship granting organizations before Jan. 1, 2013, are in excess of $1.75 million that the commission will determine the percentage of the contribution which establishes the proportionate share of the credit that may be claimed by taxpayers so the maximum credits do not exceed $1.75 million.

-SB 1760 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, modifies language related to state of emergencies declared by the Governor.

-SB 1761 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, modifies statutory references to the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act.

-SB 1771 by Sen. Rob Johnson, modifies language related to non-competition agreements in employment.

-SB 1780 by Sen. Brian Crain, prohibits a consumer lawsuit loan company from entering into a consumer lawsuit loan transaction with a consumer with respect to a legal action in which the consumer is a party.

-SB 1792 by Sen. Clark Jolley, creates the Asbestos Claims Transparency Act.

-SB 1793 by Sen. Clark Jolley, eliminates the exemption from the requirement that the emblem of the state flag of Oklahoma will be part of personalized license plates and license plates for motorcycles.

-SB 1796 by Sen. Clark Jolley, adds obligations of the state of Oklahoma, its agencies and its local governments that are rated in the top two categories by either Standard and Poor’s or Moody’s or Fitch, and investment programs administered by the state treasurer to those which school district treasurers may invest funds from the district’s investment account.

-SB 1797 by Sen. Clark Jolley, changes the name of the Education Oversight Board to the Commission for Education, Instruction Quality and Accountability.

-SB 1816 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, creates a Charter School Sponsoring Commission.

-SB 1830 by Sen. Clark Jolley, modifies requirements for admissibility of evidence related to product defects.

-SB 1866 by Sen. Dan Newberry, transfers all powers, duties, responsibilities, employees, records and equipment of the State Board of Health, the State Department of Health and the state commissioner of health relating to the regulation of locksmiths, closed circuit televisions, access controls, burglar alarms, fire alarms and sprinkler and nurse calls to the Department of Labor.

-SB 1868 by Sen. Dan Newberry, adds to the exemption from the definition of the term “roofing contractor” a person working on their own property, whether actually performing the work or using the assistance or labor of family members.

-SB 1877 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, removes language requiring certain cabinet positions.

-SB 1879 by Sen. John Ford, removes the requirement for the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation and the State Board of Education to provide scholarships for teachers seeking National Board certification.

-SB 1889 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, requires all campus police departments to notify the district attorney in the county where the department is located of any complaint received by the campus police on any alleged crime of rape or child abuse that is to have occurred within the jurisdictional boundaries of the campus within three days of receiving the complaint.

-SB 1908 by Sen. Steve Russell, requires the director or primary executive of any agency not already appointed by the governor to be appointed by the governor, with advice and consent of the Senate.

-SB 1913 by Sen. Frank Simpson, modifies language related to the duties of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

-SB 1919 by Sen. Eddie Fields, creates the Commercial Pet Breeders Act of 2012.

-SB 1951 by Sen. Steve Russell, creates the Wounded Warrior Protection Act.

-SJR 52 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting intangible personal property of railroads, air carriers and public service corporations from being subject to ad valorem tax or any other tax in lieu of ad valorem tax.

-SB 1060 by Sen. Bill Brown, directs an insurer who has reason to believe a person or entity has engaged in or is engaging in an act or practice that violates state statute or administrative rules to notify the Anti-Fraud Unit of the Insurance Department as well as the Workers’ Compensation Unit and the Insurance Fraud Unit of the Office of the State Attorney General.

• Senate committees took no action on bills Tuesday.

• The House met Tuesday, approving the following measures:

-HB 2563 by Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, modifies qualifications for the Native American liaison.

-HJR 1092 by Rep. Kris Steele, proposes a constitutional amendment repealing language relating to the Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission and the director of public welfare.

-HB 3137 by Rep. Kris Steele, clarifies language regarding the authority of the Commission for Human Services.

-HB 3133 by Rep. Kris Steele, modifies language regarding the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.

-HB 3134 by Rep. Kris Steele, states legislative intent to improve the function and increase the efficiency of the Department of Human Services.

-HB 3135 by Rep. Kris Steele, clarifies that confidentiality of certain documents does not prohibit the Department of Human Services from providing a summary of individuals’ child welfare history.

-HB 3136 by Rep. Kris Steele, directs the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a plan to create a certification process for child welfare workers.

-HB 1357 by Rep. Ron Peters, allows local exchange companies and interexchange companies certain rights in lieu of Oklahoma Administrative Code rules.

-HB 1562 by Rep. Fred Jordan, creates the Property Rights Act of 2011.

-HB 2002 by Rep. Joe Dorman, directs the State Board of Health’s rules for the Continuum of Care and Assisted Living Act to include provisions requiring the availability of alternative power in assisted living centers that provide services to 50 or more individuals.

-HB 2155 by Rep. Kris Steele, creates the Oklahoma Employee Injury Benefit Act.

-HB 2258 by Rep. Ben Sherrer, directs the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court, the Oklahoma Department of Labor and the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to share information and coordinate investigative and enforcement efforts.

-HB 2453 by Rep. Charles Key, requires the insurance commissioner prior to the completion and filing of an application to subject each applicant for a license as an insurance producer, consultant, limited insurance representative or customer service representative or customer service representative to an examination.

-HB 2458 by Rep. Charles Key, creates the Unauthorized Insurers and Surplus Lines Insurance Act.

-HB 2534 by Rep. Aaron Stiles, modifies language related to summons issued for forcible entry and detainer.

-HB 2558 by Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, appropriates to the Employment Security Administration Fund out of funds made available to the state by the federal Unemployment Compensation Modernization Transfer.

-HB 2564 by Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, states that agreements between the Department of Transportation and an Indian tribe or the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and an Indian tribe for the maintenance and construction of transportation facilities.

-HB 2606 by Rep. Gus Blackwell, creates the Continuity of Care Act of 2012.

-HB 2616 by Rep. Dennis Johnson, provides a sales tax exemption on the sale of durable medical equipment.

-HB 2682 by Rep. Gary Banz, creates the Safari McDoulett Community Service Act.

-HB 2806 by Rep. Sean Roberts, requires an election held concerning the imposition of an ad valorem tax, sales tax by a county, any tax authorized to be levied by a municipality or any tax levy by a political subdivision of the state to be held on the date of a general election.

-HB 2904 by Rep. Mike Brown, removes language related to exemptions to the definition of land for the purpose of encouraging landowners to make land available for outdoor recreational purposes.

-HB 2924 by Rep. Don Armes, requires any acquisition of water rights by eminent domain to be limited to a 10-year term.

-HB 2928 by Rep. Don Armes, removes references related to the Oklahoma Tuition Scholarship Revolving Fund and replaces them with language referencing the Oklahoma Student Aid Revolving Fund.

-HB 2974 by Rep. David Dank, modifies language under the Political Subdivisions Ethics Act.

-HB 3049 by Rep. Mike Sanders, makes it unlawful for a registered aggravated sex offender to reside with a minor child or establish any other living accommodation where a minor resides.

-HB 3119 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, removes language requiring the State Board of Education to provide from the School Assistance Consolidation Fund a severance allowance to employees dismissed from employment due to annexation or consolidation of a school district.

-HB 2941 by Rep. David Derby, directs any pharmacy that dispenses, sells or distributes any compound mixture or preparation containing any detectable quantity of base pseudoephedrine to maintain a record of the sale.

• House committees took no action on bills on Tuesday.

Wednesday, March 14

• The Senate met Wednesday, approving the following measures:

-SB 1831 by Sen. Clark Jolley, clarifies language related to the delivery of offers of judgment and counteroffers.

-SB 1733 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, adds the term “unconcealed” to the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act.

-SB 221 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, allows purchase orders to be paid at the first meeting of the board of county commissioners five business days after presentation for payment.

-SB 222 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, requires any professional or clerical support staff required by the Commission on County Government Personnel, Education and Training to be provided through the Cooperative Extension Service.

-SB 223 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, establishes that free fair association boards of directors shall be elected to four-year terms and removes existing language concerning the directors’ election.

-SB 284 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, allows enforcement of municipal ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations and order by airport officers holding a commission from and employed by an airport trust as defined in the provisions and requirements of the Oklahoma Campus Security Act and who hold full police powers.

-SB 616 by Sen. John Sparks, requires the allocation of a prior service credit to certain members of the United States Armed Forces.

-SB 747 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, implements a $200 million cap on bonds issued through the Oklahoma Community Economic Development Pooled Finance Act.

-SB 1019 by Sen. Earl Garrison, expands to public housing authorities the ability to collect unpaid fines or debts of at least $50 from those who have filed state income tax returns by filing a claim with the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

-SB 1046 by Sen. Dan Newberry, directs that all current state employees and any employees beginning service on or after the effective date of the act will serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority, and no appointing authority can convey any right or expectation of continued employment to all employees.

-SB 1051 by Sen. Greg Treat, allows counties to participate in any competitively bid nationwide purchasing program.

-SB 1095 by Sen. Charlie Laster, authorizes the chair of the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, upon the concurrence of the vice chair that an emergency exists, to conduct a hearing to temporarily suspend the license of any person under the board’s jurisdiction.

-SB 1100 by Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, designates the section of State Highway 75 from Interstate 244 north to 56th Street North in Tulsa as the “Chapelle Family Memorial Highway”.

-SB 1119 by Sen. Earl Garrison, requires each school district to provide each parent, guardian or legal custodian of a student with an auditory or visual impairment with written information during the individual education program process concerning the availability of programs offered by the Oklahoma School for the Blind and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf for which students may be eligible.

-SB 1138 by Sen. Earl Garrison, authorizes the issuance of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action license plates to any person wishing to increase awareness of those who are currently prisoners of war or missing in action and provide financial support for current veterans.

-SB 1183 by Sen. Sean Burrage, requires that a Department of Public Safety motor vehicle report be obtained for adoptive parents and all other household members when a child to be adopted is in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services.

-SB 1196 by Sen. Sean Burrage, increases the amount that may be recovered under small claims procedures from $6,000 to $10,000.

-SB 1189 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, clarifies language related to the 2011 Shale Reservoir Development Act.

-SB 1192 by Sen. Mike Schulz, modifies language related to the Airspace Severance Act.

-SB 1204 by Sen. Mark Allen, requires the director of the Central Services Division of the Office of State Finance to publish a comprehensive report detailing state-owned property each year.

-SB 1234 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, limits a gross production tax exemption for the production of oil and gas from a horizontally drilled well.

-SB 1246 by Sen. Brian Bingman, states that if a claimant in a workers’ compensation case is charged with workers’ compensation fraud, any pending workers’ compensation proceeding shall be stayed until the final disposition of the criminal case.

-SB 1247 by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, removes language referring to the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund and replaces it with language referring to the Department of Public Safety Restricted Revolving Fund.

-SB 1253 by Sen. Tom Ivester, requires all payments received by the state auditor and inspector from providing continuing professional education to be deposited to the State Auditor and Inspector Revolving Fund.

-SB 1272 by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, allows a licensed medical doctor, osteopathic physician, doctor or podiatry or doctor of psychiatry of this state or other licensed medical personnel authorized by law to prescribe controlled dangerous substances eligible for the central repository under the Anti-Drug Diversion Act.

-SB 1283 by Sen. John Sparks, modifies penalties for violation of the Oklahoma Scrap Metal Dealers Act to include a fine of not less than $500 fine for a first violation of the act and creates a felony for second and subsequent violations with a $1,000 fine.

-SB 1309 by Sen. Sean Burrage, modifies language related to special elections.

-SB 1338 by Sen. Cliff Branan, requires the secretary of energy to appoint a working group of any number of federal, state and local government officials.

-SB 1366 by Sen. Tom Ivester, states that mental health treatment instructions contained in a declaration executed in accordance with the Advance Directives for Mental Health Treatment Act shall be superseded by an advance directive for health care.

-SB 1367 by Sen. Susan Paddack, modifies language to require a cash settlement by an insurer based on the actual cost to purchase a motor vehicle be determined by certain factors.

-SB 1372 by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, removes language relating to the annual salaries for the deputy director and positions with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

-SB 1378 by Sen. Brian Bingman, creates the Oklahoma Employee Injury Benefit Act.

-SB 1419 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, authorizes a professional medical licensing board to have the authority to share, split or enter into mutual contracts.

-SB 1437 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, imposes a tax on the taxable income of every resident or nonresident individual.

-SB 1439 by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, allows a series of offenses of embezzlement to be aggregated into one offense when the offenses are the result of the formulation of a plan or scheme or the setting up of a mechanism which results in taking or diversion of money or property on a recurring basis when put into operation.

-SB 1453 by Sen. Josh Brecheen, creates the Protection Against Sexual Exploitation by a Mental Health Services Provider Act.

-SB 1462 by Sen. Jerry Ellis, reauthorizes the Oklahoma Rifle Association License Plate.

-SB 1474 by Sen. Rob Johnson, provides that an insurance self-evaluative audit is privileged information and is not discoverable or admissible as evidence in any legal action in any civil, criminal or administrative proceeding unless expressly waived by the company or required to disclose the material by the court.

-SB 1520 by Sen. Brian Bingman, requires any person receiving disability benefits from an employer or the employer’s insurance carrier, regardless of whether proceedings have been initiated by filing a Form 3, to file with the Workers’ Compensation Court 12 months after receipts of the first benefit.

-SB 1522 by Sen. Rob Johnson, removes language relating to the discharge or termination of group insurance.

-SB 1537 by Sen. Susan Paddack, requires that permits issued for motor vehicles consisting of a truck tractor working in combination with trailer and semitrailer contain only the license tag number for the truck tractor and that any license tag numbers available for any trailer or semitrailer not be included on the permit.

-SB 1548 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, removes language permitting a $60 fee to be charged for the firearm training and qualification course.

-SB 1569 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, requires each candidate required to file a declaration of candidacy for any office in any election to provide proof of identity and eligibility to hold the office sought to the election board at the time of filing the declaration.

-SB 1644 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, adds over-length vehicles engaged in harvest operations to the list of those for which the commissioner of public safety may issue an annual permit for $25.

-SB 1690 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, provides that the residency of dentist members of the Board of Dentistry will be determined by the primary location listed on the dentists’ licenses.

-SB 1695 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, creates the Nondiscrimination in Treatment Act.

-SB 1721 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, creates Caylee’s Law.

-SB 1743 by Sen. Steve Russell, creates the Landowner’s Hunting Freedom Act.

-SB 1774 by Sen. Charles Laster, modifies language related to credit card transaction.

-SB 1847 by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, requires the Department of Public Safety to provide quarterly reports stating the staffing levels within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and whether individual troopers’ personal safety is at an increased risk due to staffing deficiencies to the Legislature and the governor.

-SB 1872 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, creates the Professional Bounty Hunter Licensing Act.

-SB 1890 by Sen. Randy Bass, exempts from the Trip Optimizer system employees of agencies, boards and commissions where the place of employment is located in a municipality with a population of less than 250,000 according to the latest federal decennial census.

-SB 1795 by Sen. Kim David, removes the Bill Willis Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Center in Tahlequah and the Norman Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center in Norman from the facilities within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services that may be maintained for residents of the state.

-SB 1884 by Sen. Greg Treat, modifies the definition of racketeering activity.

-SB 1953 by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, requires any judicial officer to report to the Council on Judicial Complaints any conduct that the officer believes may be a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

• Senate committees took no action on bills Wednesday.

• The House met Wednesday, approving several bills, including the following:

-HB 3056 by Rep. Kris Steele, directs the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board to submit notice of the amount of employment premiums and dependent premiums to the director of the Office of State Finance.

-HJR 1089 by Rep. Kris Steele, proposes a constitutional amendment that would require any measure providing for a tax credit to contain provisions pursuant to which any member of the public can determine the identity of any person or entity that benefits from the tax to be reduced.

-HB 2970 by Rep. Todd Thomsen, requires the State Board of Education to develop and administer a series of criterion-referenced tests for grades one through eight in reading and mathematics.

-HB 2980 by Rep. David Dank, creates the Preserving Oklahoma’s Strategic Industries Incentive Act.

-HB 3061 by Rep. Kris Steele, creates the Oklahoma Tax Reduction and Simplification Act.

-HB 3038 by Rep. Leslie Osborn, requires single individuals and married individuals filing jointly to pay the maximum state income tax rate of 2.25 percent for the 2013 tax year.

-HB 2978 by Rep. David Dank, requires any measure providing for a tax credit to contain provisions pursuant to which any member of the public can determine the identity of any person or entity that benefits from the tax to be reduced.

-HB 2621 by Rep. Dennis Johnson, removes language allowing tax credits for coal production to be freely transferable at any time during the five years following the year of qualification.

-HB 2270 by Rep. Doug Cox, prohibits the Nursing Facilities Quality of Care fee from exceeding the amount or rate allowed by federal law for nursing home licensed bed days pursuant to any approved Medicaid waiver.

-HB 2476 by Rep. Seneca Scott, modifies the notice requirement placed on a municipality seeking to clean trash, weeds or grass from a property, allowing at least 10 days’ notice to be given to any mortgage holder as shown by the records in the county clerk’s office to the last-known address of the mortgagee.

-HB 2676 by Rep. Jabar Shumate, directs the State Board of Education to establish the Oklahoma Bridge to Literacy Program to offer reading instruction to children before school, after school, on Saturdays and during the summer periods.

-HB 2777 by Rep. Todd Russ, modifies language related to the Ad Valorem Reimbursement Fund.

• House committees took no action on bills Wednesday.

Thursday, March 15

• The Senate met Thursday, approving the following measures:

-SB 1043 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, provides August 29, 2003 as the effective date for a moratorium on issuance of any temporary permit to municipal use of groundwater from a sensitive sole source groundwater basin or any overlaying sub-basin.

-SB 1381 by Sen. Judy Eason-McIntyre, requires instruction in public schools about the Tulsa Race Riots.

-SB 1716 by Sen. John Sparks, states that it is punishable by felony in found knowingly damaging a fence used for animals of livestock in such a way that there is loss or damage to property.

-SB 1624 by Sen. John Sparks, modifies definitions related to residency status for the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education.

-SB 1371 by Sen. John Sparks, modifies requirements for discount medical plan organizations.

-SB 1040 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, updates the statutory references regarding water rights.

-SB 1363 by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, modifies language and references regarding the Department of Corrections.

-SB 1601 by Sen. Sean Burrage, allows county, district and state fairs to apply for a horse race meeting once a year.

-SB 1398 by Sen. Sean Burrage, directs the Department of Human Services to privatize community-based out-of-home placement.

-SB 1354 by Sen. Sean Burrage, allows citizens who use bioptic telescopic devices to obtain drivers licenses.

-SJR 80 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, sends to a vote of the people a measure that would allow state legislators to also hold positions in the National Guard or Reserve.

-SB 1106 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, creates written hold order requirements.

-SB 1082 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, makes all information in the Deferred Deposit Lending Act database confidential and exempt from the open records act.

-SB 1031 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, removes exclusion of the construction of municipal streets from computation of mileage for the purpose of state tax revenues.

Other News

• Federal Prosecutors have decided not to retry former Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan. Although a jury found Morgan guilty of one bribery count, jurors were deadlocked on an extortion count and on 27 mail fraud counts. Morgan was acquitted on one count of conspiracy and 32 counts of mail fraud. Prosecutors made the decision after determining a subsequent conviction would not have a material effect on how much prison time Morgan would face as a result of federal sentencing guidelines. Morgan is appealing the bribery conviction. If reversed or vacated, prosecutors said they may pursue further criminal remedies.
• In Washington D.C., passage of a two-year highway bill by the U.S. Senate would maintain current funding levels for Oklahoma. The state would receive about $650 million each year, which means Oklahoma would receive $1.38 for every $1 spent on the federal gasoline tax. The bill gives states more flexibility in how the use the funds so that the most pressing projects can be addressed. Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe said the bill would support 45,000 jobs in Oklahoma.
• More good economic news for Oklahoma. The quarterly Manpower Employment Outlook Survey reports that 24 percent of Oklahoma employers plan to hire more workers from April to June, ranking the state’s employment outlook as the fourth best in the nation.