Monday, March. 26 to Thursday, March 29, 2012

Monday, March 26

•The Senate met Monday but approved no legislation.

• Senate committees approved the following measures Monday:

-HB 2247 by Rep. George Faught, recreates the Oklahoma Education Television Authority and other agencies.

-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 in the year of annexation or consolidation and who were denied a severance allowance or unemployment compensation benefits and the voluntary consolidation funding of the annexing or consolidation funding of the annexing or consolidating district or districts has been paid on or after July 1, 2003.

-HB 2090 by Rep. Randy Terrill, states that in any case where a college technology center school district established between Dec. 31, 1968, and July 1, 2012, overlaps and includes territory that is included within the district of a technology center school established by the State Board of Career and Technology, the building fund levy may be applied to the overlap.

-HB 2341 by Rep. Skye McNiel, extends through June 30, 2014, the ability for schools to not meet media material and equipment standards without being penalized or losing accreditation.

-HB 2641 by Rep. Lee Denney, directs the Office of Juvenile Affairs together with the Oklahoma Association of Youth Services, subject to availability of funds, to identify an evidence-based counseling curriculum to be made available to students in school districts.

-HB 2676 by Rep. Jabar Shumate, directs the State Board of Education to establish the Oklahoma Bridge to Literacy Program.

-HB 2689 by Rep. Charles Joyner, makes a student eligible for in-state status regardless of the residency of the student if he or she is the dependent child of a person currently serving as the member of the actively uniformed military services of the United States on full-time active duty status of more than 30 days and for whom Oklahoma is the home of record or a person currently serving as a member of more than 30 days and for whom Oklahoma is the home of record.

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

-HB 3130 by Rep. Jason Nelson, directs that the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System adopted by the State Board of Education require school districts to report revenue and expenditures using program codes.

-HB 2511 by Rep. Ann Coody, removes reference to the State Board of Education’s approval of not more than three screening instruments to measure reading skills.

-HB 2925 by Rep. Don Armes, grants the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry the authority to negotiate reciprocal agreements with the federal government or any state, or any department or agency of either.

-HB 2353 by Rep. Steve Kouplen, modifies language regarding training of employees of licensed managed feeding operations, exempting an employee from the annual training requirement after completing 18 hours of training and requires completion of three hours of training every three years.

-HB 2786 by Rep. Charles Ortega, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Swine Feeding Operations Act, directing the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to develop a record retention schedule for certain records.

-HB 1577 by Rep. Scott Martin, modifies language related to the membership makeup of the Public Employees Relations Board.

-HB 1985 by Rep. Chuck Hoskin, provides that any veteran who meets the basic qualifications for a position be interviewed in person in order to allow the veteran to demonstrate any transferable skills acquired in military service.

-HB 2211 by Rep. Pam Peterson, allows a board of county commissioners chair to designate another county commissioner to serve in place of the chair on the city-county library commission.

-HB 2281 by Rep. Larry Glenn, requires an undersheriff to be designated of record in the county clerk’s office.

-HB 2310 by Rep. Randy Grau, modifies the powers of a board of county commissioners, clarifying that approval of personnel policies for the county be evidenced in the minutes of a meeting of the board of county commissioners or the county budget board.

-HB 2371 by Rep. Mike Sanders, increases from $2,500 to $5,000 the maximum amount of county equipment, machinery or vehicle repair that may be covered by a blanket purchase order.

-HB 2373 by Rep. Mike Sanders, authorizes county commissioners to execute deeds of conveyance of any county lands acquired at tax resale to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority if OHCA has liens on the land.

-HB 2476 by Rep. Seneca Scott, modifies the notice requirement placed on a municipality seeking to clean trash.

-HB 2499 by Rep. Randy Grau, creates the Oklahoma Regional District Jail Act.

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

-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 or $75 per book.

-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.

• The House met Monday, approving the following measures:

-SB 875 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, provides that an owner, employee, participant, member, guest or customer of a gun range, gun shop or gun club who is acting in good faith pursuant to the standards of the firearm industry and the duty of care under common law and gun club rules, if applicable, will not be liable for injuries to any person engaged in firearm activities on the premises of the range.

-SB 941 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies language related to procedures for the discovery of certain trial preparation materials and experts.

-HCR 1024 by Rep. Edward Cannaday, declares the official motto of the state of Oklahoma to be “Oklahoma – In God We Trust!”.

• House committees approved numerous measures this week, including the following:

-SB 1210 by Sen. Frank Simpson, excludes from the definition of “residential care home” a home or facility approved and annually reviewed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a medical foster home in which care is provided exclusively to three or fewer veterans.

-SB 1701 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, establishes that the adjutant general is the chief military adviser to the governor.

-SB 1397 by Sen. Brian Crain, requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to create a sliding scale for premium assistance where the premium assistance provided the to an employee is reduced as the employee’s salary is increased in administering premium assistance program.

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

-SB 1580 by Sen. Kim David, adds an at-large member to be appointed by the governor to the State Anatomical Board.

-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 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 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 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 1866 by Sen. Dan Newberry, transfers all powers 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 commissioner of labor.

-SB 1571 by Sen. Clark Jolley, would reduce the income tax rate.

-SB 1036 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, modifies eligibility for an additional ad valorem exemption from an income not to exceed $20,000 to the greater of $22,000 or 50 percent of the amount determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be the estimated median income for the preceding year for the county or metropolitan statistical area including the county in which the claimant’s property is located.

-SB 1138 by Sen. Earl Garrison, authorizes the issuance of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action license plates.

-SB 1436 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, repeals a section of law related to the Franchise Tax Code.

-SB 1449 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, allows any person 62 years of age or older who is a head of a household, is a resident of this state and owns and resides in a manufactured home that is located on land now owned by the owner of the manufactured home may receive an exemption on the manufactured home equal to $2,000 if the person’s gross household income did not meet certain conditions.

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

-SB 1464 by Sen. Brian Bingman, adds oil and gas drilling to the list of qualified industries under the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Programs Act.

-SB 1465 by Sen. Brian Bingman, exempts from taxation a holder of a direct payment permit on tangible personal property intended solely for use in other state but which is stored in Oklahoma pending shipment to other states or which is temporarily retained in Oklahoma for the purpose of fabrication, repair, testing, alteration, maintenance or other services.

-SB 1696 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, requires each district attorney to create a Delinquent Sales Task Restitution Program.

-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.

-SB 1380 by Sen. Tom Ivester, requires a student be eligible to participate in the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program and to qualify for an award which includes payment of an amount equivalent to resident tuition or other tuition for the first semester.

-SB 1565 by Sen. Susan Paddack, requires the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to establish a three-year comprehensive dyslexia teacher training pilot program.

-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 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 disability

-SB 1069 by Sen. Don Barrington, directs that in the event of an inmate’s death when his or her designee declines to accept the inmate’s remains and the Department of Corrections pays for cremation, the costs of cremation will be deducted from any balance due to the inmate’s designee.

-SB 448 by Sen. Don Barrington, modifies the definition of “tank vehicle”.

-SB 1142 by Sen. Josh Brecheen, authorizes the Department of Public Safety to enter into agreements with people whose license to operate a motor vehicle has been suspended or revoked in order to issue provisional licenses that would allow the person to drive between their place of residence and a college, university or technology center.

-SB 1179 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, permits the electronic prescribing of Schedule II, III, IV and V drugs under certain conditions.

-SB 1180 by Sen. Mark Allen, requires the Department of Public Safety to issue an annual vehicle permit to a transportation company or manufacturer of portable buildings solely for the movement of oversized portable buildings for a specific manufacturer.

-SB 1187 by Sen. Susan Paddack, permits the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training to waive all or part of any money due to the council if deemed uncollectable by the council.

-SB 1188 by Sen. Susan Paddack, requires a certified reserve officer who has been inactive for five or more years to complete a legal update prescribed by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.

-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 1360 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, requires the commissioner of public safety to charge a cancellation or revision fee of $20 for any overweight vehicle permit which is canceled or revised by the requester for reasons other than an error in the permit caused by the Department of Public Safety and that the fee be deposited to the credit of the Department of Public Safety Revolving Fund.

-SB 1363 by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, clarifies language relating to the siting of correctional facilities.

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

-SB 1412 by Sen. Susan Paddack, authorizes the commissioner of public safety and other officers of the department designated by the commissioner to provide a copy of any record required to be maintained by the department at no charge to any nonprofit provider exempt from federal income tax and contracted by the Developmental Disabilities Services Division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

-SB 1537 by Sen. Susan Paddack, requires that any permit issued for a truck or truck-tractor operating in combination with a trailer or a semitrailer contain only the license plate number for the truck or truck-tractor if the permittee provides to the Department of Public Safety a list containing the license plate number, and such other information as the department may prescribe by rule, for each trailer or semitrailer which may be used for movement with the permit.

-SB 1539 by Sen. Josh Brecheen, permits the Department of Corrections to accept and process agricultural products from the public and to export the resulting products to foreign markets.

-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 1678 by Sen. Mike Schulz, requires the Department of Public Safety to issue a permit to transport or move a manufactured home used for commercial purposes during the first five days of the following calendar year if the applicant can provide a special waiver and a commercial move affidavit authored by the law.

-SB 1242 by Sen. Don Barrington, allows the court to order a defendant to reimburse the Oklahoma attorney general for costs incurred in certain cases.

-SB 1508 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, clarifies language related to expenditures from the Court Clerk’s Revolving Fund.

-SB 1875 by Sen. David Holt, permits a county that has a community service program to impose a community service program assessment upon a majority vote of the board of county commissioners.

-SB 987 by Sen. Susan Paddack, modifies language relating to the definition of first-degree murder.

-SB 1239 by Sen. Greg Childers, allows a district attorney to appoint any attorney that is a full-time state employee to serve as a special assistant district attorney on a case-by-case basis.

-SB 1299 by Sen. Brian Crain, permits a transfer-on-death deed or an instrument revoking such a deed to be executed by an attorney-in-fact of the owner of record or by a guardian of a minor legally incompetent owner of record in addition to the owner of record.

-SB 1304 by Sen. Brian Crain, repeals language related to the relationship of a court-appointed fiduciary and attorney-in-fact.

-SB 1314 by Sen. Brian Crain, allows a deponent to have his or her attorney present to counsel and render advice during deposition in certain instances.

-SB 1316 by Sen. Ron Justice, prohibits the state or a political subdivision from being liable if a loss or claim results from use of a public facility opened to the general public during an emergency.

-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 1346 by Sen. Greg Childers, removes language requiring a special judge be appointed in case of a disqualification of a judge of a municipal court.

-SB 1386 by Sen. Brian Crain, states that nothing contained in the Oklahoma Medicaid Program Integrity Act prohibits the attorney general from pursuing cases of suspected Medicaid fraud without a referral from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority if there is credible evidence of fraud.

-SB 1543 by Sen. Rob Johnson, modifies statutory references to robbery with a dangerous weapon.

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

-SB 1704 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, amends, merges, consolidates and repeals duplicate sections of law.

-SB 1882 by Sen. Greg Treat, provides that the state or a political subdivision will not be liable if a loss or claim results from use of indoor outdoor school property and facilities made available for public recreation before or after normal school hours or on weekend or school vacations, except those claims resulting from willful and wanton acts of negligence.

Tuesday, March 27

• The Senate approved the following measures on Tuesday:

-HB 2188 by Rep. Dale DeWitt, creates a misdemeanor for transporting castor beans in quantities of more than 50 pounds.

-HB 2189 by Rep. Dale DeWitt, creates a misdemeanor for planting, nurturing or otherwise commercially producing castor beans containing the toxin ricin.

-SCR 33 by Sen. Dan Newberry, calls upon the Congress of the United States to initiate an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced budget amendment.

-SR 45 by Sen. Sean Burrage, recognizes March 27 as Cherokee Nation Legislative Day at the Capitol.

• Senate committees approved the following bills on Tuesday:

-HB 2740 by Rep. Ron Peters, states legislative intent to provide a sentencing alternative for courts.

-HB 2198 by Rep. Steven Vaughan, creates a felony for taking, possessing or transporting, or acting as an accessory in such actions relating to processed or unprocessed paddlefish products with a current market value exceeding $5,000.

-HB 2523 by Rep. Steve Martin, establishes a one-day fishing license for nonresidents for a $14 fee.

-HB 2573 by Rep. Pat Ownbey, clarifies that a person may not catch by any means or method upon the land of another without consent of the owner, lessee or land occupant.

-HB 2607 by Rep. Gus Blackwell, prohibits the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Wildlife Conservation from entering into or approving a conservation easement or setback for purposes related to energy or agricultural structures and regarding the lesser prairie chicken that is more restrictive than that in federal law.

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

-HB 1952 by Rep. Skye McNiel, creates the Oklahoma Weights and Measures Reform Act.

-HB 2429 by Rep. Paul Roan, designates sections of several highways.

-HB 2260 by Rep. T. W. Shannon, modifies language regarding the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

-HB 3093 by Rep. Cory Williams, exempts canoes from the vessel registration act.

-HB 2510 by Rep. Ann Coody, prohibits a person from claiming a sales tax exemption granted a not-for-profit organization to make a purchase exempt from sales tax for his or her personal use.

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

-HB 2645 by Rep. David Brumbaugh, requires each member of the county excise board to attend and successfully complete a course of instruction consisting of at least six hours within 18 months of appointment for the first four years of service on the board and three hours of instruction for every year four years of service after the expiration of the initial four-year period.

-HB 2710 by Rep. Mike Jackson, requires every person who maintains a machine at a retail establishment that enables any person to process tobacco or any product that is made or derived from tobacco into a roll or tube to be deemed a manufacturer of cigarettes and that the resulting product shall be deemed to be cigarettes sold to a consumer.

-HB 2741 by Rep. Ron Peters, modifies legislative intent of the Oklahoma Juvenile Code.

-HB 2241 by Rep. George Faught, modifies language related to the Administrative Procedures Act.

-HB 2257 by Rep. Ben Sherrer, adds a definition of “trustee advisor” under the Oklahoma Trust Act.

-HB 2286 by Rep. Emily Virgin, replaces reference to divorce with dissolution of marriage as it relates to cases of disposable retired or retainer pay to a military member.

-HB 2289 by Rep. Randy Grau, clarifies language related to licensing for private process servers.

-HB 2296 by Rep. Eric Proctor, exempts owners of manufactured mobile home parks and recreational vehicle parks who provide access to the park office as a shelter in times of severe weather from liability for any civil damages to any person using the office as shelter during severe weather if the owner was acting in good faith and the damage or injury was not caused by the willful misconduct of the owner.

-HB 2419 by Rep. John Enns, exempts from liability for civil damages the owner of a storm shelter who provides access to his or her storm shelter in times of severe weather if the owner was acting in good faith and the damage or injury sustained was not caused by the willful or wanton negligence of the owner.

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

-HB 2652 by Rep. Lee Denney, creates the Oklahoma Innocence Collaboration Act.

-HB 2656 by Rep. Fred Jordan, clarifies the definition of “electronic signature” under the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act.

-HB 2713 by Rep. Mike Jackson, directs the administrative director of the courts rather than the state auditor and inspector to develop and implement necessary forms and procedures for claims against the Court Clerk’s Revolving Fund.

-HB 2967 by Rep. Todd Thomsen, requires every applicant for registration as an athlete agent to submit to the secretary of state a valid surety bond in the penal sum of $50,000.

• The House met Tuesday, approving the following measures:

-SB 301 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, allows the registration of a deceased voter to be canceled by the secretary of a county election board upon receipt of a certified copy of a death certificate from any person.

• House committees met Tuesday and approved the following measures:

-SB 1433 by Sen. Brian Crain, creates the Personhood Act.

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

-SB 1164 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, establishes the process for the Corporation Commission to prescribe specifications for the quality of synthetic diesel.

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

-SB 1500 by Sen. Eddie Fields, removes outdated language and clarifies statutory references in the Grand River Dam Authority Act.

-SB 1111 by Sen. Eddie Fields, directs the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to make educational program resources at institutions in the State System of Higher Education available to the people of the Ponca City area.

-SB 1401 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, requires nursing facilities and specialized facilities without emergency power generators to provide a written disclosure to any resident or resident’s caregiver upon admittance to the facility stating the facility does not have an emergency power generator.

-SB 1274 by Sen. Dan Newberry, creates the Heartbeat Informed Consent Act.

-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.

-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 Act.

-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.

Wednesday, March 28

• The Senate met Wednesday, approving the following measures:

-HB 2443 by Rep. Dale DeWitt, directs the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to make educational program resources at institutions within the State System of Higher Education available to the people of the Ponca City area to be known as the University Center at Ponca City.

-HB 2768 by Rep. R.C. Pruett, directs the State Board of Agriculture to meet a minimum of eight times per year rather than monthly.

• Senate committees approved the following measures Wednesday:

-HB 2582 by Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, adds definitions to the Long-term Care Security Act.

-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 or ephedrine, its salts or optical isomers, to maintain an electronic record of the sale.

-HB 2431 by Rep. Paul Roan, modifies language related to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation owning and operating an aircraft.

-HJR 1082 by Rep. Sean Roberts, proposes a constitutional amendment removing the restriction on a person who holds an office under the laws of the state or who is a member of Congress in Oklahoma from retaining such office if the person is a member of the Oklahoma National Guard or any reserve component of any branch of the U.S. military and is ordered by the proper authority to active service.

-HB 2207 by Rep. John Bennett, modifies the definition of “residential care home” under the Residential Care Act.

-HB 2841 by Rep. Scott Martin, authorizes the Oklahoma Tax Commission to design and issue the Military Multi-Decoration license plate that may be issued to any honorably or dishonorably discharged or present member of the U.S. armed forces who qualifies for more than one military decoration license plate.

-HB 2248 by Rep. T.W. Shannon, increases from $41,700,000 to $56,700,000 the amount to be allocated to the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety Fund.

-HB 2249 by Rep. T.W. Shannon, modifies apportionment of fees, taxes and penalties collected under the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act to the General Revenue Fund.

-HB 2469 by Rep. Richard Morrissette, creates the Oklahoma Transportation Infrastructure Bank.

-HB 2520 by Rep. Jason Murphey, creates the Government Reorganization Act.

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

-HB 2273 by Rep. Doug Cox, authorizes the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to pay professional expenses of the administrator of the authority.

• The House met Wednesday, approving several bills relating to administrative rules submitted for legislative review, and the following measure:

-SB 1704 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, amends, merges, consolidates and repeals duplicate sections of law.

• House committees approved the following measures on Wednesday:

-SB 1437 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, modifies income tax rates and brackets.

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

-SB 1043 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, requires the Department of Environmental Quality to convene a working group to explore opportunities for water reuse.

-SB 1799 by Sen. Kim David, creates the Oklahoma Responsible Exotic Cate Ownership Act.

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

-SB 1257 by Sen. Susan Paddack, requires the secretary for the executive cabinet area relating to Native American affairs to be the appointed Native American liaison.

-SB 1006 by Sen. Ron Justice, directs a board of county commissioners to take inventory of certain property.

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

-SB 1075 by Sen. Don Barrington, modifies the prohibition on municipal officers and employees from selling, buying or leasing property to or from the municipality, contracting with the municipality or buying or bartering in the acquisition of bonds.

-SB 1131 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, removes a requirement that a county assessor spend at least one day in each city and incorporated town unless the county assesses a personal property tax.

-SB 1287 by Sen. Jim Halligan, modifies language regarding the membership of a municipal library board.

-SB 1040 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, changes the name of the Community Water Infrastructure Development Revolving Fund to the Community Water Infrastructure Development and Planning Revolving Fund.

-SB 1518 by Sen. Eddie Fields, removes language permitting the importation of live feral swine into Oklahoma.

-SB 1751 by Sen. Josh Brecheen, adds the definition of “Judas pig tagging system” to the Feral Swine Control Act.

-SB 1213 by Sen. Bill Brown, allows any assets of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement Board to be invested in a collective investment fund or in a group trust.

-SB 1214 by Sen. Bill Brown, allows any assets of the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement Board to be invested in a collective investment fund or in a group trust.

-SB 1588 by Sen. Don Barrington, allows the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement Board to permit the use of electronic media to provide applicable notices and make elections and consent.

-SB 1053 by Sen. Harry Coates, extends requirement for surety bonds for construction or repair contracts.

-SB 1233 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, requires the official statement, prospectus or other offering document to be filed with the Oklahoma State Bond Advisor prior to the expiration of 15 business days following delivery of and payment for bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness by any public trust.

-SB 1279 by Sen. Kim David, modifies the definition of “professional service” under the Professional Entity Act to include a licensed alcohol and drug counselor or a licensed behavioral practitioner.

-SB 1497 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, increases the time period from within one year to within 36 months that a person resumes business for which a closing out sale was conducted that constitutes a violation of the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act.

-SB 1874 by Sen. Brian Crain, provides that all revocation, suspension, cancellation or denial periods of time of driving privileges will be considered served on successful graduation from an Oklahoma Drug Court Program.

-SB 1067 by Sen. Don Barrington, clarifies that a Department of Public Safety officer is authorized under certain circumstances to tow vehicles found on public roads.

-SB 1218 by Sen. David Holt, allows a college or university located within an improvement district to waive the 300-foot requirement for any mixed beverage establishment.

-SB 1263 by Sen. Don Barrington, modifies language related to permits for low-point beer sales for on or off premises consumption.

-SB 1354 by Sen. Sean Burrage, requires that, within six months of the effective date of the act, the commissioner of public safety shall promulgate rules to provide for a restricted driver license for bioptic driving in Oklahoma.

-SB 1734 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, authorizes agents of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control to conduct investigations into and to arrest those suspected of money laundering.

-SB 1798 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, exempts collisions occurring on private property from the requirement of filing reports with the Department of Public Safety.

-SB 1569 by Sen. Ralph Shortey, requires each candidate required to file a declaration of candidacy to provide proof of identity and eligibility to hold office.

-SB 1309 by Sen. Sean Burrage, prohibits a special election from being held by any entity authorized to call elections except on the second Tuesday of January.

-SB 1466 by Sen. John Ford, prohibits a notary public or their agent from requesting absentee ballots on behalf of a voter in requesting an absentee ballot other than for themselves or a member of their household.

-SB 1532 by Sen. Clark Jolley, changes the day of the election for school board members and for technology center school districts.

-SB 1170 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, modifies the language related to the cancellation of voter registrations of deceased individuals.

-SB 1698 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, requires any local entity seeking to hold an election on the same date as a state or federal election to ensure that the election board can comply with the provisions of the Let the Troops Vote Act.

-SB 1707 by Sen. Greg Treat, adds the second Tuesday in December as one of the days on which no special election can be held.

-SB 1162 by Sen. Brian Bingman, creates the Oklahoma Recyclable Container Initiative working group.

-SB 1338 by Sen. Cliff Branan, requires the secretary of energy to appoint a working group to study the feasibility of permitting oil and or natural gas exploration on lands surrounding the McAlester Army Ammunition Depot.

-SB 1706 by Sen. Kim David, creates the Oklahoma Drug-endangered Children’s Alliance Board.

-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.

-SB 1623 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, clarifies language regarding equipment used for recycling, reuse or source reduction of hazardous waste.

-SB 1535 by Sen. Clark Jolley, requires the Capitol architect and curator to develop technical plans and programs for consideration by the Legislature and governor.

-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 456 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, modifies language related to manufacturing facilities that qualify for the five-year ad valorem tax exemption.

-SB 1230 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, clarifies language related to Oklahoma Tax Commission’s authority regarding licensing and permits.

-SB 1231 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, changes the day of the month by which a person that has made a delivery sale, mailed or shipped cigarettes must file a memorandum or copy of the invoice with the Tax Commission.

-SB 1232 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, eliminates language related to the Surviving Spouse License plate.

-SB 1235 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, modifies the definition of “basic industry” under the Quality Jobs Program Act.

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

-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.

-SB 1434 by Sen. Brian Bingman, requires in each fiscal year a percentage of excise tax to be transferred to the Oil and Gas Division Revolving Fund of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

-SB 1774 by Sen. Charlie Laster, modifies language related to credit card transactions.

-SB 1868 by Sen. Dan Newberry, adds to the exemption from the definition of the term “roofing contractor”.

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

Thursday, March 29

• The Senate met Thursday, approving the following measures:

-HB 2959 by Rep. Mike Christian, includes “tribal law enforcement officer” as a peace officer.

-SCR 34 by Sen. Constance Johnson, encourages Congress to support the establishment of a National Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C.

Other News

•Oklahoma City will give $9 million to help complete construction of the American Indian Cultural Center. The OKC City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to provide the funding if the State Legislature provides another $40 million. According to NACEA CEO Blake Wade, tribes and private donors have pledged the rest of the $80 million needed to complete the project.

• The Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for students with Disabilities Act was struck down by a Tulsa district judge on Tuesday. The measure was passed in 2010 and required the state to use a portion of public education money to fund part of student’s private-school tuition. The Union and Jenks school districts had filed the lawsuit challenging the program as unconstitutional because of the transfer of public funds to private, sectarian institutions.

• On Wednesday an Oklahoma County judge struck down a law to require women seeking abortions to first undergo an ultrasound. The law was challenged by the Center for Reproductive Rights, a New York-based abortion rights group, on behalf of Nova Health Systems, operator of Reproductive Services of Tulsa.

• The life sentence of an Oklahoma City woman convicted of shoplifting has been vacated by the U.S. Supreme Court. On Monday, the high court ordered Cecilia Cathleen Rodriguez’s case was to be returned to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Rodriguez had stolen two purses from a local department store, but had multiple previous convictions related to theft. The judge who had handed down the life sentence called her a one-woman crime wave at the time.