Monday, March. 5 to Thursday, March 8, 2012

Monday, March 5

• The Senate approved several bills on Monday:

-SB 1430 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, creates the Bartmann Bill for Ethical Debt Collection.

-SB 1012 by Sen. Clark Jolley, modifies language related to insurance policies for portable electronics, requiring a supervising entity to maintain a registry of vendor locations that are authorized to sell or solicit portable electronics insurance coverage in the state.

-SB 1102 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Teachers’ Retirement System Cost-of-Living Adjustment Revolving Fund.

-SB 1108 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies the Oklahoma Bond Oversight and Reform Act.

-SB 1162 by Sen. Brian Bingman, creates the Oklahoma Recyclable Container Initiative working group within the Department of Environmental Quality.

-SB 1185 by Sen. Susan Paddack, directs the State Board of Education, subject to available funding, to establish and administer the School Administrator Professional Development Pilot Program.

-SB 1187 by Sen. Susan Paddack, permits the Council on Law Enforcement 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 1198 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, decreases the number of days from 60 to 30 that appraisal management companies are required, except in cases of breach of contract or substandard performance of services, to make payment to an appraiser for the completion of an appraisal or valuation form the date on which the appraiser transmits or provides the completed appraisal or valuation study to the company or its assignees unless a mutually agreed alternative arrangement was made previously.

-SB 1199 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, requires that interest accrue on all child support and other support orders.

-SB 1201 by Sen. Frank Simpson, designates a portion of Interstate 35 beginning at the northern municipal limit of Ardmore and extending to the southern municipal limit of Ardmore as “Specialist Michael Phillips Memorial Highway”.

-SB 1215 by Sen. Roger Ballenger, requires purchases by any board of trustees of any emergency medical district to be made in accordance with bidding requirements provided in Oklahoma statutes related to expenditures of county government.

-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 from the 10th day of the month to the 20th day of the month.

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

-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 1406 by Sen. Susan Paddack, prohibits a man from being presumed to be the father of a child if the man presents documentation from the Department of Defense proving he was not physically present during the time period of conception of the child.

-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 1493 by Sen. Susan Paddack, modifies language related to appraisal trainees.

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

-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 by any county, school district, technology center school district, municipality or other entity authorized to call elections except in municipalities with populations of 250,000 or more.

-SB 1943 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies the effective date of SB 844 from the first session of the 53rd Legislature requiring an individual or entity to have the appropriate Oklahoma license or permit to conduct outdoor fireworks displays.

• Senate committees took no action on bills on Tuesday.

• The House met Monday, approving the following measures:

-HB 2381 by Rep. Josh Cockroft, requires a physician who prescribes, dispenses or otherwise provides RU-486, mifepristone, or any other drug or chemical used to perform or induce an abortion to be present in the same room as the patient when the drug or chemical is first provided to the patient.

-HB 3044 by Rep. Leslie Osborn, prohibits any agency, board, commission, department, program or office of state government, unless specifically authorized by law, from being authorized a maximum number of full-time employees in excess of 100 percent of the amount budgeted under state law in the preceding fiscal year.

-HB 2512 by Rep. Ann Coody, directs the Legislature to present measures each year that allocate funds appropriated to the State Board of Education among activities and programs provided for by law.

-HB 2921 by Rep. Brian Renegar, directs that the provisions of the Pet Breeder Act of 2012 will be administered and supervised by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

-HB 1748 by Rep. Jason Nelson, states that to prevent fraudulent adoption schemes or violations of the child trafficking provisions of Oklahoma statutes, the court before allowing any expense for a birth mother must require the appearance in court or in camera of the birth mother.

-HB 2250 by Rep. T.W. Shannon, directs any officer weighing a vehicle by means of portable scales to allow the driver of the vehicle to move the vehicle to the most level weighing area within 2 miles of the stop.

-HB 2251 by Rep. Pam Peterson, provides a definition of “drug-endangered child” within the Oklahoma Children’s Code.

-HB 2254 by Rep. Ben Sherrer, creates the Local Law Enforcement Mental Health Empower Act.

-HB 2256 by Rep. Ben Sherrer, clarifies the definition of “roofing contractor” under the Roofing Contractor Registration Act.

-HB 2321 by Rep. Randy McDaniel, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.

-HB 2322 by Rep. Randy McDaniel, removes language directing the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees to adopt a cost of living adjustment actuarial assumption in its annual actuarial valuation report.

-HB 2356 by Rep. Steve Kouplen, allows persons in the sole process of retrieving their domestic livestock or other animals to enter land of another, unless otherwise forbidden to do so either orally or in writing.

-HB 2394 by Rep. Guy Liebmann, removes language regarding increased penalties for second and subsequent violations of toll collection regulations, directing a penalty of $25 for each violation.

-HB 2414 by Rep. Randy Grau, modifies the definition of “construction defect” under the Notice of Opportunity to Repair Act.

-HB 2486 by Rep. Dennis Casey, modifies the definition of “special event” as it relates to sales tax permits.

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

-HB 2500 by Rep. Pam Peterson, provides that a statement made by a child who has not yet attained 18 years of age or a person who is an incapacitated person as defined by law that describes any act of physical abuse against the child or incapacitated person or any act of sexual contact performed with or on the child or incapacitated person by another is admissible if certain conditions are met.

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

-HB 2575 by Rep. Pat Ownbey, modifies language under the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act.

-HB 2576 by Rep. Pat Ownbey, requires the excise tax levied on low-point beer to be due and payable on or before the 20th day of the month rather than the 10th day.

-HB 2636 by Rep. Colby Schwartz, allows a drug court judge to enter a written order directing the Department of Public Safety to restore the Class D driving privileges of any offender who has successfully completed the drug court program.

-HB 2653 by Rep. Dustin Roberts, requires every retail dealer permit issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission to have printed on its face whether it is for consumption on premises, consumption off premises or both.

-HB 2659 by Rep. Fred Jordan, requires fees to be remitted to the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission 30 days after the end of the preceding calendar year.

-HB 2684 by Rep. Gary Banz, modifies the definition of “school personnel” as it relates to eligibility for benefits, including a full-time school employee who is employed a minimum of six hours per day for a minimum of 1,032 hours per year.

-HB 2700 by Rep. William Fourkiller, directs the school board of each district to amend the policy governing self-administration of inhaled asthma medication and self-administration of anaphylaxis medication to allow the district to inform the parent or guardian in writing that a school nurse or trained school employee may administer an Epinephrine injector to a student whom the school nurse or employee in good faith professionally believes is having an anaphylaxis reaction and that the school district and its employees and agents incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from such action.

-HB 2715 by Rep. Mike Jackson, modifies language regarding the grounds for suspension, cancellation, revocation or refusal to issue or re-issue a license, certificate or identification for pesticide applicators.

-HB 2739 by Rep. Ron Peters, modifies the definition of “dating relationship” under the Domestic Abuse Act and Domestic Abuse Reporting Act.

-HB 2742 by Rep. Ron Peters, modifies the terms of a consumer credit sale, increasing from $45,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount of goods or services financed.

-HB 2834 by Rep. Scott Martin, modifies language regarding the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986.

-HB 2902 by Rep. Danny Morgan, requires each county to be reapportioned by the board of county commissioners on or before Oct. 1 following the final official publication of the Federal Decennial Census.

-HB 2915 by Rep. Phil Richardson, creates the Groundwater Severance Restriction Act.

-HB 2917 by Rep. Phil Richardson, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Registered Poultry Feeding Operations Act.

-HB 2944 by Rep. David Derby, states nothing shall prohibit any municipality from establishing a drug court for municipal ordinance violations.

-HB 2959 by Rep. Lisa Billy, includes tribal law enforcement officers in the definition of “peace officer”.

-HB 3028 by Rep. Ann Coody, provides a sales tax exemption on tangible personal property or services sold to the Midamerica Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Marine Corps League.

• House committees took no action on bills on Tuesday.

Tuesday, March 6

• The Senate approved the following measures on Tuesday:

-SB 1475 by Sen. Rob Johnson, creates the Service Warranty Act.

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

-SB 1000 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, modifies language relating to county purchasing agents, allowing participation in a local cooperative procurement agreement entered into by the counties and other local jurisdictions.

-SB 1059 by Sen. Bill Brown, creates the Health Care Choice Act.

-SB 1071 by Sen. Kim David, reauthorizes the income tax checkoff for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

-SB 1083 by Sen. Don Barrington, requires certain agencies to provide or contract to provide debriefing and counseling services for state employees who are affected by violent or traumatic events that occur in the workplace.

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

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

-SB 1256 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, requires 29.84 percent of fees, taxes and penalties collected pursuant to the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act to be credited to the General Revenue Fund.

-SB 1277 by Sen. Kim David, adds a definition of “licensed alcohol and drug counselor/mental health or LADC/MH” under the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors Act.

-SB 1279 by Sen. Kim David, modifies the definition of “professional service” under the Professional Entity Act.

-SB 1300 by Sen. Brian Crain, creates the Guardian Ad Litem Training Task Force.

-SB 1313 by Sen. Brian Crain, requires that acceptance or refusal of service of a copy of process or other papers by a person who is 15 years of age or older who resides at the defendant’s dwelling house or usual place of abode to constitute acceptance or refusal by the party addressed.

-SB 1320 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, designates a portion of U.S. Highway 169 from 86th Street North to 96th Street North as “Sergeant Schuyler B. Patch Memorial Highway”.

-SB 1327 by Sen. Brian Crain, directs the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to make full legislative recommendations necessary to promote and implement methods to conserve future water demands at moderate levels of conservation.

-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 1425 by Sen. Josh Brecheen, directs the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management in conjunction with certain agencies and organizations to develop legislative recommendations to enact a program incorporating certain guidelines to allow the onsite burning of storm debris on private property.

-SB 1443 by Sen. John Ford, states that for fiscal years ending June 30, 2012, June 30, 2013, and June 30, 2014, accreditation shall not be withdrawn from or denied nor shall be withdrawn from or denied nor shall a penalty be assessed against a school or school district for failing to meet the media materials and equipment standards and media program expenditure standards set forth by the State Board of Education.

-SB 1448 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, states that original documents filed by a taxpayer related to property appraisal and valuation must be maintained by the county assessors.

-SB 1449 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, modifies language relating to manufactured homes.

-SB 1450 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, requires a certified copy of the death certificate of the owner of the property if any person claims an interest in any property delivered to the state treasurer in which the owner of the property is determined to be deceased if the value of the property is $5,000 or more.

-SB 1451 by Sen. Rick Brinkley, requires state agency strategic plans to include an analysis of the appropriation level required to achieve the duties of the agency for each of the five years of the plan.

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

-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 1617 by Sen. Bill Brown, provides that the purpose and effect of the Unauthorized Insurers and Surplus Lines Insurance Act relate to the effective date of implementation of the Non-admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2010.

-SB 1618 by Sen. Bill Brown, moves the time at which an applicant for a license as an insurance producer, insurance consultant, limited insurance representative or customer service representative takes a licensing examination to prior to filing an application with the insurance commissioner from after filing the application.

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

-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.

-SB 1865 by Sen. John Ford, removes the requirements that expenditures from the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools Revolving Fund be approved by the Legislature.

-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 unless evidence of drug or alcohol use occurring post-graduation is acquired by the Department of Public Safety.

• Senate committees took no action on bills Tuesday.

• The House met Tuesday, approving the following measures:

-SB 1959 by Sen. Clark Jolley, reapportions $92.5 million in supplemental funds.

-HB 3052 by Rep. Kris Steele, directs a court to include a term of post-imprisonment supervision in the sentence of any person convicted of a felony and sentenced to a term of confinement with the Department of Corrections.

-HB 2574 by Rep. Pat Ownbey, modifies language related to the Anti-Drug Diversion Act.

-HB 2857 by Rep. Elise Hall, creates the Oklahoma State Government Debt Transparency and Online Checkbook One Stop Initiative.

-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 for fiscal year 2012.

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

-HB 1833 by Rep. John Trebilcock, modifies language related to the Uniform Commercial Code.

-HB 2200 by Rep. John Trebilcock, modifies the definition of “third-party information” under the Real Estate License Code to include a plan, drawing or stated square footage provided by the owner or agent of the owner as it relates to commercial buildings or structures for sale or for lease only.

-HB 2230 by Rep. George Faught, recreates the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Research, Marketing and Safety Commission.

-HB 2287 by Rep. Emily Virgin, clarifies that a court is required in adoption cases to determine whether the parent or putative father can be identified or located if the identity or whereabouts of a parent or putative father are unknown.

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

-HB 2447 by Rep. Marty Quinn, provides a definition of “exclusive provider benefit plant” under the Health Care Freedom of Choice Act.

-HB 2466 by Rep. Aaron Stiles, creates the Offer of Settlement Act.

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

-HB 2516 by Rep. Sally Kern, removes language stating that if a student is found not to be reading at the appropriate grade level and teachers are concerned that undiagnosed health problems are involved, the school district may make a recommendation to the parents or legal guardians for medical evaluation.

-HB 2644 by Rep. David Brumbaugh, directs the State Department of Education by Dec. 1, 2012, and each Dec. 1, thereafter prior to distributing the next monthly payment of State Aid funds to districts to certify that each school district has complied with the requirements of the School District Transparency Act.

-HB 2683 by Rep. Gary Banz, modifies the definition of “motorized bicycle” to include having a power drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged.

-HB 2704 by Rep. Steven Vaughn, modifies the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program Act.

-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 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.

• House committees took no action on bills on Tuesday.

Wednesday, March 7

• The Senate met Wednesday, approving the following measures:

-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 upon approval of the executive director or chair of the governing body of a state agency.

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

-SB 134 by Sen. Kim David, permits a physician assistant licensed to practice in Oklahoma, another state or credentialed by a federal employer to respond to medical care during an emergency that the assistant is capable of providing under the supervision of a physician and exempts them from liability for damages as a result of any acts or omissions except gross negligence or willful or wanton wrongs in rendering care.

-SB 456 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, adds certain paperboard manufacturers to the companies which qualify for the Quality Jobs program.

-SB 987 by Sen. Susan Paddack, modifies language relating to the definition of first-degree murder, adding language to include instances when a death results from unlawful distribution or dispensing of synthetic controlled substances or manufacturing or attempting to manufacture a controlled dangerous substance.

-SB 990 by Sen. Susan Paddack, adds a definition of “potential for abuse” to the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act.

-SB 1072 by Sen. Don Barrington, modifies the offense of wearing body armor while committing a felony to include wearing a helmet.

-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 1120 by Sen. Eddie Fields, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.

-SB 1134 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, requires the State Regents for Higher Education to submit to all members of the Legislature itemized lists of proposed projects and financing terms for bonds issued under the master lease program.

-SB 1182 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, permits technology center building fund proceeds to purchase student transportation, grounds maintenance including parking lots and sidewalks and instructional and maintenance equipment.

-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, beer and wine establishment or bottle club licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission by providing written notice to the establishment seeking the license and to the ABLE Commission.

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

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

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

-SB 1328 by Sen. Brian Crain, expresses legislative intent to appropriate additional funds annually to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

-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 1355 by Sen. David Holt, prohibits any person registered as a sex offender of any level from being removed from the Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry without a court order.

-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 1389 by Sen. Brian Crain, requires the Department of Human Services to evaluate all people currently in or qualified for the state Medicaid program who are categorically eligible as aged, blind or disabled individuals to determine if such persons are dually eligible for the Medicare program in consultation with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.

-SB 1390 by Sen. Brian Crain, requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to evaluate various methods of reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and the use of ambulances for non-emergency transportation and develop a written plan to encourage the timely and appropriate use of primary care services in lieu of emergency room services.

-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 to an employee is reduced as the employee’s salary is increased in administering a premium assistance program.

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

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

-SB 1471 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, requires the Tax Commission to provide to the Department of Human Services in an agreed electronic format the amount withheld from an individual’s tax refund to offset a claim by a state agency, municipal or district court, the home address and social security number of the taxpayer.

-SB 1476 by Sen. Rob Johnson, requires service contracts to state the name and address of the provider and to identify any administrator if different from the provider, the service contract seller and the service contract holder.

-SB 1480 by Sen. Kim David, deletes language requiring county electrical inspectors to be familiar with all types of electrical installations and methods and requires county electrical inspectors to have completed a minimum of a high school education and have 10 years of experience in the electrical industry.

-SB 1499 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, designates the section of State Highway 99 from Egypt Road south to E160 Road within the Ada municipal limits the “Jared Shoemaker Memorial Highway”.

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

-SB 1505 by Sen. Rob Johnson, requires a judge to order an indictment or presentment sealed until the defendant is arrested in order for disclosure of the indictment of presentment’s contents to be considered a misdemeanor.

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

-SB 1523 by Sen. Rob Johnson, clarifies the requirement for every domestic limited liability company and every foreign limited liability company registered to do business in Oklahoma to pay an annual certificate fee of $25 to the Secretary of State.

-SB 1564 by Sen. Susan Paddack, creates the Middle School Education Task Force.

-SB 1565 by Sen. Susan Paddack, requires the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to establish a three-year comprehensive dyslexia teacher pilot program and select one or more institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education to participate in the program.

-SB 1621 by Sen. Bill Brown, exempts association health plans from the Small Employer Health Insurance Reform Act.

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

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

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

-SB 1785 by Sen. Steve Russell, requires Oklahoma to reciprocate concealed carry handgun permits under the permitting law of a non-permitting carry state.

-SB 1851 by Sen. Steve Russell, requires the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to establish that a motorcycle will be charged as a class one single-axel vehicle and that the classification will be charged an amount less than a class two two-axel vehicle.

-SB 1863 by Sen. Steve Russell, creates the Post-Military Service Occupation, Education and Credentialing Act.

-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 1905 by Sen. Steve Russell, prohibits an employer from requiring any employee who is retired from a branch of the U.S. military and has been provided with health care coverage through a federal plan to sponsor in employer-sponsored health insurance coverage.

-SB 1940 by Sen. Eddie Fields, directs the State Board of Agriculture to meet at least eight times a year rather than once each month.

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

-SR 39 by Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, recognizes David Amram and commends his many accomplishments.

• Senate committees took no action on bills Wednesday.

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

-HB 2522 by Rep. Steve Martin, removes reference to concealed handgun licenses and provides a definition of “unconcealed handgun” under the Self-Defense Act to mean a loaded or unloaded pistol carried upon the person in a belt holster that is wholly or partially visible or carried upon the person in a scabbard or case designed for carrying firearms that is wholly or partially visible.

-HB 3111 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, modifies language regarding the administrative costs of processing payroll deductions or salary adjustment agreements, requiring any state agency or school district to charge 2 percent of the gross revenue of the payroll deduction, and it exempts from the administrative costs the contributions to charitable organizations.

-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 2790 by Rep. Charles Ortega, modifies eligibility criteria for a superintendent of schools.

-HB 2522 by Rep. Steve Martin, removes reference to concealed handgun licenses and provides a definition of “unconcealed handgun” under the Self-Defense Act.

-HB 2090 by Rep. Randy Terrill, adds language related to building fund levies for technology center school districts.

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

-HB 2246 by Rep. Sue Tibbs, allows the assistant director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to have a right to return to the classified service without any loss of rights, privileges or benefits.

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

-HB 2300 by Rep. Pam Peterson, modifies language regarding permanency hearings.

-HB 2330 by Rep. Lewis Moore, allows an agency, board, commission, higher education institution, career technology or common education institution to contract with a third-party vendor to perform any and all employment screenings, background checks and credit checks.

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

-HB 2366 by Rep. Lisa Billy, modifies language related to the powers of the Board of Governors of the Licensed Architects.

-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 2377 by Rep. Sue Tibbs, allows a court to order an offender be confined in the home or another suitable location and be supervised by electronic monitoring if he or she is a nonviolent offender and is sentenced to the Department of Corrections and detained in county jail as a result of the reception of scheduling procedure of DOC if the county sheriff has the capacity to electronically monitor the offender 24 hours a day, seven days a week with real-time monitoring.

-HB 2416 by Rep. John Enns, makes its unlawful for any person with a valid concealed handgun license to intentionally display the handgun in an angry or threatening manner and not in necessary self-defense.

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

-HB 2495 by Rep. Tommy Hardin, allows a meat processor to release unclaimed processed lawfully harvested venison to the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Hunters Against Hunger Program after 90 days following notification by telephone to the person who brought the wild game for processing that the wild game has been processed and is available for collection.

-HB 2518 by Rep. Sally Kern, modifies the definition of “human trafficking for commercial sex” to include recruiting, enticing, harboring, maintaining, transporting, providing, purchasing or obtaining, by any means, a minor for purposes of engaging the minor in a commercial sex act.

-HB 2580 by Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, adds a grandparent to the list of people that may file or request the district attorney file a petition with the district court to determine whether an individual is a person requiring treatment.

-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, rules or guidelines.

-HB 2623 by Rep. Randy McDaniel, clarifies that language directing any state or county officer or employee to vacate office or employment after conviction of or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to a felony for bribery, corruption, forgery or perjury or any other crime related to the duties of his or her office.

-HB 2646 by Rep. David Brumbaugh, increases the number of members on the State Use Committee from five to seven and designates those members be the director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, or a designee, and a certified procurement officer of any state agency appointed by the state purchasing director who will represent the customer agencies of the state of Oklahoma.

-HB 2648 by Rep. David Brumbaugh, allows county assessors to provide photocopies of taxpayer rendition forms and photocopies of any other documents filed by the taxpayer that are directly related to and necessary for appraises to assist in this capacity.

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

-HB 2669 by Rep. Joe Dorman, directs cemetery plats to be available by request of the county clerk rather than recorded in the clerk’s office along with a fee.

-HB 2677 by Rep. Jabar Shumate, prohibits a state education institution from taking any action or enforcing any policy that would deny a religious student group any benefit available to any other student group based on the religious student group’s requirement that its leaders or members adhere to its sincerely held religious beliefs or standards of conduct.

-HB 2720 by Rep. Richard Morrissette, creates the Ryan and Cole Hamil Act.

-HB 2735 by Rep. Ron Peters, removes language authorizing the Commission on Children and Youth to establish a system of certification for shelters managed and operated by the Department of Human Services.

-HB 2903 by Rep. Danny Morgan, requires any governing body providing for the operation of emergency telephone service or 911 wireless emergency telephone service to notify the secretary of a county election board if a service user who is a resident of the county has been assigned a new 911 emergency address or if the 911 emergency address of a service user who is a resident in that county has changed.

-HB 2952 by Rep. Randy McDaniel, requires the Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverages Control Board, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and State Board of Pharmacy to contribute to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System an amount equal to 11 percent of the actual paid base salary of each member employed after Nov. 1, 2012.

-HB 3112 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, prohibits an Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program award to include tuition or fees used for remedial non-credit earning courses or units.

• House committees took no action on bills Wednesday.

Thursday, March 8

• The Senate met Thursday, approving the following measures:

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

-SB 1862 by Sen. Ron Justice, requires the Department of Labor to develop a registry of elevators inspected in the state subject to the Elevator Safety and Inspection Act.

-SB 1035 by Sen. Ron Justice, creates the Oklahoma Surface Use and Damages Act.

-SB 1678 by Sen. Mike Schulz, requires a permit for the transfer of certain manufactured homes.

-SB 1280 by Sen. Mike Schulz, establishes the Oklahoma Hospital Residency Training Program Act.

-SB 1734 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, allows Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Control Agents to investigate money laundering and drug trafficking.

-SB 1701 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, states that the Adjutant General shall be the Governor’s chief military advisor.

-SB 1698 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, requires filing election resolutions by a certain date and a delineating period for which a candidate can file for election.

-SB 1820 by Sen. Jim Halligan, allows the calculation of weighted membership to include the daily average from the previous year for the initial allocation of funds and average of first nine weeks for midyear allocation.

-SB 1819 by Sen. Jim Halligan, requires the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to submit an annual report to the Legislature providing information about all baccalaureate programs offered in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.

-SB 1504 by Sen. Rob Johnson, allows the courts to issue an order to release confidential employment information to the Employment Security Commission.

-SB 1869 by Sen. Dan Newberry, calls for a study on business opportunities, employment and unemployment factors affecting employment opportunities within the state.

-SB 1867 by Sen. Dan Newberry, prohibits registration of real property owners by any municipality.

-SB 1814 by Sen. Dan Newberry, creates the Oklahoma Blue Heart Medal of Honor.

-SB 1728 by Sen. Dan Newberry, defines sections regarding housing discrimination and licensing.

-SB 1209 by Sen. Mark Allen, makes only written drug or alcohol tests results acceptable provided there is a properly documented chain of custody included with the evidence.

-SB 1178 by Sen. Mark Allen, states that persons holding a lifetime hunting license or lifetime combination hunting and fishing license are not required to attach a tag to a killed black bear.

-SB 1434 by Sen. Brian Bingman, provides $1,350,000 of excise tax revenue related to oil and gas be put in the oil and gas division revolving fund every fiscal year.

-SB 1811 by Sen. Rob Johnson, increases penalties for looting in disaster areas.

-SB 1776 by Sen. Rob Johnson, requires notices of impoundment by an appropriate agency be sent by certified mail.

-SB 1582 by Sen. Rob Johnson, gives the Executive Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs the authority to appoint campus police for secure facilities and adjacent grounds.

-SB 1543 by Sen. Rob Johnson, states that persons convicted of any criminal act as defined by Section 801 must serve 85 percent of their sentence to be eligible for parole.

-SB 1090 by Sen. Cliff Aldridge, updates sunset clauses for several agencies.

Other News

• State Treasurer Ken Miller released the February gross receipts report on Monday, announcing that “Oklahoma is celebrating its second anniversary of revenue growth out of the Great Recession.” All major sources of revenue for the past 12 months were higher than the previous 12 month period, with state income tax proving to be the strongest performer, up more than 14 percent over the period. Other areas were up by less than 10 percent. On the broad scale, Miller said total revenue collections, a reflection of the performance of Oklahoma’s economy, continue to show robust growth. For a third month in a row, however, gross production collections were down compared to the prior year. Natural gas prices reached a 52-week low on Monday, reflecting a drop of more than 47 percent in the past year.

• Former Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan has been found guilty of one county of bribery. On Monday a federal jury found him guilty of taking $12,000 in bribes to influence legislation. The jury deadlocked on 28 felony counts and acquitted him of another 33 counts. Oklahoma City attorney Martin Stringer was acquitted on all 29 remaining felony counts against him due to insufficient evidence. Morgan faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He plans to appeal.

• Oklahomans cast their ballots for the presidential preferential primary on Tuesday. On the Republican side, Rick Santorum received 34 percent of the vote according to unofficial returns. Mitt Romney had 28 percent, with 27 percent voting for Newt Gingrich. Ron Paul had 10 percent. In the Democratic primary, President Barack Obama received 57 percent. Randall Terry came in second with 18 percent, while perennial candidate Jim Rogers, of Midwest City, received 14 percent. Darcy Richardson received 6 percent and Bob Ely got 5 percent of the vote.

• An investigative audit released Wednesday by the State Auditor’s office claims the State Education Department had two undisclosed bank accounts that first appeared on records in 1997 under Superintendent Sandy Garrett. They were transferred to new accounts maintained by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association before she left office in 2010. The report said the slush funds were used for alcoholic beverages, food, entertainment and travel related to hosting state educational conferences. According to the report, the funds allowed officials at the Department of Education to use funds from the accounts “shielded from governmental oversight” and public scrutiny. Garrett claimed the funds were authorized by the Attorney General.