Legislation authored by State Senator Andrew Rice (D-OKC) that would create the Oklahoma Veterans’ Health Insurance Program passed the State Senate Appropriations Committee by a 10-6 vote today.

Rice thanked the bipartisan majority of committee members who supported his plan to offer health insurance to those Oklahoma veterans who don’t qualify for federal government subsidized insurance and can’t afford private health insurance.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City –Democrats on the Senate Rules Committee killed legislation Wednesday that would have sent term limits for statewide officials to a vote of the people.

SJR 33 by Senator Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, would have put a 12 year term limit on Oklahoma's statewide elected officials except the governor if approved by voters.

Governors are already limited to 2 terms (8 years) of service, and state legislators are already limited to 12 years of service.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – State Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said he will strongly push his legislation to merge the Office Chief Medical Examiner with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and said he is disappointed in criticism of his bill that seems to impugn the integrity and professionalism of the OSBI.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City—The Senate Appropriations Committee passed key pieces of the Senate Republican agenda to streamline state agencies and make state government more accountable and innovative.

"Senate Republicans are strongly committed to making government more accountable, more effective and more efficient for taxpayers," stated Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. "It was pleasing to see bipartisan support in the Appropriations Committee for our proposals."

Sen. Kenneth Corn on Wednesday said an effort to consolidate the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) could endanger the state’s ability to convict criminals.

The Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved Senate Bill 1709 to consolidate the two agencies, though Corn said the measure could compromise the integrity of the prosecutorial process.

OKLAHOMA CITY-A Senate panel approved legislation Wednesday for a comprehensive Patients Bill of Rights that will allow Oklahomans enrolled in health care plans to get fair service and quality care for which they pay.

Senate Bill 2114, authored by Senator Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, is part of the Senate Democratic “Vision for Oklahoma” agenda aimed at achieving affordable health care coverage for all Oklahomans and holding powerful insurance companies responsible to Oklahoma families. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY-The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously approved legislation Wednesday which would designate the first Monday of each month to honor veterans who are currently serving or were killed in the global war on terrorism. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY-The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved legislation this week that would update Oklahoma’s drinking laws and make it illegal for the consumption or possession of alcohol (hard liquor) by a person under the age 21.

Senate Bill 1724, authored by State Senator Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee, now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

The Senate Appropriations Committee has given approval to Senate Bill 1150 which will require voters to show identification when they cast their ballots. Sen. John Ford, who represents Craig, Nowata and Washington Counties, is author of the measure, which would require voters to show identification at the polls.

With education revenues from the state lottery failing to produce the amount of education revenues initially projected, John Ford has authored legislation to examine whether to privatize the operation. Senate Bill 2173 is now headed to the full Senate for a vote after winning committee approval on Wednesday.