OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, and Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, on Tuesday hosted an interim study to explore responsible ways to reduce the length of some prison stays and better utilize successful reentry programs while still prioritizing public safety.

Policy experts, academic leaders and criminal justice reform advocates presented at the study before the Senate Public Safety Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, and House Majority Leader Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, on Tuesday held an interim study to explore how Oklahoma can better retain existing companies while also attracting new businesses to the state.

The lawmakers invited business leaders, higher education officials, mental health experts, local service providers and Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols to give their perspectives on what’s preventing Oklahoma from attracting more businesses.

NORMAN – Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, and Cleveland County Commissioner Jacob McHughes today announced that Cleveland County will hire two new sheriff’s deputies tasked with patrolling areas in and around state-owned property in Norman. In addition, the deputies will serve as a resource, providing information to connect those who need it with help.

The idea emerged from a meeting organized by Senator Standridge that included Rep. Jonathan Wilk, Cleveland County leaders and state officials.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, has been named the Health Innovator of the Year by the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma in recognition of her work advancing health policies to improve care for Oklahomans.

KINGFISHER – Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, celebrated two major events in his district this week that included the opening of a new Oklahoma Highway Patrol headquarters in Clinton and continued investment in the future of space exploration in Burns Flat.

On Tuesday, Jech attended the grand opening of the Highway Patrol’s Troop H Headquarters in Clinton. The new 7,500-square-foot facility replaces the OHP’s former facility in Clinton, which the troop outgrew over time.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Leading senators issued the following statements after participating in Wednesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony showcasing renovations at the state’s Jim Thorpe Memorial Building.

The $70 million renovation project to update the building near the state Capitol used by the Corporation Commission, State Election Board, Water Resources Board and other state agencies began in 2023.

Senator Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, Member of the Jim Thorpe Repair Expenditure Oversight Committee:

OKLAHOMA CITY – Capping months of hard work and extensive coordination with state and local leaders, Sen. Kristen Thompson, R‑Edmond, and Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R‑Piedmont, presented a $4.7 million check to the City of Piedmont on Tuesday to move forward key transportation improvements along Edmond Road and Piedmont Road.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, on Tuesday hosted an interim study examining ways the state can improve care, services and support for individuals with high-support needs related to Autism, as well as their families and caregivers.

Senator Coleman invited Oklahoma families caring for loved ones with Autism to share their experiences, along with experts and representatives from several state agencies, health care providers and programs that provide services.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Sen. John Haste R-Broken Arrow, recently hosted interim studies examining Oklahoma’s physician shortages and the Strong Families Tax Credit. Together, the studies highlight urgent challenges facing Oklahoma families and communities, as well as targeted solutions to improve access to care and economic stability statewide.

Haste on Thursday held an interim study examining graduate medical education (GME) in relation to the national and statewide physician shortage, which has serious implications for Oklahoma families and communities.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt issued the following statement after receiving calls about Oklahomans unable to register through the state’s voter portal on Friday, the final day to register for the upcoming November election. The issue was highlighted in a report by Oklahoma Watch.