Bill to prohibit release of audio/video of law enforcement dying in the line of duty heads to full Senate for vote

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved a measure to prohibit law enforcement agencies from releasing audio or video showing an officer dying in the line of duty unless a court rules the material should be released in specific cases.  Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, is principal author of Senate Bill 968.  Haste said his legislation has the support of law enforcement as well as the Oklahoma Press Association.

Bill authorizing social media users to sue for censorship of political/religious speech approved in committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure allowing social media users to sue for damages against any social media website that censors a user’s political or religious speech was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, authored Senate Bill 383 to eliminate selective censorship of opinion on social media and to ensure free speech is treated fairly.  

Boren disappointed first responders and medical care providers excluded from special recognition

OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this month, the Senate approved legislation codifying the authority of municipalities to adopt ordinances allowing the painting of blue lines and posting of signage to honor law enforcem

Sen. George Burns encourages Oklahomans to opt out of "automatic payments" for gas and electric bills for near future

State Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, is encouraging all Oklahomans to pause their automatic gas and electric payments for the next few months and instead pay their bills manually as customers brace for higher-than-normal utility bills due to last week’s brutal winter storm.

Statement from Senator Carri Hicks on Senate confirming Trent Smith to the Oklahoma State Board of Education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after Monday’s vote by the Oklahoma Senate to confirm Trent Smith to the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

Sen. David comments on natural gas prices

In response to news of dramatic natural gas price spikes last week following the historic winter storms, Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, released the following statement.

State employee benefit modernization bill heads to full Appropriations

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee unanimously approved legislation Thursday modifying the annual benefit allowance for state employees.

Sen. Weaver’s ‘Kelsey Smith Act’ clears committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Judiciary Committee has given unanimous approval to a bill to help law enforcement locate kidnap victims faster.  Sen. Darrell Weaver is the author of Senate Bill 272, the “Kelsey Smith Act,” which would require cell phone companies to provide phone location information to law enforcement in emergency situations, such as an abduction. 

Bill allowing law enforcement to utilize telemedicine mental health assessments approved in committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure authorizing sheriffs and peace officers to utilize telemedicine in assessing individuals when there is reasonable belief that mental health services are needed passed unanimously out o

Bill to attract retired teachers back to classroom passes committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Hundreds of Oklahoma teaching positions are empty, and a 2017 statute allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom with no limitations on earnings expired June 30, 2020. The Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 267 Thursday to extend the earnings exemption through 2024.  Senate Education Committee Vice Chairman, Sen.

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