OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Senator Micheal Bergstrom and his legislative colleagues convened on Tuesday morning for a joint session in the House Chamber to celebrate and recognize the Oklahoma National Guard and the 45th Infantry Thunderbird Division.   Speaking at the ceremony was Gov. Stitt and Maj. General Michael C. Thompson, adjutant general.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation failed 24-18 Tuesday that would fairly compensate state employees for lost annual leave they are not able to use.  House Bill 1953, by Sen. Ron Sharp and Rep. Dustin Roberts, seeks to allow state agencies to voluntarily buy up to 200 hours of an employee’s unused annual leave as long as the employee maintains at least 120 hours after payment.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation failed 24-18 Tuesday that would fairly compensate state employees for lost annual leave they are not able to use.  House Bill 1953, by Sen. Ron Sharp and Rep. Dustin Roberts, seeks to allow state agencies to voluntarily buy up to 200 hours of an employee’s unused annual leave as long as the employee maintains at least 120 hours after payment.

OKLAHOMA CITY – During the 11th week of session, Sen. Paul Scott (R-Duncan) had another bill signed into law and two more heading to the Governor’s desk.

OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Sen. Roland Pederson is commending the Senate’s unanimous approval of Enid community leader Brent Kisling as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on Tuesday afternoon. 

“It was an honor to confirm Brent Kisling’s appointment this week,” said Pederson, R-Enid.  “His robust experience with the Enid Regional Development Alliance, along with many years in various other leadership positions in Oklahoma will serve him well in his new role as state Commerce Director.”

A key piece of criminal justice reform legislation is headed to the full Senate for a vote.  State Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa, is a Senate co-author of House Bill 1269.  The measure was previously approved by the House before winning approval in the Senate Judiciary Committee and then by the full Appropriations Committee before the April 11 committee vote deadline.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman (D-Tulsa) released the following statement on committee votes regarding the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure:

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Legislation that would change the way missing person cases in Oklahoma are handled is now heading to the governor’s desk after the measure passed unanimously on the Senate floor Monday.

OKLAHOMA CITY- A measure that would provide reciprocal licensing for military personnel and their spouses is making its way through the legislature.  Senate Bill 670 cleared the Senate and is now in the House awaiting consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Eastern Oklahoma State College student, Tanner Jarrett, was recognized by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Lawton, for being a member of the All-Oklahoma Academic Team on Tuesday at the state Capitol. All-Oklahoma Academic Team members have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 and are nominated by their college president to the All-USA Academic Team.