OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Retirement and Government Resources Committee approved Senate Bill 97 Tuesday to codify Executive Order 2023-30 and prohibit state agencies from entering into or renewing contracts with lobbyists. The measure, by Sen. Kendal Sacchieri, R-Blanchard, also prohibits state agencies from hiring a legislative liaison without prior written approval from the cabinet secretary who oversees the agency.   

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Retirement and Government Resources Committee gave approval Tuesday to Senate Bill 997, which creates the Procurement Protection Act. The measure by Sen. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, prohibits state-owned enterprises of foreign adversaries, companies domiciled within foreign adversaries, and federally banned corporations from bidding on state or municipal contracts.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, on Tuesday said the Office of Management and Enterprise Services lied about the cost of his bill to streamline government by having state agencies provide information technology services in-house.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, has secured committee approval for Senate Bills 20 and 944, marking the first bills advanced by the freshman lawmaker.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoman City, made the following comments Tuesday after the governor appointed three new members to the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE).

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Carri Hicks has won unanimous approval from the Senate’s Retirement and Government Resources Committee for legislation to encourage greater use of American-made products, including iron, steel, and aluminum.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt issued the following statement after the governor named three new members to the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE).

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Education Committee on Tuesday passed legislation to eliminate distractions in the classroom by prohibiting students from using their cellphones during the school day.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today advanced legislation that would add discharging a firearm at or into a dwelling or building used for public or business purposes to the state’s list of 85% crimes.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, has won committee approval for her bill incentivizing the use of firearm safety devices. Senate Bill 50 would provide a state sales tax exemption to encourage more Oklahomans to take advantage of such equipment. The measure was approved by the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on Monday.