Oklahoma's elderly and disabled are one step closer to receiving protection from financial scams and solicitations after the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1793 Friday. The measure, by Senator Ron Justice, makes it a felony to knowingly, through deception or intimidation, obtain or use the funds, assets or property of those 62 years of age or older as well as disabled individuals.

- GOP Leader Concerned That Senate Dem Leaders Want to Shut Down State Government

With little progress being made in budget negotiations, Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee said the State Legislature should pass a standstill general appropriations bill this week to ensure a government shutdown does not occur if a final budget agreement is not reached before July 1, the beginning of the state’s fiscal year.

A new state law that gives Oklahomans the right to use a gun to defend themselves if they are threatened is just the latest is a series of measures designed to assure citizens of the state can exercise their rights under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The “Stand Your Ground Law” was possible, State Senator Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, said Tuesday, because of a measure he authored a decade ago that made carrying a concealed weapon legal in Oklahoma.
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Senator Jim Wilson says Oklahoma's children will be better protected from Internet predators now that the "SafeNet Act" is in effect in the state. The new law created through Senate Bill 1479, by Senator Wilson and Rep. Purcy Walker, became immediately effective after receiving approval from the Governor Monday morning.
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An original painting was dedicated at the State Capitol Tuesday entitled “Showers of Sunshine: A Landscape of Grady County, Oklahoma.” The work, by artist Linda Tuma Robertson of Edmond, was unveiled during a special ceremony in the House Chamber. The painting was a gift of the Rob McCune family. Rob is the son of the late State Senator John R. McCune who served in the State Legislature from 1969 until 1988. The artwork was commissioned by the Oklahoma Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc., which is headed by former State Senator Charles Ford.

- Gov. Henry Can’t Stop Shutdown – Unless He Convinces Senate Dems to Compromise

Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee said Tuesday that the Democrat leader of the State Senate is trying to force a government shutdown, and said the state would pay a high price if Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan succeeds.

A Republican-authored pro-life bill was signed into law by Gov. Brad Henry Tuesday, legislation that includes several pro-life issues that have been blocked for years by the Senate’s Democrat leadership.

“This is a great victory for the unborn,” said Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton, the bill’s Senate author. “This new law is an answer to many years of prayer – and it shows the importance of electing pro-life legislators in the Senate and the House.”

Oklahoma State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said one of the first measures passed this legislative session in the Oklahoma State Senate honors the life of Senator Robert M. Kerr.

Today, Senate Joint Resolution 63 which names the Quartz Mountain Resort Arts and Conference Center after the late Senator finally received final approval in the House of Representatives.

The State Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a measure that will create the Oklahoma Farm-to-School Program. The bill now advances to the Governor’s office.

Sen. Daisy Lawler, author of House Bill 2655, said she was pleased her legislation has reached the final step in the legislative process.

“This legislation is a win-win situation for Oklahoma,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “Not only will the bill provide our school children with fresh and healthy foods, but it will create a significant economic boost for Oklahoma farmers.”
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Sen. Mike Mazzei said he was extremely gratified that the full Senate had given unanimous approval to his bill strengthening retirement systems for teachers, public employees and judges. Mazzei said Senate Bill 1894 was designed to “stop the bleeding” before it is too late.
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