A bill to help school children enjoy nutritious, locally-grown fruits and vegetables has won unanimous approval by the full Senate. Senator Daisy Lawler is the author of SB 1515, which would create a statewide Farm to School program.

“This a win-win bill for helping our kids with better health and nutrition and for rural economic development,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “Our initial pilot program was a resounding success and surveys of school districts throughout the state tell us they’re very enthusiastic about this concept.”

A bill that would have allowed the citizens of Oklahoma County and Tulsa County to decide for themselves what form of county government works best for them failed by less than a handful of votes in the Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday. But the measure has another chance to succeed if lawmakers agree to take another vote on it during the next few days.

A measure to modify the Youthful Offender Act passed out of the Senate today. Senate Bill 1760, by Senator Nancy Riley, will automatically charge persons aged fifteen to seventeen as adults if they are charged with first degree murder.

"We're talking about fifteen, sixteen and seventeen year olds who have firmly implanted in their minds what is right and wrong - committing murder," said Riley, R-Tulsa. "And when you're dead, you're dead."

Vote on HB 2288 Ends Months of Senate Work on DOC Funding Crisis

Members of the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association (OEMA) gathered at the Capitol today to meet with legislators to review issues facing the emergency management community. In recognition of the OEMA's efforts and contributions to Oklahoma, the Senate passed Senate Resolution 69 designating March 1, 2006 as "Oklahoma Emergency Management Day" at the State Capitol.

The Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. dedicated “The Magic of Petroleum,” a painting by internationally renowned artist Wayne Cooper of Depew, Oklahoma, in a ceremony held in the Governor’s Large Conference Room at the State Capitol Building on Wednesday.

Legislation aimed at saving the lives of Oklahoma children and teenagers has been approved by the full Senate. Senate Bill 1495, known as the Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act, is named for 12-year-old Kyle Williams of Edmond, who died as a result of a jet ski accident in August 2004.

Legislation by Sen. Daisy Lawler to ensure motor fuel taxes are spent on transportation needs was approved unanimously by the Senate on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 1028, by Lawler, D-Comanche, would redirect the 1.625 percent of gasoline taxes and 1.39 percent of diesel taxes that are currently deposited in the state’s General Revenue Fund into the State Transportation Fund. The change would provide more than $7 million additional dollars for roads and bridges.

Legislation that will keep tickets to Oklahoma City Hornets games among the lowest in the league and complete the incentive package that helped lure the National Basketball Association team to the Ford Center earlier this year cleared its last legislative hurdle Wednesday and his headed to the desk of Governor Brad Henry.

Senate Bill 1022 is authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan. The measure exempts tickets to NBA and NHL games in Oklahoma from sales tax.

State Senators Wednesday unanimously approved legislation creating a permanent funding source to provide state funds to bolster the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

“Despite warmer than normal temperatures this winter, the rising cost of natural gas has already sparked a dramatic increase in home heating bills, leaving many Oklahoma families struggling to make ends meet,” said Senator Cal Hobson, author of the measure.