A painting depicting Solomon Layton, architect of the Oklahoma State Capitol, laying the cornerstone of the building has been officially dedicated. Former State Senator Charles Ford, President of the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc., unveiled the painting during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber on Tuesday.
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Democratic and Republican legislative leaders in the House and Senate Tuesday announced they will immediately pass a $1.5 million supplemental appropriation for the state's military department to help replace aging and dilapidated National Guard armories.

The Senate will take up the supplemental appropriation later Tuesday in House Bill 1184, and the measure could be on the governor’s desk by the end of the week.

The evenly divided Oklahoma Senate voted Wednesday to send a bipartisan pro-life bill to Gov. Brad Henry’s desk. The legislation prohibits state funds or facilities from being used to perform abortions.

Wednesday, the Senate adopted the House of Representatives’ amendments to Senate Bill 714, authored by Sen. James A. Williamson, and then voted 32 to 16 for the bill with 8 Democrats joining all 24 Republican senators to pass the legislation.

Calling Senate Bill 714 “outrageous,” Sen. Jim Wilson has urged Gov. Brad Henry to veto the measure. The bill was given final approval in the Senate on Wednesday and is now headed to the governor for his consideration. Wilson said the legislation would forbid the use of state funds, facilities or employees to terminate pregnancies and impose further restrictions as well.
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A measure intended to curb the growing problem of copper theft in Oklahoma moved one step closer to becoming law on Thursday. The full Senate voted in favor of House Bill 1399, which would require junk dealers to maintain detailed records regarding the source of the copper they obtain for resale.

Senate author Cliff Branan explained that increases in copper theft have had far-reaching implications for Oklahomans.

The State Senate on Thursday joined with other government officials across the nation in helping raise awareness of the importance of affordable housing and community development programs and resources. Senate Resolution 30, by Joe Sweeden, endorses the Housing America 2007 Campaign and recommits the Senate to meeting the affordable housing and community development needs of Oklahoma.
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Medical professionals and members of the Legislature held press conferences in Oklahoma City and Tulsa on Monday, urging Gov. Brad Henry to sign Senate Bill 714 into law. Sen. James A. Williamson, principal author of the measure, said the press conferences were necessary to counter misinformation from opponents of the measure.
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On Monday, the evenly divided Oklahoma Senate passed a bipartisan immigration reform bill by a 41 to 6 vote. If the House of Representatives accepts the Senate’s amendments to House Bill 1804, the legislation could be on Gov. Brad Henry’s desk by the end of the week.

Sen. James A. Williamson is the Senate author of HB 1804, “The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007.” He said the bill is designed to protect jobs for citizens as well as addressing concerns about taxpayer supported benefits.
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Some of Oklahoma’s biggest entertainment attractions may soon benefit from the construction of a luxury hotel to be constructed in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.

On Tuesday, the full Senate approved House Bill 2019 to provide a tax refund of $354,000 on the construction of a hotel that would be built near Remington Park. Senate author Richard Lerblance explained the bill would benefit not only Oklahoma City, but the state as a whole.
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A comprehensive lawsuit reform bill is gaining momentum with a key endorsement by the National Rifle Association, the Senate’s co-president pro tempore said Tuesday.

“The NRA’s endorsement of SB 507’s liability protection for firearms and ammunition manufacturers has added to the momentum for meaningful lawsuit reform this year,” stated Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The NRA’s support should ensure additional votes for SB 507 from rural Democrats who support Second Amendment rights.”