The Senate Business and Labor Committee on Monday gave approval to a bill that would ban the sale of cough medicine containing dextromethorphan (DXM) as well as spray paint to anyone under the age of 18. State Sen. Charlie Laster is author of Senate Bill 951.

“The recommendations in this bill come directly from the Task Force on Adolescent Substance Abuse and Misuse of Household Items. We found out how Oklahoma kids are able to buy large quantities of these items to get high with no legal restrictions,” said Laster, D-Shawnee. “This is a dangerous problem we need to address.”

2006 Jim Thorpe Award winner Aaron Ross, of the University of Texas, was honored on the floor of the state Senate on Monday. The Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 5, recognizing and commending the standout defensive back.

As a senior, Ross was tabbed first-team All American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation and the Football Writers Association of America and was selected first-team all Big 12. Ross was also chosen as the University of Texas Defensive MVP.

Freshman Senator Files Legislation to Increase Income Limits to $75,000

Oklahoma can no longer afford to ignore the growing crisis of hunger within its borders according to State Senate Andrew Rice, author of SB 499, which would create the Oklahoma Taskforce on Hunger.

Senator Judy Eason McIntyre wants group home residents to have access to healthier foods and activities. The Tulsa senator may get her wish following the approval of her legislation, Senate Bill 618, on Thursday by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

State Senator Earl Garrison is looking out for the well-being of young athletes in Oklahoma. On Thursday, the Committee on Health and Human Resources approved Senate Bill 451, which would prohibit non-school-related sports programs for kids thirteen years or younger from holding practice outside or in non-air-conditioned facilities when the heat index is at or above ninety-five degrees.

In an effort to better protect Oklahoma workers, a Senate committee has given approval to a measure that would make it illegal for companies to require implanted microchips as a condition of employment. Senate Bill 47, by Sen. Brian Crain was approved by the Health and Human Resources Committee on Thursday.

The Senate Health and Human Resources Committee has given its approval to a bill that would ban smoking at zoos in Oklahoma. Sen. Cliff Branan is the author of Senate Bill 473, which was approved on Thursday.

“Right now there’s a loophole in the state’s law banning smoking in public places, because those places are defined as indoors only,” explained Branan, R-Oklahoma City. “This legislation will close that loophole and better protect the health and safety of the public—particularly children who visit zoos.”

The Oklahoma State Senate passed a resolution Wednesday designating February 14, 2007 as "County Government Day" in Oklahoma. Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 is authored by Senator Earl Garrison and Representative R.C. Pruett.

"County governments play a vital role in Oklahoma's economy and governmental structure, and it's imperative that all levels of government - federal, state, county and municipal - work together for the
betterment of our state," said Garrison, D-Muskogee.

Thanks to the generosity of one Oklahoma couple and the talents of an Oklahoma artist, another original painting entitled "Arcadia Round-Up" by artist Linda Tuma Robertson was dedicated in the Oklahoma House Wednesday afternoon. The work, sponsored by Oklahoma County Commissioner and former State Representative Ray Vaughn and his wife, Suzanne and commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund.