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Oklahoma Senate
The Oklahoma Senate voted 26 to 22 today to pass the School Protection Act, a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill providing teachers and schools protections from lawsuits. Last month the House of Representatives passed the bill by a 94 to 0 vote. It now goes to Gov. Brad Henry.
The School Protection Act, Senate Bill 1024, is authored by State Senate Co-Floor Leader Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, and State Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa.
read more.A long struggle came to a positive end when Gov. Brad Henry signed House Bill 3060, a measure creating a public umbilical cord blood bank in Oklahoma.
The new law, by Senator Jay Paul Gumm and Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, establishes the public cord blood bank, eventually giving every Oklahoma family the ability to donate umbilical cord blood. The pair of lawmakers has sponsored the measure for several years, finally securing passage over a number of obstacles this year.
read more.Sen. Jonathan Nichols on Tuesday planned to amend legislation to establish a felony for a first offense of domestic abuse, when a pattern of such behavior could be established.
read more.A study released today shows passage of “Nick’s Law” would not spike insurance costs and would ultimately save taxpayers millions.
Senator Jay Paul Gumm – chief sponsor of “Nick’s Law,” a bill requiring health insurance to cover autism diagnosis and treatment – said the study shows a negligible premium cost. The measure would represent only a 0.47 percent premium cost, roughly a tenth of the current rate of inflation.
read more.Leftwich’s “Social Host” Proposal Will Help Deter Underage Drinking
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The state Senate on Wednesday approved a comprehensive measure intended to make Oklahoma schools safer. Senate Bill 1941, the Oklahoma School Security Act, includes numerous provisions to secure school facilities, reduce school violence and bullying and involve school administrators in making their schools safer places for students and staff.
Sen. Todd Lamb, author of the bill, said it was imperative that the Legislature take action to reduce the frequency of violent crime and bullying in schools.
read more.Members of the State Senate paid tribute to Oklahoma’s Trooper of the Year Award winners for 2007, which included state troopers who risked their own lives to perform a daring helicopter rescue of a Kingfisher couple. Sen. Charles Laster authored legislation honoring Lt. Brian Sturgill and Trooper Joe Howard for their bravery.
read more.The Oklahoma State Senate approved a measure Thursday creating the Large Animal Veterinarian Incentive Act which provides incentives to veterinary school graduates to locate their practices in rural communities.
Senate Bill 70, authored by Sen. Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee and Rep. Jerry Shoemake, D-Morris, now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
read more.The Oklahoma State Senate adopted a resolution Thursday recognizing Dale and Carrie Schultz and their son J.C. of Catoosa as the 2008 Family of the Year for Special Olympics Oklahoma.
Senate Resolution 92 was authored by Sen. Mary Easley, D-Tulsa. She introduced the family on the Senate floor at the State Capitol.
read more.An analysis by Rep. Ron Peterson of an actuarial study on “Nick’s Law” shows the representative’s “serious lack of understanding” about the autism crisis, according to Senator Jay Paul Gumm.
“Rep. Peterson may know his former profession – insurance – but his analysis of the actuarial study we provided to him shows he simply does not understand the autism crisis,” said Gumm, a Democrat from Durant who has fought for passage of autism insurance.
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