The Oklahoma State Senate approved legislation Wednesday authorizing the Commissioner of Public Safety to house and train canines for drug and bomb units.

House Bill 2695 is authored by State Senator Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee and Rep. Paul Roan, D-Tishomingo. The bill now goes to Gov. Brad Henry for approval.

Supporters of a proposal that would require health insurance policies to cover autism diagnosis and treatment say a proposal being suggested to families is no solution at all.

“Suggestions by some House Republicans that an insurance ‘rider’ for autism could be a solution is nothing but a lame effort to reduce political pressure,” said Senator Jay Paul Gumm. “It is no solution at all, and could make the situation worse.”

The Oklahoma State Senate approved a resolution Thursday memorializing Congress and the President to promote the formation of democratic institutions, multiparty elections and respect for human rights in Ethiopia, and to play a mediatory role in peaceful resolution.

Senate Resolution 77 is authored by Sen. Constance N. Johnson, D-Oklahoma County. A copy of this resolution will be distributed to President George W. Bush and the members of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation.

The Oklahoma State Senate voted 47 to 0 in favor of an ethics reform bill today, sending House Bill 2196 to Gov. Henry’s desk. Earlier in the day, the House of Representatives voted 90 to 6 for the bill.

HB 2196 bans campaign contributions from lobbyists and lobbyist principals during regular legislative sessions. The ban applies to contributions to the campaigns of state legislators and candidates for a state legislative office.

House Bill 2196 is authored by Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, and Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

The state Senate on Thursday voted in favor of strengthening penalties for assaulting pregnant women. House Bill 1897, known as the “Scum of the Earth Bill”, would allow felony charges to be filed against a person who assaults a woman and causes her to miscarry.

Noting that domestic violence is the number one cause of death among pregnant women, Senate author Debbe Leftwich said the state has a moral and legal responsibility to address the problem.

Gov. Brad Henry and legislative leaders have reached an agreement on a $475 million bond package.

The agreement includes money for roads, higher education endowed chairs, a low-water dam project on the Arkansas River in Tulsa, flood control dams in rural Oklahoma, and the Native American Cultural Center in Oklahoma City.

As the clock runs out on the 2008 legislative session, Senator Jay Paul Gumm expressed disappointment that House Republican leaders continue to stonewall families with autistic children.

“If the Speaker and his minions truly believe in their argument - believe their position is righteous – then why do they fear a vote on ‘Nick'’ Law’?” Gumm asked.

Both the Senate and House unanimously approved a measure Thursday making various types of abuse against elderly and incapacitated Oklahomans a felony. Principal Senate author Sen. Ron Justice said the measure, which strengthens Elderly and Incapacitated Person Act, was long over due.
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The Oklahoma State Senate approved a resolution Friday recognizing Aug. 19, 2008 as the 50th anniversary of the sit-in movement that began in Oklahoma City at Katz Drug Store. The resolution also honors the life and legacy of local civil rights pioneer Mrs. Clara Luper and all those who participated in that first peaceful and non-violent demonstration 50 years ago.

Senate Resolution 102 is authored by Sen. Constance N. Johnson, D-Oklahoma County. A copy of the resolution will be distributed to Mrs. Luper, the NAACP Youth Council in Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma History Center.

The state Senate on Friday approved a bill that would increase penalties for date rape as well as create new laws against the desecration of human bodies and aggravated child pornography possession. Sens. Jonathan Nichols, Jim Reynolds and James A. Williamson praised the Senate’s passage of the measure, and addressed the importance of providing protection for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens.