A measure that would lengthen the statute of limitations for prosecuting felony arson cases was unanimously approved by the state Senate on Wednesday.

Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, co-author of House Bill 1088, said that improved technology and detection methods are making it easier for crimes to be solved years after they occur. The measure would extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting arson cases from three to seven years.

The state Senate dedicated a portrait Monday of Creek journalist and Poet Laureate Alexander Posey. The piece was commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, and was sponsored by the Muskogee Creek National Council and the family of former Senator Jerry Smith.

“It’s an honor to be at the state Capitol and to be a part of this program and the tribute that the state is making to one of our citizens," said Thomas Yahola, Speaker of the Muskogee Nation National Council.

After receiving unanimous approval from both the Senate and House, Senate Bill 894 by President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee now awaits the Governor’s signature into law.

The State Senate unanimously passed HB 2027 today, a bill which will provide better services and more access to care for autistic children and their families.

The bill, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, provides for the enactment of a licensing process for national Board Certified Behavioral Analysts and enhancement of existing state programs that would train doctors to diagnose and treat autism.

The State Senate passed President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee’s bill that aids in streamlining government.

In an effort to improve efficiency and accountability at the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center (CJRC), Senator Coffee’s legislation moves the CJRC out of the Legislative Service Bureau and reassigns its functions and staff to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the Attorney General.

The State Senate approved two workers’ compensation bills today, one being sent to the Governor for his approval.

House Bill 1600 by President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee modifies requirements for disability benefits. Individuals who have had surgery or have been recommended to have surgery by a physician may petition the Workers’ Compensation Court to extend their benefits.

The State Senate approved HB 1704, forming a centralized state information technology office, bringing efficiency and cost savings to Oklahoma government. Mirroring SB 980 previously passed by the Senate and authored by President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, this legislation will move Oklahoma toward a more efficient and effective government. HB 1704 provides for a state Office of Information Services (OIS), overseeing and consolidating state information technology services under one roof.

The Oklahoma Senate breathed life into a proposal to provide insurance coverage for children with autism.

An amendment was attached to House Bill 2027, House leadership’s bill to train more therapists. The amendment, enacted without debate, would require the Oklahoma Health Insurance High Risk Pool (OHRP) to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism consistent with what has become known as “Nick’s Law.”

The House of Representatives passed SB 899 by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, which would revoke state retirement benefits from state or county officers convicted of felonies.

Senate Bill 899 provides that any such officer or employee shall vacate his or her office or employment upon final conviction of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to a felony. Also, if such felony violates his or her oath of office the officer or employee shall forfeit all benefits of the office or employment including retirement benefits.

Hundreds of Oklahomans gathered on the south steps of the state Capitol as part of the Tax Day Tea Parties that took place across the nation on Wednesday. The events were in demonstration against high taxes and Congress’ continued excessive spending in recent months.

Sen. Dan Newberry attended the rally and said he was proud to see so many Oklahomans taking time out of their day to send Congress an important message.
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