Senate Bill 1103 by President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee received the Governor’s signature, providing protections for pregnant women who are subject to domestic violence abuse.

The “Use of Force for the Protection of the Unborn Act” gives a pregnant woman the right to use force or deadly force against another to protect her unborn child. Such protections include reasonable belief that the unborn child is threatened, making the use of force immediately necessary for the child’s protection.

The State Senate passed SB 135 with overwhelming bipartisan support today, granting much needed relief for autistic children and their families.

Senator Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, authored the legislation and applauded the efforts of his colleagues.

Langston University’s Oklahoma City campus will host “A Healthy Baby Begins with You!” on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at 4205 N. Lincoln Blvd. The free event will be limited to the first 200 people who reserve a seat by calling 271-1337.

A recent House amendment to reduce the emergency 911 fees was placed on Senator Clark Jolley’s SB 1166, but Jolley reassures Oklahoma that our 911 system is secure.

“Public safety is important to Oklahomans, and by no means would we want to place it in jeopardy,” said Jolley. “I’ve addressed the amendments attached to my bill, and it has now been sent to conference where we will work to stabilize and even enhance Oklahoma’s 911 system.”

The Oklahoma State Senate passed a referendum late Tuesday that will send Workers Compensation reform to Oklahoma polls next year.

Following the Governor’s veto, Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said, “We are disappointed in the Governor’s veto, because we’ve worked very hard to bring responsible reform and increased accountability to the Oklahoma’s Workers Compensation system. Contrary to what the Governor said, this legislation removes the politics from the process, and we look forward to sending this to the people for them to have the final say.”

Local veterans and supporters came to the State Capitol on Wednesday to voice their criticism of a recently released report issued by the Department of Homeland Security. The report, “Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence on Radicalization and Recruitment,” suggested those who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as individuals who opposed abortion and supported Second Amendment gun rights were a potential threat to national security.
read more.

The state Senate on Wednesday voted in favor of legislation to prohibit motorists from driving for extended periods of time in the left lane. Sen. Kenneth Corn, co-author of the measure, said the new law would result in improved traffic flow, reducing the number of drivers who impede traffic.

Under House Bill 1368, drivers must use the right-hand lane unless passing.

The State Senate passed a referendum Wednesday with bipartisan support that will send the stem cell research funding issue to a vote of the people.

House Joint Resolution 1035 by Senator Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, designates a source for funding stem cell research in Oklahoma. The resolution reads that 10% of earnings accrued to the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund each year will be directed towards adult stem cell research.

Sen. Kenneth Corn on Wednesday said a measure passed by the state Senate would limit the ability of Oklahoma citizens to determine how their tax dollars are to be used in the Legislature. Future generations of Oklahomans, Corn added, could be helpless in determining the Legislature’s spending priorities under the legislation.

Yet another Republican Senate legislative agenda item has is on its way to the governor after SB 1111, authored by Senator Clark Jolley, passed the House today. The ‘Educational Accountability Reform Act’ will provide greater accountability and transparency in public education when enacted into law.

The law will restructure Oklahoma’s education system to create better transparency and accountability on data and testing. The current Office of Accountability would be restructured into the Educational Quality and Accountability Office.