Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today issued the following statement regarding the passage of House Bill 3052. The measure was developed through the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, and is intended to reduce crime while controlling the growth of the state’s prison population.

Sen. Dan Newberry today issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s signing of Senate Bill 1274, the Heartbeat Informed Consent Act. The law will require abortion providers to inform patients they have a right to hear the heartbeat of their unborn child before it is aborted.

Senate Republicans Monday voted by acclamation Monday to re-elect Brian Bingman to the position of President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma state Senate. Bingman, R-Sapulpa, is now President Pro Tempore-Designate for the 54th Legislature. Bingman continues to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore through the end of the 53rd Legislature in 2012. Majority Leader Mike Schulz said Bingman has been an effective leader as lawmakers have worked to promote Oklahoma’s economic recovery with a pro-jobs agenda.
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Sen. Sean Burrage, Democratic Leader of the State Senate, issued the following statement in reaction to Monday’s selection of Sen. Brian Bingman as President Pro Tempore-Designate for the 54th Legislature:

The full Senate has given approval to a $92.5 million supplemental funding bill to meet specific needs in public safety and education. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the Senate Appropriations Chairman and author of Senate Bill 1959, which was overwhelmingly approved on Thursday.

On Monday, the Senate dedicated a portrait of Choctaw Statesman, Chief Allen Wright who is credited with suggesting the name "Oklahoma" for the new U.S. Territory created in 1890. The painting, by Oklahoma artist Mike Larsen, was sponsored by the Chief’s great-great-grandson Allen Wright and his wife Jacque, along with their family.
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Sen. Ralph Shortey on Monday applauded Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak for taking a stand against the federal government’s attempt to force religious institutions to offer birth control, sterilization and abortifacients to their employees.

Doak this week will introduce a resolution at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Spring 2012 national meeting urging his peers to protect religious liberties in healthcare.
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The full Senate on Tuesday approved a measure that would require abortion providers to inform patients they have a right to hear the heartbeat of their unborn child before it is aborted.

Senate Bill 1274, the Heartbeat Informed Consent Act, is authored by Sen. Dan Newberry. The Tulsa Republican said the measure is an important step forward in protecting the unborn.
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Many military veterans struggle to find work after retirement and their spouses sometimes have a hard time finding a job after a base transfer, but legislation that was approved unanimously Wednesday in the Senate could make their search much easier. Senate Bill 1863, by retired Army Lt. Colonel Sen. Steve Russell, creates the Post-Military Service Occupation, Education and Credentialing Act.
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Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman released the following statement Wednesday after the Senate gave unanimous approval to Senate Bill 1863 creating the Post-Military Service Occupation, Education and Credentialing Act.
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