When the full Senate takes up a measure next week to gradually phase-out Oklahoma’s income tax, the bill will address concerns raised by retirees and members of the military. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the author of Senate Bill 1571, also known as the OCPA/Laffer Plan. The Senate is expected to consider his legislation when members reconvene on Monday.
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The full Senate has voted in favor of a measure to gradually phase out the state income tax. Senate Bill 1571, also known as the OCPA/Laffer Plan, was approved Monday, 30 to 17. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the principal author of the legislation. He said one important change made since the bill left committee is an amendment that addresses concerns raised by retirees and Oklahomans in the military.
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State agencies, assets and institutions would save hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars under a behavior-based energy conservation program passed by the state Senate on Monday. Senate Bill 1096, authored by President Pro Tem Brian Bingman at the request of Governor Mary Fallin, passed the Senate by a vote of 44-0. SB 1096 is inspired, in part, by an energy conservation program started in 2007 at Oklahoma State University. The University has since lowered energy consumption campus-wide by 19%, representing a savings of nearly $19 million.
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The Senate on Tuesday approved legislation to target meth manufacturers while preserving citizens’ access to medicines. Sen. Rick Brinkley, author of Senate Bill 1634, said his proposal would provide law enforcement officials with powerful tools to fight meth, but would not make pseudoephedrine available by prescription only.
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Legislation intended to reduce the state’s long-term fiscal burden and protect the viability of pension systems was approved by the Senate on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 1264, authored by Sen. Dan Newberry, will guarantee a percentage of spillover funding is dedicated toward paying the state’s pension liability debt. read more.

The Senate showed their support of Oklahoma’s heroes who are wounded in battle by giving unanimous approval to a bill to protect Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) in divorce proceedings. Senate Bill 1951 would deem a portion of CRSC as separate property, not divisible as a marital asset or community property. The bill would prohibit alimony payments, whether designated for support or for property division, to be based on CRSC.
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The full Senate has given approval to legislation preventing cities or state government from disarming citizens during a state of emergency. State Sen. Anthony Sykes is the principal author of Senate Bill 1760. Sykes said the bill would prevent what happened in New Orleans just a few years ago.
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Legislation to prevent cover-ups of on-campus sexual assaults and child abuse has been approved by the full Senate. Senate Bill 1889, by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, won unanimous approval on Tuesday. Marlatt described it as the “anti-Sandusky” bill.

Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky is facing multiple counts of sexual abuse of children, including assaults that allegedly occurred on campus.
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The full Senate has given approval to a measure that would lower the state’s personal income tax rate over a two year period. Senate Bill 1623, by Sen. Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, was approved Tuesday. Mazzei said the measure will enable citizens to keep more of their hard-earned money and make Oklahoma more attractive for job creation.
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The Senate today approved legislation that would require candidates in presidential primaries to provide proof of identity and eligibility to hold office.
Sen. Ralph Shortey, author of Senate Bill 1569, said critics of similar legislation filed last year claimed the measure was an attempt to capitalize on criticism of President Barack Obama, but his proposal is a matter of common sense reform.
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