Senate Republicans met Wednesday in caucus for the first time since Election Day to name Brian Bingman as President Pro Tempore-Elect. Bingman faced no opposition. Additionally, the Senate Republican Caucus elected Assistant Majority Floor Leaders and Republican Whips for the 54th Legislature’s Senate Majority leadership team. The Republican caucus enters the 54th Legislature with a historic 36-12 majority in the state Senate.

The State Capitol will be lit blue on November 14th in recognition of World Diabetes Day to raise awareness about the disease that affects thousands of Oklahomans each year.

“We are so excited that our beautiful State Capitol will be one of more than 1,100 monuments worldwide that will be lit blue this evening to call attention to the devastating impact that diabetes takes on individuals and families,” said Sen. Constance N. Johnson (D-Oklahoma County).

Private citizens, members of the media and others interested in following the legislative process will find accessing actions in the State Senate easier than ever before, thanks to several new technological upgrades that are now being put in place.

New high resolution cameras have been added in the front and back of the chamber for those following the Senate on the Internet, with new software enabling bill information and links to the text of measures to appear next to the chamber video. The camera angle for the website will change depending on which microphone is being used.

The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce is set to examine the new regulatory landscape facing Oklahoma banks later this month. On Wednesday, November 28, the committee will hold its first interim study meeting concerning the Basel III global standards, which will usher in a broad number of new regulatory requirements for banks.

State Sen. Jim Wilson has asked Attorney General Scott Pruitt to investigate the removal of an original contribution report from the State Ethics Commission’s website and the substitution of a different report.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today issued the following statement in response to the Oklahoma Human Services Commission vote to complete Oklahoma’s transition from institutional to community care services.

If Congress does not reach a budget agreement, the Bush tax cuts will expire and citizens’ income taxes will increase significantly. Recognizing this, the State Equalization Board went ahead and added $60 million into their revenue estimates for the legislature to reflect what the state could bring in through increased taxes and less claimed deductions. Sen. Ralph Shortey believes any increase in tax revenue caused by Congress’ lack of action should be given back to Oklahoma taxpayers, not used to grow state government.

Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and House Speaker-elect T.W. Shannon Thursday announced the formation of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security.

“In light of recent events, the time has come for us to assess the current school security system in Oklahoma,” said Lt. Governor Todd Lamb. “The Oklahoma Commission on School Security will provide an avenue for some of Oklahoma’s finest to collaborate towards a common goal. With the right knowledge and resources, we can effectively provide a safer school climate for our most precious commodity.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Thursday in response to the certification of estimated revenue available for the state budget in fiscal year 2014 by the Oklahoma Board of Equalization.

Students who are unable to meet certain requirements under the Achieving Classroom Excellence Act (ACE) would still be able to graduate under legislation filed recently by Sen. Earl Garrison. Senate Bill 11 would allow a composite score of 18 or higher (equivalent to the 34th percentile or higher) on the ACT exam to count as satisfactorily completing all of the ACE end-of-instruction testing requirements.