A new law to help keep caregivers better informed about important medical information could help reduce hospital readmissions. Senate Bill 1536, by Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, and Rep. Harold Wright, R-Weatherford, which was approved by the governor, allows patients to designate a caregiver upon formal admission. The hospital must also notify the designated caregiver of the patients discharge and consult with the caregiver about aftercare.

Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, released the following statement today regarding the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman sent a letter today to the state Corporation Commission asking for a Notice of Inquiry regarding wind energy development in Oklahoma.

Sen. Bingman authored Senate Bill 1440 this legislative session in an attempt to study wind development more closely before wind farms are constructed, especially close to more populated areas in Oklahoma. The legislation was temporarily shelved in order to allow more time to study the issue.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement on passage of SB 2127, the general appropriations bill that puts into law the state budget agreement reached by the Senate, House and governor’s office last week. The measure was approved 31-9 on Tuesday.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement on passage of Senate Bill 2131, which gives $36.8 million in pay raises to more than 12,000 state employees at 25 agencies ranging from 5% to 13.5%, with most raises based upon the 2013 state employee compensation study.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement on the passage of House Bill 2630, which creates a 401k-style, defined-contribution pension system for new state employees. Current employees, teachers and those designated as “hazardous duty” will all remain under the existing defined-benefit pension system.

“We worked tirelessly this legislative session with all stakeholders to ensure this legislation protects current state employees and gives them more confidence in their pension’s solvency, while also helping us attract the next generation of workers.

Sen. Rick Brinkley, Chair of the Senate Pension Committee, issued the following comments after presenting House Bill 2630 for final approval by the Senate on Wednesday. The bill creates a defined-contribution pension system for new employees, while current state employees, teachers and those designated as “hazardous duty” will remain under the existing defined-benefit plan.

“We disagree with Mr. Fent’s assessment and are hopeful the courts will as well. When the people of Oklahoma added this provision to our state’s constitution in 1992, it was clear that it was meant to protect Oklahomans from tax hikes, not tax cuts. We believe the courts will agree that this lawsuit represents a manipulation of the intent of this constitutional provision and will be thrown out, allowing Oklahomans to see a reduction in their taxes as promised.” –Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman comments on Senate passage of House Bill 2562, which sets the state’s gross production tax rate at 2 percent for any new wells drilled in the state for the first 36 months of production, followed by a permanent rate of 7 percent thereafter.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman comments on House Joint Resolution 1033, which will allow for the issuance of up to $120 million in bond indebtedness with a 10-year repayment term to repair the state Capitol.