Sen. Josh Brecheen released the following statement Thursday in response to the Commissioners of the Land Office voting to sue Oklahoma City-based private developer Pointe Vista Development LLC, which was tasked with building a hotel on Lake Texoma.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman released the following statement in response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling that House Bill 2032 violates the single subject rule in the Oklahoma Constitution.

“We are disappointed in the ruling and stand ready to act legislatively as needed in the upcoming session.”

State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement after the State Supreme Court ruled Monday on the challenge of the workers compensation reform bill approved during the 2013 legislative session.

On Monday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that Senate Bill 1062 “is not unconstitutional as a multiple-subject bill” and further stated “the Legislature has exercised proper authority in a matter over which it has power to act by adopting a code for future execution of workers’ compensation law.”

Sunday, Dec. 15, will mark the 222nd anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. In recognition of that anniversary, numerous Oklahoma lawmakers have joined as co-authors of a non-partisan effort to recognize the significance of the Bill of Rights through the filing of Senate Bill 1159.
SB 1159 would allow a monument recognizing the importance of the Bill of Rights to be placed on the grounds of the State Capitol. Costs associated with the project would be paid for with private donations.

As a mark of respect for the memory and legacy of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Sen. Connie Johnson asked Gov. Mary Fallin on Wednesday to order all American and Oklahoma flags on state property to be flown at half-staff from 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 13, until 8:30 a.m. on the morning of his state funeral and interment, Sunday, December 15.

With the Legislature not having approved a general pay increase for state employees since 2006, Sen. Ralph Shortey and Rep. Leslie Osborn on Friday called upon the governor and legislative leaders to make state employees a priority and give them a raise.

Senate Caucus Chair Tom Ivester announced Thursday that he has decided not to seek another term in the Oklahoma State Senate. Sen. Ivester, D-Sayre, issued the following comments on his decision:

My wife and I have decided that it is time to pass the torch off to someone else to serve the people of Senate District 26. After prayerful consideration over the holidays we made the decision that I will not run for reelection. My time in the Oklahoma State Senate has been a tremendous experience. It is an honor to represent the great people of southwest Oklahoma.

State Senator Connie Johnson has introduced a bill which would regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 2116 would make the personal use, possession, and limited home-cultivation of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age and older, and establish a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol.

National polls have shown a steady increase in support for taxing and regulating adult use of marijuana in recent years, with a majority of Americans now consistently supporting an end to its prohibition.

Oklahoma’s schools would be safer under legislation filed by Sen. Jabar Shumate. Senate Bill 1753 would prohibit anyone from bringing a concealed handgun onto school property regardless if they have a valid handgun license. Currently, those individuals with a valid handgun license who are just picking up or dropping off a student and not leaving their vehicle are allowed to bring a gun onto school property.