Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman on Tuesday issued the following statement on the passing of former state Senator Bill Gustafson. An El Reno Republican, Gustafson served two terms representing District 22 in the state Senate, from 1990 to 1998. In 1996, he was elected by Senate Republicans to serve as Minority Leader.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman on Friday issued the following statement on the governor’s signing of Senate Bill 839. The proposal, authored by Sen. Bingman (R-Sapulpa), would provide funding for construction of the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, better known as OKPOP.

Sen. Eddie Fields on Friday said the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rules regarding what constitutes the Waters of the United States are another example of federal overreach from the agency.
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A medical pilot program using cannabidiol, a derivative linked to marijuana, is heading to a vote of the full Senate after being unanimously approved in the Senate Health and Human Services committee yesterday by a vote of 9-0.
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Sen. Anthony Sykes and Rep. Mike Christian today announced that the Senate and House on Thursday would take up proposals to support and defend the death penalty for the state’s worst criminals.

The House is scheduled to hear Sykes’ Senate Joint Resolution 31, which would send to a vote of the people a constitutional amendment that, if approved, ensures that death penalty statutes are in effect, that methods of execution can be changed, and that the death penalty is not cruel and unusual punishment.

A bill to help make sure that teens in foster care are encouraged to enroll in Oklahoma’s Promise has been signed into law. Senate Bill 763, by Sen. Randy Bass, D-Lawton, was approved by Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday. The measure directs the Department of Human Services to work in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to encourage greater participation in the state-funded scholarship program.
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“We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Rep. David Dank,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “He was a dedicated legislator and a tireless advocate for taxpayers and constituents, but more importantly he was a man of honor and integrity. These qualities were evident in everything he did, from his hard work at the state Capitol to numerous other community leadership and public service efforts. Our prayers are with his family in their time of mourning.”

A bill allowing companies to use private instructors and examiners to quickly train and fill open positions that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is headed to the Governor’s desk.
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The Senate gave unanimous approval Wednesday of a measure to increase the penalty for assault against off-duty law enforcement officers. House Bill 1318, by Rep. Mike Sanders and Sen. Kyle Loveless, would make assault against an off-duty officer a felony when the crime is directly related to the officer’s official position.
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As the state approaches the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Oklahoma Senate paused Thursday to honor and remember state workers who were injured and who died in the blast, and the many others who assisted in the rescue, search and recovery efforts and in seeking justice for the victims. Senate Resolution 27, by Sen. read more.