OKLAHOMA CITY - A statue of the first woman ever elected to statewide office was unveiled Tuesday during a ceremony at the State Capitol. Keynote Speaker Senate Appropriations Chairman Kelly Haney secured funding for the project, which he said was long overdue.

"This marks the first time any woman has ever been honored with a sculpture like this at the Capitol. And I can think of no better woman to honor than Kate Barnard, who was Oklahoma's first Commissioner of Charities and Corrections," said Senator Haney.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Legislation aimed at helping more people construct storm shelters has cleared another hurdle. House Joint Resolution 1001, which was given final approval by the State Senate on Wednesday, would let the voters decide whether to give a property tax exemption to new storm shelters.

Jim Reynolds is the Senate author of the measure. The Oklahoma City Republican hopes it will encourage more people to build safe rooms or other storm shelters.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The State Senate has given its final approval to a measure aimed at encouraging more Oklahomans to save for their children's college education. That's according to State Senator Brad Henry and Representative Debbie Blackburn, authors of House Bill 1896, which has also been approved by the House of Representatives.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Two lawmakers who authored a measure to end the state's mandatory vehicle inspection have succeeded in passing an amendment to speed up the repeal of those inspections. Senator Glenn Coffee and Representative Richard Phillips co-authored House Bill 1081, which calls for the inspections to end this August.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The State Senate has approved a measure that would create a statewide registry for teen sex offenders. Senator Ted Fisher is the principal author of Senate Bill 157. He said the legislation was in response to a homicide and assault that occurred in his district.

(Oklahoma City) A controversial early release law will be repealed under a sweeping criminal justice reform bill approved by the State Senate.

SB 397 would do away with the so-called "cap law," in addition to lowering the legal blood alcohol content on drunk driving offenses and mandating tougher sentences for more violent criminals in Oklahoma. The legislation will also reform existing property crime statutes to ensure that the expensive, high-security prison beds are reserved for the most dangerous criminals.

OKLAHOMA CITY - At a capitol news conference State Senator Scott Pruitt (R-Broken Arrow) celebrated "the most productive week for families" in recent legislative history. Pruitt made his comments following the advancement of two key pro-family measures he authored this session. The first victory comes with House passage of House Bill 1727, a bill containing Pruitt's amendment calling for parental notification prior to a minor receiving an abortion. read more.

House Bill 1727, the bill containing the amendment authored by State Senator Scott Pruitt (R-Broken Arrow) establishing liability when doctors do not acquire parental consent before performing an abortion on a minor, passed the State House of Representatives today and is headed to the governor for approval.

"This is a great day for the people of Oklahoma," said Senator Pruitt. "After years of work by countless individuals life has won out. Today we made a statement that Oklahoma values life and that parents must be a part of their children's lives."

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Brad Henry is thanking the many Oklahomans who have shared their thoughts, prayers and condolences after the passing of his father, Charles T. Henry. The former legislator died Tuesday from lung cancer at the age of 65.

"I just want to tell everyone how much their kind words and prayers have meant to me and my family. It really does make it a bit easier to cope with our loss," said Senator Henry.

Senator Keith Leftwich proudly announced the signing of SB 674 into law by Governor Frank Keating on Wednesday May 23rd.

The Democrat from South Oklahoma City authored the Compete with Canada Film Act to grab the attention of those in Hollywood to create more of their films in Oklahoma. The bill will provide a 15-percent cash-back incentive on money spent in the state for movie or television production.

"I am extremely pleased that SB 674 has been signed by the Governor," said Senator Leftwich. "This is a big step forward in promoting economic development in Oklahoma."