Self-driving cars, e-scooters, more commercial uses for drones and drone-ports and the expanded use of electric vehicles were all part of the discussion at an interim study held this week by the Senate Transportation Committee. The Monday hearing was requested by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, who serves as vice-chair of the committee. He said emerging transportation technologies bring with them a host of opportunities and concerns that need to be addressed sooner, rather than later.

State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, has been appointed to serve on the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, a 21-member panel that will help plan the state’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of “The Mother Road.”

In September, Oklahoma prisons went on lockdown. It began with a gang-related fight in the Northeast Oklahoma Correctional Center in Vinita before spreading to prisons throughout the state. A coordinated uprising, which resulted in injuries to correctional officers, the hospitalization of 36 inmates and the death of one inmate. All coordinated with cellphones.
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State Sen. Mark Allen said it was crucial for lawmakers to remember how critical the coal industry is, not only for communities in southeastern Oklahoma, but for the state’s economy as a whole. His comments came following a House member’s criticism of transferable coal tax credits.

The House Appropriations and Budget Committee on Public Safety on Monday approved legislation that would allow portable building manufacturers to apply for a $500 permit once a year to cover one vehicle, rather than apply for an individual license for each transport.

Sen. Mark Allen, author of Senate Bill 1180, said the bill would ease a burden on Oklahoma businesses.
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A bill allowing Oklahoma veterans to be provided with free hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been approved by the state Senate.

Senate Bill 1604, the Veterans Recovery Plan Act, states that any Oklahoma veteran who has been diagnosed with TBI, and prescribed HBOT by a medical professional, may receive free treatment at any licensed and equipped facility in the state.

Sen. Mark Allen, author of the bill, said his proposal will provide desperately needed help for men and women who have sacrificed for their country.
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Hoping to help Oklahoma motor carriers avoid a hefty fine, Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, is reminding all carriers to ensure UCR registrations are current and up to date. This registration applies to the operations of passenger and property in interstate commerce, motor carrier, motor private carrier, freight forwarder, broker and leasing companies.
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Oklahoma’s lack of a series of certifications may be keeping millions in federal transportation grants out of the state’s hands, according to State Sen. Mark Allen.

“Oklahoma has made great strides in recent years in improving our state’s transportation infrastructure, and Secretary Gary Ridley deserves a good deal of credit for leading the way. As chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, it has been great to work with the secretary as we make sure state agencies charged with maintaining our transportation system have the tools and resources necessary to do the job. I want to congratulate Secretary Ridley and wish him well on his retirement.” – Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, chair, Senate Transportation Committee.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz announced Tuesday appointments to fill vacancies in leadership positions in various Senate committees. The appointments are:

Senate Energy Committee:
Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, chair
Sen. Eddie Fields, R-Wynona, vice-chair

Senate Transportation Committee:
Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, chair
Sen. Joseph Silk, R-Broken Bow, vice-chair

Senate Business Commerce and Tourism Committee:
Sen. James Leewright, R-Bristow, chair read more.