OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Education Committee chairman Adam Pugh wants Oklahoma to think outside the box when it comes to students earning credits for graduation. The Edmond Republican is the author of Senate Bill 1623, the Learn Everywhere Act, to allow public school students to be eligible for extended learning opportunities outside the classroom.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate gave unanimous approval to Senate Bill 1547 on Tuesday, which would make virtual public meetings a permanent fixture across the state.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure to better address elderly and vulnerable adult abuse in Oklahoma passed the Senate Tuesday. Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, is the author of Senate Bill 1163, which will authorize district attorneys to develop a multidisciplinary team to investigate and prosecute such crimes in coordination with the District Attorneys Council.

The chairman of the Senate Energy Committee said he supports a ban on Russian oil and other petroleum products, explaining such a prohibition would further hold Vladimir Putin and his regime accountable for its illegal and unlawful attack on Ukraine.

Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, said the United States is indirectly funding the Putin regime and its ruthless attack on the Ukrainian people by purchasing Russian oil and other products every day.

OKLAHOMA CITY – As Bre Frizzell watched from the gallery, the state Senate passed Ava’s Law, a measure named in memory of her infant daughter who passed away a few weeks after her birth. Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, introduced Senate Bill 1462 to help prevent other Oklahoma parents from experiencing such a devastating loss by properly training them on infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate approved Senate Bill 1139 Monday to find alternate ways to compensate Oklahoma teachers. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, said the ongoing teacher shortage is evidence that additional reforms must be made to keep professionals in the classroom.

The full Senate has given approval to Senate Bill 1544, which would prevent public, charter or virtual schools across the state from partnering with an individual or entity that p

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Paul Rosino has won full Senate approval for a measure allowing autonomous vehicles (AVs) to operate on Oklahoma roads.  Senate Bill 1541 creates the framework for the state to regulate AVs, protecting the public and roadways.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma driver licenses could soon begin carrying a special designation for veterans who are 100% disabled, along with their spouses or surviving spouses. Senate Bill 1177’s author, Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer, said the simple license modification will make it easier for the state and businesses to know which veterans are eligible for the sales tax exemption and other benefits awarded to fully disabled members.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, is tackling period poverty – a major and often overlooked issue among many Oklahoma women. The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved her Senate Bill 1499 Wednesday, which would provide free menstrual products to low-income females, while also helping others save money.