OKLAHOMA CITY – Thursday, Senate Democrats called for sustainable use of the one-time $1.13 billion in funding available for state appropriations. This money would be in addition to the nearly $6.4 billion in federal funding coming to Oklahoma from the American Rescue Plan, of which $1.9 billion is going directly to state government. 

Monday, the US Treasury Department released guidelines for use of the American Rescue Plan dollars to:

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate each in bipartisan and overwhelming votes on Wednesday approved new legislative district maps.

By law, the Legislature must redraw its legislative and congressional district boundaries to reflect changes in population every 10 years immediately following the decennial Census. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, redistricting plans for state legislative districts must be completed by the end of this year’s regular session.

The Oklahoma Courier Application Services Act was signed by the governor on Monday, ensuring individuals involved in local delivery services will not be

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma is now the 25^th state in the nation to enact legislation allowing the use of electronic titles and liens for vehicles, boats, trailers and farm equipment.  Senate Bill 998, authored by Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, and Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, was approved by Gov. Kevin Stitt on Friday and takes effect Nov. 1, 2021.

The full Senate confirmed Leland Walker to serve a seven-year term to the Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) Board of Regents. The nomination was carried by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain.

OKLAHOMA CITY – More of Oklahoma’s nonviolent offenders will soon qualify for the state’s Electronic Monitoring Program thanks to legislation signed into law Wednesday. Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, said Senate Bill 456 addresses two eligibility issues within community sentencing to help nonviolent offenders re-enter society while keeping predators out of the program.    

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation was signed into law Wednesday to delay elections this December, January and March that would interfere with ongoing redistricting efforts. Requested by the State Election Board Secretary, Senate Bill 347prohibits municipalities and political subdivisions from holding an election on the second Tuesday of December 2021 or the second Tuesday of January or March 2022 for the offices of U.S.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sophomores will be able to participate in more school-sponsored career opportunities beginning with the 2021-2022 school year under legislation signed into law Wednesday. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, is the author of Senate Bill 619 allowing sophomores, 16 years or older, to apply for apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships through their school.

The full Senate adopted a resolution Thursday recognizing the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill ensuring payment parity for physicians who care for patients using telemedicine has been signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.  Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, is the principal Senate author of Senate Bill 674, and the principal House author is Rep. Mark McEntire, R-Duncan. The measure was signed on Wednesday.