House Bill 1821 is now heading back to the House for final approval after passage from the Senate on Thursday. The measure, authored by Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, and Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, would modify the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) program to ensure more Oklahoma students can afford higher learning options.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The February winter storm that gripped Oklahoma led to huge spikes in energy costs for Oklahoma ratepayers. The Oklahoma Senate on Thursday advanced measures aimed at helping ratepayers manage the significant financial burden stemming from those increased energy costs.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate approved a pair of bills Wednesday afternoon to better protect the health and well-being of Oklahoma’s children in daycare facilities and those living under safety plans. Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, is the Senate author of the House measures.

House Bill 2122, also known as the Cocktails to Go Act, is now one step closer to becoming law. The measure is authored by Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, and Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 on Thursday, which designates April 15 as “Purple Up! For Military Kids Day” in Oklahoma to recognize the sacrifices made by military families and the important role military children play in the armed forces community. The resolution is authored by Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation passed off the Senate floor Wednesday to protect members of the Oklahoma National Guard from employment discrimination. Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Chair Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer, is the Senate principal author of House Bill 2545, creating the Oklahoma Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate voted Wednesday to strengthen penalties against those who purposely try to bring harm to law enforcement officers and county officials online. House Bill 1643, by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, prohibits the publishing of identifying information of such individuals used to threaten, intimidate, harass, or stalk them.

OKLAHOMA CITY – One of the Oklahoma Senate’s constitutional responsibilities is confirming governor appointments to statewide cabinet positions, along with numerous boards and commissions. On Wednesday, the full Senate approved Governor Stitt’s appointment of Shelly Paulk of Newalla to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, carried the nomination before the Senate Finance Committee and on the Senate floor.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has approved legislation by Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, and Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, to give legal protections to drivers trying to escape from riots.  House Bill 1674 was approved by the full Senate on Wednesday and would give civil and criminal liability protection to drivers who may unintentionally cause injury or death while fleeing a riot and imposes penalties for those who unlawfully obstruct streets or highways, blocking vehicles.

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Tuesday, Gov. Stitt signed Senate Bill 97 into law expanding the use of videoconferencing for all district court cases. The bill’s author, Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, said the change was strongly urged by district attorneys to address an oversight in 2020 legislation authorizing the use of videoconferencing in certain district proceedings.