OKLAHOMA CITY – More of Oklahoma’s young offenders will soon get a second chance to get back on the right path thanks to legislation signed late Monday by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Senate Bill 140’s author, Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, said the measure is an important step to help rehabilitate offenders, reduce recidivism and address prison overpopulation.    

The bill increases the age of participation for nonviolent, first time male offenders in the state’s Delayed Sentencing Program for Young Adults from 21 to 25.    

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to help Oklahomans be better able to afford their insulin will soon be on the governor’s desk after receiving final passage from the Senate Monday. House Bill 1019, by Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Ardmore, and Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, caps the price for a 30-day supply of insulin to $30 and $90 for a 90-day supply for each covered prescription. Currently, copays are based on individual insurance plans.

The Senate has given approval to a measure aimed at combatting traumatic brain injuries (TBI) by creating the Advisory Council on Traumatic Brain Injury to further study the issue.

OKLAHOMA CITY –The full Senate has given approval to House Bill 1568, Maria’s Law, to help Oklahoma students better understand mental health issues and how they can impact their overall well-being.  Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, and Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, are principal authors of the legislation, which was approved unanimously by the Senate on Tuesday.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate unanimously approved legislation Tuesday to better inform patients of health care costs upfront to help them in choosing their provider and services. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the Senate principal author of House Bill 1006, which would require health care providers and facilities to publicize, and update annually, the costs of the most common health care services electronically or online.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation filed in the Oklahoma Senate would help manage the financial burden facing ratepayers due to extreme price spikes in utility and energy bills in the wake of the February winter storm.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has approved a measure to better prepare inmates to rejoin society and the workforce.  Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, is the Senate principal author of House Bill 1679, the “Sarah Stitt Act,” by Reps. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, and Brian Hill, R-Mustang.  The measure was passed unanimously on Tuesday.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given approval to Senate Resolution 12, by Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Sen. Rosino urged Oklahomans to take note of a display of more than a thousand American flags on the south lawn of the state Capitol.

State officials held a press conference Monday to discuss proposed legislation to address the price spike in energy and utility bills due to the February winter storm.

On Wednesday, April 14, Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, will be hosting EV (Electric Vehicle) Day at the Oklahoma History Center. The public event will welcome industry leaders from around the state to educate consumers on electric vehicles and Oklahoma’s role in the industry.