“In God We Trust” has been the United States’ national motto since it was adopted by Congress in 1956 and on U.S. currency since the Civil War.  It has been part of America’s national vocabulary since its founding.  Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, authored Senate Bill 815 to ensure counties and municipalities can continue displaying it if they want. The measure passed the full Senate 41-5 Thursday. 

Oklahoma is known for its love of sports, but some home teams aren’t playing fair when it comes to allowing access to broadcast streams of games for their opponents. Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, authored Senate Bill 302 to ensure all fans get the opportunity to watch their favorite high school teams and players.

The full Senate approved Senate Bill 567 on Thursday to establish the Oklahoma Homeland Security Revolving Fund, which would provide state aid for the funeral expenses of state military or law enforcement personnel who die in the line of duty.

The Senate gave overwhelming support to two bills Thursday to help lighten the burden for military families transferring to Oklahoma. Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Chairman Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer, was pleased that Senate Bills 68 and 69 have been sent on to the House. The Navy veteran said the measures will help get the children of these active military parents back in school as quickly as possible.

“Hundreds, if not thousands, of military families are transferred to our four military bases each year.

The full Senate has approved legislation to protect the First Amendment free speech rights of public school employees.  Senate Bill 634, by Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, requires school districts to ask employees once a year if they want to continue to have association dues deducted from their paychecks. 

The Senate has given approval to two measures that would improve the accuracy and efficiency of state elections. Senate Bills 710 and 712 were authored by state Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher.

The full Senate on Thursday approved a measure to prohibit law enforcement agencies from releasing audio or video showing an officer dying in the line of duty unless a court determines there is a compelling reason the material should be released in specific cases.  Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, is principal author of Senate Bill 968.  Haste said his bill is supported by law enforcement as well as the Oklahoma Press Association.

Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, said he was pleased with the passage of Senate Bill 619, a measure to provide on the job experience for more of Oklahoma’s high school students. The Senate unanimously approved the bill Thursday expanding the Apprenticeships, Internships and Mentorships Act of 2016 to include sophomores, 16 years or older.