On Thursday, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to protect churches as essential in the state of Oklahoma. Senate Bill 368, by David Bullard, R-Durant, creates the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, prohibiting declaration of religious institutions as nonessential.

The full Senate has approved legislation by Sen. Rob Standridge allowing social media users to sue for damages against any social media website that censors a user’s political or religious speech. Standridge, R-Norman, authored Senate Bill 383 to eliminate selective censorship of opinion on social media and to ensure free speech is treated fairly.  

A measure to allow more people to qualify for the state’s Delaying Sentencing Program for Young Adults received unanimous approval Wednesday evening by the Senate. Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, is the author of Senate Bill 140 to allow nonviolent, first time male offenders to participate in the program up to the age of 25, rather than 21.

Every day in Oklahoma, hundreds of pregnancies end in miscarriage and stillbirth.

The full Senate has given its approval to legislation prohibiting discrimination against a potential organ transplant recipient based solely on the person’s physical or mental disability.  Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, said Senate Bill 378, creating Everett’s Law, was requested by Edmond parents Rhys and Neely Gay.  Their middle child, Everett, age three, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after he was born and has a congenital heart defect.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Low turnout is far too common in local school board elections, but that trend would change thanks to a bill approved Wednesday by the Oklahoma Senate.

Senate Bill 962, from Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, would align school board election dates with the dates of primary and general election dates for county, state and federal offices.

A measure reforming criteria for applicants seeking medical parole received full Senate approval Wednesday. Senate Bill 320, by Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, provides for the medically frail and vulnerable to receive consideration in medical parole proceedings, also known as compassionate release.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate advanced a slate of pro-life measures, demonstrating the chamber’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of life, the Senate leader said Wednesday.