OKLAHOMA CITY – Pastors Jacob Sheriff and Zach Backues of Victory Life Church in Durant served as chaplains for the state Senate during the second week of the legislative session.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, released the following statement Friday after the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) and other health organizations asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to issue an injunction against Medicaid managed care contracts. 

“The Oklahoma State Medical Association contends the Oklahoma Health Care Authority went outside its authority and circumvented the legislature in implementing $2 billion in managed care contracts.  I completely agree and fully support the OSMA’s efforts.

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The full Senate has given its approval to a measure codifying the authority for cities and towns to adopt ordinances enabling the painting of blue lines and the posting of signage in support of law enforcement.  Senate Bill 834, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, was approved on Wednesday.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act Tuesday prohibiting governmental declaration of religious institutions as nonessential. Sen.

OKLAHOMA CITY – According to the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) Oklahoma currently has twice as many military tax-exempt certificates as 100% disabled veterans in the state. Sen.

The full Senate voted unanimously Tuesday for a measure requiring standardized investigations following sudden, unexplained infant deaths. Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, is the principal author of Senate Bill 95.

“Oklahoma’s infant mortality rate has been higher than the national average since 1992,” Stanley said.  “Having accurate data from thorough, standardized investigations would help us be proactive with policies and statutes that can help save lives.  That’s exactly what SB 95 would do.” 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure to allow teachers and other school employees who are nursing the same rights as state and federal employees was passed unanimously Tuesday by the Senate Education Committee. Sen. Carri Hicks, D-OKC, is the author of Senate Bill 121 requiring school district boards of education to adopt a policy allowing school employees who are lactating to take paid break time to maintain their milk supply.

The full Senate has passed legislation that would provide immediate patient care via telemedicine and reduce costly mental health transports for patients when a law enforcement officer is involved. Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, authored the measure.