The State Senate has given final approval to a bill that would end that statute of limitations on sex crimes where DNA evidence has been preserved. State Senator and former prosecutor Jonathan Nichols is principal author of SB 1428, which would end the 7 year statute of limitations for crimes such as rape, forcible sodomy and lewd molestation as long as there was DNA evidence collected from the victim or crime scene. Senate Majority Leader, Billy Mickle, D-Durant, is principal co-author of the measure.

(Oklahoma City) The State Senate has approved legislation that will strengthen the financial standing of Oklahoma's largest state retirement system.

SB 1376 by Sen. Mike Morgan would increase the amount of state revenue that flows into the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System each year, ultimately cutting its unfunded liability in half.

"This will put the teachers retirement system on firmer financial footing. The stronger the system is, the better the benefits we can provide to our retired educators in the future," said Sen. Morgan.

Senator Jonathan Nichols has won approval from the legislature for a measure to exempt estate sales from taxation. The Norman Republican says the whole idea is to make dealing with the loss of a loved one less complicated for the family.

It is hard enough to deal with the death of a parent or other loved one, but often the family must endure liquidating the estate of the deceased. But then having to sit down and figure out sales taxes on those belongings is just an additional burden the family doesnt need at a time like that, said Senator Nichols.

Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund Inc. The painting, entitled Oklahoma City - April 29, 1889 Seven Days After The Land Run of 1889, by internationally known western artist Wayne Cooper of Depew, Oklahoma was unveiled during a ceremony in the House Senate Chamber this afternoon.

(Oklahoma City) Thousands of Oklahoma senior citizens could get a break on prescription drug costs under a bill approved by the State Senate on Wednesday, according to the measure's author, Senator Brad Henry.

HB 2605 by Sen. Henry (D-Shawnee) and Rep. Ron Kirby (D-Lawton) is designed to give seniors better access to more affordable prescription drugs by linking them to special discount programs offered through government entities and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Every year Oklahomans gather at the Memorial Garden on the grounds of the Oklahoma Historical Society in Oklahoma City for a special ceremony honoring the more than 11,000 from this state who died in combat.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I haven't had time to review the court's ruling so I can't comment on the specifics of the decision. Obviously, I am disappointed that the court did not select the redistricting plan submitted by the State Senate.

"Unlike Governor Keating's proposal, the Senate plan put the people ahead of the incumbent politicians and preserved historic communities of interest, namely the separate districts in northeastern and southeastern Oklahoma.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"It's important to remember that there are still two other congressional redistricting cases pending – one in Sequoyah County District Court and one in federal court. In fact, the trial in Sequoyah County is scheduled to begin on Monday.

"We are going to monitor the developments in those cases. If those actions do not proceed for any reason, we plan to appeal the ruling that was made by the Oklahoma County District Court."

(Oklahoma City) Legislative leaders have reached a budget agreement that would protect public education and a variety of health care programs from the budget axe, in addition to funding an increase in health benefits for teachers and education support personnel.

In order to accomplish those goals and still balance the state budget, however, state reserve funds would have to be tapped and the bulk of state agencies would be forced to absorb a 5 percent budget reduction in the coming fiscal year, according to legislative leaders.