Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson said he is “disappointed” that Senate Democrats have rejected the Senate GOP’s alternative to Gov. Brad Henry’s tobacco tax plan.

“The Senate Democrats’ rejection of our pro-growth, pro-health plan means Oklahomans will lose out on historic, job-creating tax relief, and it ensures that fewer youngsters will be deterred from smoking,” stated Williamson, R-Tulsa.

Legislation to create an orderly election procedure in cases when a member of the Oklahoma Legislature reaches the constitutionally mandated 12-year term limit in mid-term is scheduled to be considered by both the House and Senate Thursday, Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson announced today.

House Bill 2663 calls on the governor to call for a special election in such instances. Speaker Larry Adair, D-Stilwell, and Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, are authors of the measure.

A lack of action by Gov. Brad Henry has gravely endangered the chances for meaningful lawsuit reform this session, Senate Republican leaders said Monday.

“We’re seeing what reformers have feared all along. The legislative Democrats are trying to come up with the most pro-trial lawyer bill possible, and Gov. Henry isn’t lifting a finger to stop them – despite all his rhetoric in support of Texas-style lawsuit reform,” stated Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson of Tulsa.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION 1. The Secretary of State shall refer to the people for their approval or rejection, as and in the manner provided by law, the following proposed amendment to Article II of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma by adding a new Section 35 to read as follows:

State Senator Robert Milacek announced on Tuesday that legislation to let Oklahomans vote on a fuel tax hike for transportation is dead for the legislative session. The Enid Republican blamed high fuel prices for the decision.

“It’s disappointing, because we’ve been working on this a long time. I believe we had an excellent shot of passing the bill and getting it to a vote of the people—but no one could have predicted the gas prices we’ve been seeing,” Milacek said.
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Tort Reform Committee Chairpersons Cite Wall Street Journal Story

The special joint House-Senate Committee on Tort Reform has already adopted a provision lauded by medical professionals in a front page story in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal as the most effective tool at stemming malpractice lawsuits.

The “I’m sorry” provision allows doctors and other health care professionals to apologize to patients and their families – in the event of an undesirable medical outcome – without fear that the apology can be used against them in a future lawsuit.
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Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. The painting, titled “Mahongo” by nationally renowned artist Mike Wimmer of Norman, was unveiled during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber this afternoon.
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Two measures authorizing municipalities to allow disabled people to use golf carts on city streets are still awaiting final action by the House and Senate. The Senate author of one of those measures wanted to clarify the status of the bills after some newspapers and broadcasters reported that one had been signed into law.

Both House Bill 2367 and Senate Bill 1461 are still in conference committees. Each was written in response to the case of a disabled Claremore resident ticketed by local police for driving his golf cart on city streets.

The Oklahoma State Senate passed a measure Thursday that will give Oklahomans another chance to vote on the cockfighting issue. Senate Bill 835 by Senator Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, would reduce the penalty for cockfighting from a felony to a misdemeanor.

"The law was not well written," said Shurden. "We send people to prison for far less time for crimes such as the rape of a child. The punishment doesn't fit the crime, and I don't think this is what the voters intended."
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“We have taken a giant step today toward making Oklahoma a healthier place to live. We’ve got a couple more steps to take, but I’m confident that we’re going to get there.

I applaud the 66 House members who had the courage to stand up against those who would continue to put profits from tobacco above the health of current and future generations of Oklahomans.