The full Senate has given final approval to a bill to encourage more parents to buckle up their children. Currently, the fine for failing to use proper child restraints is $10 and up to $15 in court costs. SB 799 would boost the fine.

“Under Senate Bill 799, the fine would be waived for a first offense and the court costs capped at $15 if the person shows proof that they’ve obtained the appropriate child safety seats. Subsequent offenses would carry a $50 fine and court costs,” explained Jolley, author of the measure.
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Lawmakers have raised new concerns about the effects of proposed tax cuts being considered in the Oklahoma Legislature following statements from the Speaker of the House. Sen. Jim Wilson, Rep. Debbie Blackburn and Rep. Joe Eddins disagree with recent comments from the Speaker who claimed that only a minority of the state is in opposition to the tax cuts and that the permanent tax cuts are the best way to meet pro-growth policy goals.
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Senator Tom Adelson called again today for Speaker Todd Hiett to allow an up or down vote on House Bill1617, the Hospital Quality and Access Fee, a $300 million investment in Oklahoma’s critically under-funded healthcare system.

Late Thursday evening, Federal Judge Claire Egan issued her final judgment and permanent injunction in the lawsuit against the state’s Medicaid program in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Judge Egan ordered that physicians providing services to children be reimbursed at a rate equal to the Medicare fee schedule.

The Senate Chairman of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee praised final passage of Senate Bill 821 on Monday. Senator Randy Bass, a Democrat from Lawton and Senate author of the measure, said the legislation will provide a $250,000 life insurance policy for members of the Oklahoma National Guard.

“Passage of this bill means Oklahoma guardsmen will be able to provide greater financial security for their families when they are called upon to put their lives on the line in defense of our nation and freedom around the globe,” Bass said.

The State Senate has given final approval to a measure designed to stop a dangerous new fad in its tracks—Senate Bill 663 would make it illegal for anyone to sell, buy, furnish, manufacture or possess an alcohol inhalation device.

Sen. Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman is author of SB 663. He said he wrote the bill after members of law enforcement spoke with him about the machines being used in bars and clubs in other parts of the country. Nichols said wanted to make sure the trend didn’t make its way into Oklahoma.
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Senator Judy Eason McIntyre said she was pleased when Governor Brad Henry signed a measure that honors African American soldiers that served in the Civil War, also known as Buffalo Soldiers. Senate Bill 659 was signed on Wednesday, May 18, 2005.
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Members of Oklahoma State Senate voted unanimously today to keep a measure alive that will help save rural hospitals across the state. A similar House measure died last week, after Republican Speaker Todd Hiett refused to allow an up-or-down vote on the House floor.

The full Senate has honored a member who is concluding her last legislative session. Sen. Angela Monson was recognized by her colleagues for her 15 years of service in the Oklahoma Legislature. The Oklahoma City Democrat is leaving office this year due to term limits.
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Senator Randy Bass, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, said a bill aimed at lowering taxes for Oklahoma military retirees is on its way to Governor Brad Henry for his signature.

Bass, (D-Lawton) said House Bill 1476 will exempt $10,000 or half of military retirement pensions, whichever is greater, from state income taxes for members of Oklahoma’s military family.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said Wednesday there is still time for lawmakers to act on a measure that will infuse nearly $300 million into Oklahoma’s healthcare system – including $11 million that many rural hospitals say is necessary for their survival.

Morgan announced that he is ready to name conferees to the Senate-House Conference Committee on Senate Bill 944 but that Senate conferees can’t act until the House grants conference and Speaker of the House Todd Hiett names conferees.
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