Workers compensation reforms proposed by Governor Brad Henry passed through the Oklahoma State Senate Wednesday afternoon on a straight party-line vote.

With Democrats backing the Governor’s proposal and Republicans voting in opposition, Senate Bill 846 was approved on a 25-21 vote.

“This legislation will save money for Oklahoma businesses, protect the rights of injured workers and provide a boost to Oklahoma’s economy,” said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charlie Laster, author of the measure

The State Senate has approved a bill to ensure victims of sexual assault or domestic violence will have some economic protection. The legislation, Senate Bill 935, is called the “Victims Economic Security and Safety Act.”

State Senators approved the creation of new retirement system for public safety employees Tuesday.
Senate Bill 711 offers public safety employees who are now members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System a retirement plan more in line with the plan to which most police officers and firefighters belong, said State Senator Kenneth Corn, author of the measure.

State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson said her bill to give assistance to victims of uninsured motorists has made it through a major hurdle in the legislative process. Senate Bill 613 won approval from the full Senate on Tuesday.

Sen. Wilcoxson said her bill is not a new concept. The Oklahoma City Republican said it is modeled after the state’s Victim’s Compensation Fund.

The 80th anniversary of the distinctively designed Oklahoma flag is April 2, 2005, and Ponca City will be honoring the flag's designer, Louise Funk Fluke, in an all-day celebration.

"I'm very excited about this event. We have one of the most magnificent state flags and I think it is only fitting to honor the woman who gave us that beauty," said Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City. "Mrs. Fluke lived in Ponca City for many years after her flag was adopted in 1924, so we consider her one of Ponca City's daughters."

Senator Debbe Leftwich announced today that a measure to extend the Oklahoma Quality Investment Act that was signed by the Governor during the last legislative session, has cleared yet another legislative hurdle. Senate Bill 755 also renames the Act, which served as a pilot program for Dayton Tire, to the Oklahoma Specialized Quality Investment Act.

State Senators Monday passed legislation to provide grants to upgrade law enforcement programs in Oklahoma’s small towns.

Senate Bill 15 by Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, creates the Anti-Crime Operation Program or ACOP. It establishes a fund to provide grants to fund law enforcement activities in municipalities with a population of 7,000 or less.

A measure to ensure that municipal police chiefs receive administrative training to better prepare them for their jobs and reduce employment turnover rates passed the Senate recently.

In an effort to boost Oklahoma's economy, increase financial literacy and stop the growing crisis of credit card debt and bankruptcy in Oklahoma, the State Senate passed a measure late Monday to ensure Oklahoma's students are taught financial responsibility.

In a show of bipartisan support, the State Senate has approved a measure that could help law enforcement identify suspects in unsolved murder, rape and other criminal cases. Senator Jonathan Nichols is principal author of SB 646. He said the measure would expand the state’s DNA database to include all convicted felons.