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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The State Senate has given overwhelming approval to a measure expanding the state’s DNA database to include samples from all convicted felons. Senate Bill 646, by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman, was approved 42-3 on Wednesday.
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Senator Jeff Rabon stated today that the Oklahoma House of Representatives is grand-standing Oklahoma’s neediest and most vulnerable – our children who depend on Medicaid for their health coverage.

Yesterday the Senate passed a conference committee report to Senate Bill 944, which will implement a less than one percent fee on all of Oklahoma’s hospitals. Rabon stated the House needs to take action immediately to assign conferees to allow passage of SB 944, which will generate nearly $300 million in Medicaid revenue.

The State Senate honored another outstanding Oklahoman today. Last week, the legislative body honored American Idol finalist Carrie Underwood and today they recognized the accomplishments and talents of America's Next Top Model finalist, Kahlen Rondot. The Broken Arrow resident just competed in Season Four of the nationally televised series on UPN produced and hosted by Super Model Tyra Banks.
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