Under a proposal approved by the State Senate, victims and family members would be able to give their impact statement in person, without fear of further trauma. Senate Bill 1503, by Senator Glenn Coffee, would prevent the cross-examination of victims or their family members after presenting an oral impact statement during the sentencing phase of a trial.
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State Senators gave approval Tuesday to a $339.1 million boost in public school funding, including the largest teacher pay raise in seven years. By a 41-5 vote the Senate sent Senate Bill 1644 by Senators Susan Paddack and Stratton Taylor to the House for consideration.
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Another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. was dedicated at the State Capitol today. The painting, entitled “Fort Smith Council - 1865” by nationally renowned artist Mike Wimmer of Norman, was unveiled during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber this afternoon.

The full Senate has given its approval to a measure creating a world-class diabetes research and treatment center in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 1056, co-authored by Sen. Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, and Sen. Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, would help fund the start-up cost for creating the center, which would have locations at the University of Oklahoma campuses in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with outreach programs serving the entire state.

- Democrat leaders refuse to give bill a committee hearing

An Edmond state senator said he is disappointed that the State Senate’s Democrat majority killed a bill aimed at helping more people go to college in Oklahoma.

Senate Bill 1658, by Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, was not given a hearing by Senate Democrats before Monday’s committee deadline, killing the measure for the year. The bill would have provided tax credits to Oklahoma companies that pay for their employees’ higher education or helped to fund the OHLAP program.

The Senate voted unanimously Tuesday to prohibit pawn shops, payday lenders and check-cashing institutions from selling lottery tickets. Senate Bill 1089, by Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, passed by a vote of 41-0.

“The people who visit pawn shops and payday lenders are likely facing financial hardship,” said Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City. “For the state to sell lottery tickets in such establishments is inappropriate and exploitative.”

Two Republican senators are pleased that their provisions were included in SB 1644, a teacher pay raise bill passed by the State Senate Tuesday. A provision authored by Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, provided larger pay hikes for teachers with masters and doctoral degrees.

A provision authored by Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, extended pay increases to school support personnel.

Both provisions were adopted as amendments to the teacher pay raise when the bill was considered by the Senate Education Committee earlier this year.
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State Senator James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa, attempted today to amend a bill to expand the OHLAP Scholarship Program. Senate Democrats rejected the amendment on a party line vote. Williamson’s amendment would require students whose families earn $50,000-$75,000 to earn a Bachelor’s Degree and remain in Oklahoma to qualify for the OHLAP Scholarship.

The bill would expand eligibility for the OHLAP Scholarship Program to families making $50,000 to$75,000, adding $66 million to the State’s annual budget when fully implemented.
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(Oklahoma City) State Senator Frank Shurden will introduce legislation later this month to protect the pay and jobs of volunteer firefighters called into action to protect lives, homes and property in Oklahoma.

State Senator Harry Coates has sent a letter to Governor Brad Henry requesting that this coming Sunday be declared a day of prayer for the State of Oklahoma. Coates said his district, which includes Seminole as well as parts of Lincoln, Pottawatomie and Oklahoma Counties, has been especially impacted by the wildfires which have destroyed homes and property throughout the state.