The full Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill to ensure that winners of the Oklahoma lottery must first pay delinquent taxes or child support liabilities.

Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, author of Senate Bill 513, explained the measure would allow the Lottery Commission to work together with the Tax Commission and the Department of Human Services to determine whether a winner owes child support or any taxes.

The bill will now advance to the House for final consideration.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said Thursday Democrats and Republicans in the Oklahoma State Senate proved the skeptics wrong by working together in an unprecedented manner in the First Session of the 51st Oklahoma Legislature.
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Oklahoma Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee graded the 2007 legislative session a “B+,” but said the session could have gotten an “A” if Gov. Brad Henry had signed a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill passed by the Legislature.

“This was a ‘B+’ session that could have been an ‘A’ if Gov. Henry had signed the lawsuit reform bill,” stated Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “But we still accomplished a lot for the people of Oklahoma, and the Senate finished the people’s business early and in an orderly fashion.”

Oklahoma fire departments will be receiving much-needed funding for new equipment under a budget package recently approved by the Legislature.

Under the agreement, $2.5 million in funding will be deposited into a revolving fund established last year by the Legislature to provide fire departments throughout the state with money for new equipment. Sen. Jeff Rabon said providing departments with funding for critical equipment upgrades and repairs, has been a priority throughout the Legislative session.

The Honorable Brad Henry
Governor, State of Oklahoma
Room 212, State Capitol Bldg.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

An extraordinary Tulsa woman was honored by the Senate Tuesday for her outstanding accomplishments and contributions to her family and community. Senate Resolution 27, by Sen. Bill Brown, congratulates Chastity "Chazz" Anderson for her selection as Mrs. Oklahoma 2006 and commends her for helping raise awareness of Lupus in Oklahoma.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Tuesday in favor of legislation aimed at protecting the jobs of U.S. citizens. The measure also contains provisions to ensure taxpayer supported benefits are made available to American citizens and legal immigrants only. Sen. James A. Williamson is the Senate author of House Bill 1804, “The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007.” He said the people of Oklahoma are extremely concerned about the issue of illegal immigration.
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The Senate honored a remarkable woman Tuesday for her dedication to her family and to helping bring awareness to sexual abuse in Oklahoma. Sen. Nancy Riley authored Senate Resolution 26 commending Melissa “Missy” Soto on her selection as Mrs. Sand Springs 2007 and for her dedication to giving a voice to the silent crime of sexual abuse in the state.
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The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security voted on Tuesday in favor of a measure intended to curb the number of traumatic all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries in Oklahoma. House Bill 1686 would require children under the age of 18 to wear crash helmets while operating or riding on an ATV on public land.

Senate author Andrew Rice said Oklahoma currently has no safety requirements for ATV riders, other than that they are not allowed to operate ATV’s on paved roads.

The State Senate on Wednesday honored the public service career of former Senator Gary Gardenhire, passing a resolution wishing him well upon his retirement.

Gardenhire’s most recent role in public service concluded in February, when he retired from his position as General Counsel for the Oklahoma Health Department. Sen. Jonathan Nichols authored Senate Resolution 28, praising the distinguished veteran and lifelong public servant for his numerous contributions to the state.