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.

The Senate passed Senate Resolution 25 Wednesday designating April 4, 2007 as "4-H Day" at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The resolution was authored by Senators Ron Justice and Charles Wyrick.

"This organization has always been a big part of my life and has a very special place in my heart," said Justice, R-Chickasha. "I really appreciate everyone who has come today to help educate others about the wonderful contributions that 4-H is making to our local communities and our state as a whole."
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Tulsa is the fifth largest metro in the United States without Amtrak service. That’s something Sen. Bill Brown wants to change in the near future. Brown, R-Broken Arrow, is the principal author of Senate Joint Resolution 14, which urges the U.S. Department of Transportation to include a Tulsa to Springfield, Missouri rail line in its existing Missouri Amtrak feasibility study. Gov. Henry voiced his support for the concept when he signed SJR 14 on Sunday.
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A painting depicting Solomon Layton, architect of the Oklahoma State Capitol, laying the cornerstone of the building has been officially dedicated. Former State Senator Charles Ford, President of the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc., unveiled the painting during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber on Tuesday.
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Democratic and Republican legislative leaders in the House and Senate Tuesday announced they will immediately pass a $1.5 million supplemental appropriation for the state's military department to help replace aging and dilapidated National Guard armories.

The Senate will take up the supplemental appropriation later Tuesday in House Bill 1184, and the measure could be on the governor’s desk by the end of the week.

The evenly divided Oklahoma Senate voted Wednesday to send a bipartisan pro-life bill to Gov. Brad Henry’s desk. The legislation prohibits state funds or facilities from being used to perform abortions.

Wednesday, the Senate adopted the House of Representatives’ amendments to Senate Bill 714, authored by Sen. James A. Williamson, and then voted 32 to 16 for the bill with 8 Democrats joining all 24 Republican senators to pass the legislation.

Calling Senate Bill 714 “outrageous,” Sen. Jim Wilson has urged Gov. Brad Henry to veto the measure. The bill was given final approval in the Senate on Wednesday and is now headed to the governor for his consideration. Wilson said the legislation would forbid the use of state funds, facilities or employees to terminate pregnancies and impose further restrictions as well.
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