A measure intended to curb the growing problem of copper theft in Oklahoma moved one step closer to becoming law on Thursday. The full Senate voted in favor of House Bill 1399, which would require junk dealers to maintain detailed records regarding the source of the copper they obtain for resale.

Senate author Cliff Branan explained that increases in copper theft have had far-reaching implications for Oklahomans.

The State Senate on Thursday joined with other government officials across the nation in helping raise awareness of the importance of affordable housing and community development programs and resources. Senate Resolution 30, by Joe Sweeden, endorses the Housing America 2007 Campaign and recommits the Senate to meeting the affordable housing and community development needs of Oklahoma.
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Medical professionals and members of the Legislature held press conferences in Oklahoma City and Tulsa on Monday, urging Gov. Brad Henry to sign Senate Bill 714 into law. Sen. James A. Williamson, principal author of the measure, said the press conferences were necessary to counter misinformation from opponents of the measure.
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On Monday, the evenly divided Oklahoma Senate passed a bipartisan immigration reform bill by a 41 to 6 vote. If the House of Representatives accepts the Senate’s amendments to House Bill 1804, the legislation could be on Gov. Brad Henry’s desk by the end of the week.

Sen. James A. Williamson is the Senate author of HB 1804, “The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007.” He said the bill is designed to protect jobs for citizens as well as addressing concerns about taxpayer supported benefits.
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Some of Oklahoma’s biggest entertainment attractions may soon benefit from the construction of a luxury hotel to be constructed in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.

On Tuesday, the full Senate approved House Bill 2019 to provide a tax refund of $354,000 on the construction of a hotel that would be built near Remington Park. Senate author Richard Lerblance explained the bill would benefit not only Oklahoma City, but the state as a whole.
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A comprehensive lawsuit reform bill is gaining momentum with a key endorsement by the National Rifle Association, the Senate’s co-president pro tempore said Tuesday.

“The NRA’s endorsement of SB 507’s liability protection for firearms and ammunition manufacturers has added to the momentum for meaningful lawsuit reform this year,” stated Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The NRA’s support should ensure additional votes for SB 507 from rural Democrats who support Second Amendment rights.”

In an effort to bring attention to the importance of biofuels in Oklahoma and to place increased emphasis on the production of oil seed crops, the State Senate passed House Bill 1916 Tuesday. The principal Senate author, Senator Ron Justice explained the legislation would allow for a tax exemption on the production of biofuels.
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State Capitol, Oklahoma City On the same day the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on partial-birth abortions, Gov. Brad Henry took the opposite track on the abortion issue in the State of Oklahoma, vetoing bipartisan legislation that prohibits state funds, facilities, and employees from being used to perform abortions. The bill also requires abortionists to file reports with the state to ensure they are following Oklahomas laws requiring parental notification and informed consent.
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A section of proposed law buried inside a tort reform bill could allow nursing homes and hospitals to hide information about what injured or killed a patient. Sen. Debbe Leftwich said most Oklahomans would be outraged if that were allowed to happen. She said the language, contained in sections 24 through 28 of the 119 page bill, should be removed.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said Thursday that passage of extreme changes in the state’s civil justice system contained in Senate Bill 507 will severely cripple access to justice for everyday Oklahomans.
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