State Capitol, Oklahoma City – The evenly divided Oklahoma Senate passed three key lawsuit reform measures Tuesday after years of blocking such measures. With the Senate tied at 24 Republicans and 24 Democrats this year, it is the first time Republicans have had a say in what legislation goes on the chamber’s agenda.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Senate Republican leaders commented on a lawsuit reform bill authored by Democrat Sen. Susan Paddack of Ada that was one of three major lawsuit reform bills to pass the Senate Tuesday. Senate Bill 824 won passage by the full Senate on a bipartisan 46 to 1 vote.

“This bill is a step in the right direction, and Senate Republicans look forward to working with Sen. Paddack to enact meaningful lawsuit reform this year,” stated Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

State Sen. Kenneth Corn said an amendment to ensure the Teachers Retirement System of Oklahoma (TRS) would be protected from the impact of tax cuts has been blocked by a majority of the Senate. Corn said the language was crucial considering the numerous tax cuts being considered by the Legislature.

“A significant step in the right direction on the issue of tort reform was taken today when Senators on both sides of the aisle proved they are willing to address common sense solutions to help lower the cost of doing business for doctors in this state, while keeping courthouses open to everyday Oklahomans.

“My tort reform bill strikes at the heart of the problem for Oklahoma doctors who are faced with the costs associated with frivolous lawsuits filed against them.

The State Senate this week honored the achievements of Col. Jerry N. Cason of Norman, an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Senate Resolution 14, authored by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, commends Col. Cason on his many achievements and wishes him well upon his retirement from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

“Colonel Cason has dedicated his life to protecting the public’s safety,” said Nichols, R-Norman. “Whether serving his country during Vietnam or acting as Chief of the Highway Patrol, he never compromised his duty to protect us.”

The State Senate on Tuesday approved a measure that would require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in structures such as hospitals, nursing homes, apartments, houses and nurseries.

Sen. Richard Lerblance, author of Senate Bill 133, said the measure would protect Oklahomans from harmful levels of carbon monoxide omissions. From January 2006 to September 2006, the Oklahoma Poison Control Center responded to 84 instances of carbon monoxide poisoning, including two fatalities.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – The evenly divided Oklahoma Senate made history Tuesday by passing a pro-life bill that prohibits state funds, facilities, and employees from being used to perform abortions.

Senate Bill 714 is authored by Sen. James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa. The bill passed on a bipartisan 34 to 13 vote Tuesday, with 10 Democrats joining Republican senators to pass the legislation.

A measure that would enact a back-to-school sales tax holiday in Oklahoma was approved on Tuesday by the full Senate.

The two authors of the bipartisan proposal said the bill will help keep consumer dollars in the state. Under Senate Bill 861, the Oklahoma sales tax holiday would be held on the same days as the Texas holiday.

The bill was authored by Democratic Sen. Jay Paul Gumm and Republican Sen. Don Barrington.

The Senate on Wednesday approved a measure that would create a task force to study the redistricting of district attorney and judicial districts.

Sen. Kenneth Corn, author of Senate Bill 990, said the bill was needed to ensure that areas throughout the state are receiving adequate judicial representation.

The full Senate has approved a measure to set a graduation goal of 100 percent for Oklahoma high school students. Senate Bill 985, by Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, would also establish guidelines to give a more accurate picture of graduation rates that will enable an “apples to apples” comparison with other states.
read more.