Right now, Oklahoma is only one of less than a dozen states that still has straight party voting. Sen. Debbe Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, is the author of Senate Bill 16 which would eliminate straight party voting in Oklahoma. That measure was approved Wednesday morning by the Senate Rules Committee.
read more.

A bill to clarify county election questions that would result in a tax increase was approved unanimously by the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday. Sen. Anthony Sykes is the author of Senate Bill 1019. He explained the bill was the result of a situation that had occurred in 2004.
read more.

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

Senate Bill 990 by Sen. Kenneth Corn would create a 12-member task force, consisting of House and Senate members, two district judges appointed by the Supreme Court and two district attorneys appointed by the District Attorney’s Council.

Sen. Don Barrington wants Oklahoma's students to better appreciate the sacrifices made by our nation's military men and women for freedom. For this reason, he and Rep. Ann Coody, R-Lawton, have authored Senate Bill 17, which would create "Celebrate Freedom Week." The observance, which would take place during the week of Veteran's Day, would help better educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom and the values on which the United States was founded. The measure was approved by the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs Wednesday.
read more.

As part of a continued effort to better inform the public through technology, members of the Oklahoma State Senate will soon be making podcasts available on the Senate’s official website.

The podcasts will include information on individual members’ legislation as well as other events occurring at the State Capitol or within their districts. The audio files will be posted in both mp3 and wav formats, and both will be CD quality.
read more.

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary on Wednesday amended a measure to limit the authority of appellate courts to modify judgment or sentencing in cases where the defense of insanity is raised.

Under the amendment to Senate Bill 905, in cases dealing with the insanity defense, the appellate court would only have the authority to order a new trial or order resentencing without recommendations.

State Senator Tom Ivester is no stranger to the sort of sacrifice and dedication required of Oklahoma’s military personnel serving in wartime. Ivester is a combat veteran of the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan, who proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 3rd Special Forces Group.

It is estimated that 1,880 Oklahomans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. Of those, 720 will die. That’s according to the American Cancer Society, which also reports that regular colorectal cancer screening could reduce deaths from that disease by as much as 80 percent. That’s why Sen. Debbe Leftwich has authored SB 14, which would require insurance companies to cover colorectal cancer screening. The bill was approved by the Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee on Thursday.
read more.

Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan

“I believe, in light of the revised revenue estimates approved by the Oklahoma Tax Commission today, that caution should continue to be our watchword as we proceed in the budgeting process.”

“Over the last two years we have seen sustained economic growth and, as a result, have made great strides in our investments in education and health care and in lowering taxes for all Oklahomans.”

The Republican leaders of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate said the Legislature must proceed very cautiously on the FY 2008 budget following Thursday’s recommendation by the Oklahoma Tax Commission that tax revenue estimates be significantly reduced compared to estimates made last December.