The full Senate has given approval to a measure giving Oklahomans greater protection against a new kind of fraud known as caller ID spoofing. Sen. James A. Williamson is the author of Senate Bill 712, the “Anti-Caller ID Spoofing Act.” The Tulsa Republican said criminals use this technology to trick people into giving out information that can be used for identity theft and other crimes. The measure would make ID spoofing a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
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One of Oklahoma's greatest animal nuisances may soon meet its match under a proposed bill that passed the State Senate Monday. Senator Roger Ballenger is author of Senate Bill 70 to create the Feral Swine Control Act.
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The Senate approved a measure Monday to provide further protections for the state's courthouses by allowing judges to carry firearms while on the job. Senator Brian Crain is author of Senate Bill 145, which would allow for the carrying and use of weapons in courtrooms by district, associate district and special district judges.
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The State Senate has approved a measure to better educate students about the price of freedom and the sacrifices made by the nation’s military men and women. Senate Bill 17, by Sen. Don Barrington and Rep. Ann Coody, would create “Celebrate Freedom Week,” which would take place during the week of Veteran's Day.
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Ensuring that winners of the Oklahoma lottery must first pay any delinquent taxes or child support liabilities was the focus of Senate Bill 513, which was approved Tuesday by the state Senate. Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson is the primary author of the bill.

Wilcoxson explained the need for the legislation arose last year when an anonymous trust claimed the prize for the Oklahoma Powerball lottery.

The State Senate on Tuesday afternoon honored Oklahoma soldier Buddy Hughie, who was killed last week on a mission in Afghanistan.

Senate Resolution 12, authored by Senator Kenneth Corn, was heard before the Senate and praised the heroism of Sergeant Buddy Hughie and mourned his loss.

“There is no way we can ever repay Sergeant Hughie for his sacrifice, and for his dedication to serve his country,” said Sen. Corn, D-Poteau. “This man gave his life to serve and we honor his sacrifice – I hope this resolution in a small way can express our appreciation.”

Two State Senators said they were stunned after their chamber voted to kill a measure aimed at keeping more teenagers in school until they get their diplomas. Senate Bill 519, co-authored by Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, would have eliminated part of current state law that allows a student to drop out of school after turning 16.
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In a fitting tribute to one of the state’s first civil rights leaders, the Oklahoma House of Representatives dedicated a portrait of Green I. Currin, an African American who served in the state’s first territorial legislature, as Black History Month came to an end Wednesday. The portrait, by Oklahoma native Timothy C. Tyler, was sponsored by local businessman Russell Perry and commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund.
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Stillwater Democrat Mike Morgan was elected to a second term as the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate Tuesday as part of the Constitutional organization day for the 51st Oklahoma Legislature.

As part of an historic power-sharing agreement, Morgan will serve as president pro tempore through June 30 and again from August 1 through November 19, 2008. Oklahoma City Republican Glenn Coffee was elected to serve as president pro tem for the month of July 2007.
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On Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007, Senator Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, was elected as Co-President
Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate for the 51st Legislature. Coffee was also elected to serve as the first Republican President Pro Tempore for the month of July, 2007.

Coffee commented on the historic agreement between the Republican and Democrat caucuses to share power as a result of the 24-24 tie within the Oklahoma State Senate: