With a 47-0 bipartisan vote, the Oklahoma State Senate today approved a bill that would utilize the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to protect domestic abuse victims. Authored by State Senator Debbe Leftwich, Senate Bill 2163, now goes to Governor Brad Henry for approval.

Leftwich, an Oklahoma City Democrat, said the plan makes smart use of existing technology to better protect Oklahoma citizens.

A bill requiring hundreds of reports submitted by state agencies to legislators be transmitted electronically passed the Oklahoma Senate today.

Senator Jay Paul Gumm said Senate Bill 1507 which passed 47-1 could potentially save taxpayers thousands of dollars in printing and postage costs every year. The bill now goes to Governor Brad Henry for his approval.

A recent State Chamber of Commerce memo to members of the Oklahoma State Legislature exaggerates the cost of legislative mandates for insurance coverage, State Senator Andrew Rice (D-Oklahoma City) said today.

“The truest statement in this memo is that the cost of health insurance continues to spiral upward,” Rice said. “However, the Chamber offers no proof that insurance mandates are among the reasons why.”

The state Senate on Tuesday honored the Tulsa Memorial High School basketball team for an extraordinary season of athletic accomplishments culminating in a class 6A state championship.

Senate Resolution 73, authored by Sen. Brian Crain, commends the Chargers who overcame a disappointing early season and the loss of two promising players to claim the state title.

A measure to allow ag producers with land inside city or town limits to burn debris following a natural disaster has cleared its final legislative hurdle. The Senate unanimously approved House amendments to SB 1662 on Monday. The measure, by Sen. Don Barrington and Rep. Shane Jett, now moves to the Governor's desk.
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State Sen. Randy Brogdon said Attorney General Drew Edmondson’s office has agreed to compromise legislative language on a term limits referendum. The language ensures that the proposed 12-year term limits for statewide elected officials would not apply retroactively.

“General Edmondson made some suggested changes to the bill’s language. I merged his language with my amended language, and I heard back from his office this morning that he has no additional changes,” said Brogdon, R-Owasso.

State Sen. Mike Johnson, the Republican co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, commented on Gov. Brad Henry’s signing of a $7.068 general appropriations bill that contains the state’s budget for fiscal year 2009.

The Oklahoma State Senate approved a measure Tuesday aimed at tackling the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Senate Bill 1186, by State Senator Mary Easley, (D-Tulsa) increases the physical activity requirement in grades kindergarten through fifth grade from 60 minutes each week to 120 minutes each week.

Easley explained those minutes could include physical education, exercise programs, fitness breaks, recess, classroom activities, and wellness and nutrition education.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Earlier today Senator Brodgon issued a news release stating he would like the Senate Democratic Caucus to send his term limit bill to a conference committee for further review and study. Senator Morgan, leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement in response to Senator Brodgon.

“We would be pleased to accommodate Senator Brogdon’s request to send this bill to a conference committee. A conference committee is the perfect place for members to bring their ideas forward and iron out differences in proposed language.”

Members of the Oklahoma State Senate paid tribute Wednesday to Sen. Owen Laughlin for his 12 years of service in the Oklahoma Legislature. Laughlin, R-Woodward, is one of five members elected in 1997 who are serving their final session due to term limits.

Members of both parties from all parts of the state rose to say their farewells to Laughlin, and praised his work as Republican Co-Floor Leader in the Senate, including Republican Co-President Pro Tempore, Senator Glenn Coffee.
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