The State Senate passed House Bill 1598 by Senator Anthony Sykes on Wednesday, a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill providing teachers and schools protections from lawsuits.

The purpose of the Act is to provide teachers, principals, and other school professionals the tools they need to undertake reasonable actions to maintain order, discipline, and an appropriate educational environment.

President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee applauded the signing of Senate Bill 894 into law that will bring needed medical protection to rape victims.

A bond authorization bill that could result in the creation of more than 9,000 jobs is now on its way to Governor Brad Henry for consideration. Senator Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, is principal author of Senate Bill 239, which will authorize bonds needed to make safety improvements to Zink Dam, as well as create low-water dams in Sand Springs and the Jenks/South Tulsa areas.
read more.

Sen. Jay Paul Gumm on Monday successfully amended House Bill 1032 to include language that would create Oklahoma’s first-ever Children’s Cabinet. Gumm’s proposal would streamline services for organizations and agencies serving Oklahoma’s children.

Senate Bill 1103 by President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee received the Governor’s signature, providing protections for pregnant women who are subject to domestic violence abuse.

The “Use of Force for the Protection of the Unborn Act” gives a pregnant woman the right to use force or deadly force against another to protect her unborn child. Such protections include reasonable belief that the unborn child is threatened, making the use of force immediately necessary for the child’s protection.

The State Senate passed SB 135 with overwhelming bipartisan support today, granting much needed relief for autistic children and their families.

Senator Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, authored the legislation and applauded the efforts of his colleagues.

Langston University’s Oklahoma City campus will host “A Healthy Baby Begins with You!” on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at 4205 N. Lincoln Blvd. The free event will be limited to the first 200 people who reserve a seat by calling 271-1337.

A recent House amendment to reduce the emergency 911 fees was placed on Senator Clark Jolley’s SB 1166, but Jolley reassures Oklahoma that our 911 system is secure.

“Public safety is important to Oklahomans, and by no means would we want to place it in jeopardy,” said Jolley. “I’ve addressed the amendments attached to my bill, and it has now been sent to conference where we will work to stabilize and even enhance Oklahoma’s 911 system.”

The Oklahoma State Senate passed a referendum late Tuesday that will send Workers Compensation reform to Oklahoma polls next year.

Following the Governor’s veto, Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said, “We are disappointed in the Governor’s veto, because we’ve worked very hard to bring responsible reform and increased accountability to the Oklahoma’s Workers Compensation system. Contrary to what the Governor said, this legislation removes the politics from the process, and we look forward to sending this to the people for them to have the final say.”

Local veterans and supporters came to the State Capitol on Wednesday to voice their criticism of a recently released report issued by the Department of Homeland Security. The report, “Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence on Radicalization and Recruitment,” suggested those who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as individuals who opposed abortion and supported Second Amendment gun rights were a potential threat to national security.
read more.