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.
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The state Senate on Wednesday voted in favor of legislation to prohibit motorists from driving for extended periods of time in the left lane. Sen. Kenneth Corn, co-author of the measure, said the new law would result in improved traffic flow, reducing the number of drivers who impede traffic.

Under House Bill 1368, drivers must use the right-hand lane unless passing.

The State Senate passed a referendum Wednesday with bipartisan support that will send the stem cell research funding issue to a vote of the people.

House Joint Resolution 1035 by Senator Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, designates a source for funding stem cell research in Oklahoma. The resolution reads that 10% of earnings accrued to the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund each year will be directed towards adult stem cell research.

Sen. Kenneth Corn on Wednesday said a measure passed by the state Senate would limit the ability of Oklahoma citizens to determine how their tax dollars are to be used in the Legislature. Future generations of Oklahomans, Corn added, could be helpless in determining the Legislature’s spending priorities under the legislation.

Yet another Republican Senate legislative agenda item has is on its way to the governor after SB 1111, authored by Senator Clark Jolley, passed the House today. The ‘Educational Accountability Reform Act’ will provide greater accountability and transparency in public education when enacted into law.

The law will restructure Oklahoma’s education system to create better transparency and accountability on data and testing. The current Office of Accountability would be restructured into the Educational Quality and Accountability Office.

The State Senate has given its approval to a measure allowing voters to decide whether all official business of the state should be conducted in English. The Senate voted on Wednesday evening to approve House Joint Resolution 1042, authored by Senator Anthony Sykes. Sykes said a compromise was worked out earlier in the day prior to the vote.
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The action of my colleagues in the Senate today leaves me disappointed but unbowed.

This is not the end of this fight. Indeed, this is just the beginning. We’ve worked too hard for too many years to let one more defeat stop us in what will ultimately be victory for reform and a benefit for all Oklahomans.

I would remind my colleagues that Republicans won our current majority based largely on our vow to bring lawsuit reform to our state, and that position is shared by a large majority of Oklahomans – Republican, Democrat, and independent.

House Bill 1059 by Senator Jonathan Nichols unanimously passed the Senate and allows greater access to dental care for Oklahomans in need.

House Bill 1059 permits out-of-state dental licensees participating in public health initiatives or disaster community service events to receive a special volunteer license, who wish to donate their expertise for the dental care and treatment of indigent and needy persons of the state.