Citing sovereignty rights protected by the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the state Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution stating that insurance regulation should occur exclusively at the state level.

Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instituted new standards related to ground-level ozone just two years ago, the federal agency has already proposed revisions to those limits—revisions that could push every state in the country into non-attainment status.
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State Senator Jay Paul Gumm said Oklahoma now has a stronger law on the books when it comes to protecting children from sexual predators. That’s after Gov. Brad Henry signed Senate Bill 2064 into law on Tuesday. The measure, by Gumm, a Democrat from Durant and Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, increases the “zone of safety” around schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds and parks.
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State Sen. Kenneth Corn won approval Tuesday for a measure to abolish the governor’s cabinet. Corn successfully attached the language as an amendment to House Bill 3035, which was approved unanimously by the Senate. Corn, D-Poteau, said the move would save approximately $2 million a year.

“The governor’s cabinet is an extra layer of bureaucracy with no real authority over any agencies,” Corn said. “It’s just people who provide advice to the governor, but it isn’t necessary—especially now when vital services are being cut throughout state government.”

The full Senate has given its approval to a bill that will name a section of a state highway in honor of an Oklahoma woman who was killed six years ago in Iraq. State Sen. Charles Wyrick, D-Fairland, and Rep. Larry Glenn, D-Miami, are the authors of House Bill 2621, which names portion of State Highway 25 in northeastern Oklahoma as the “Fern Holland Memorial Highway.”
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Senate Majority Floor Leader Todd Lamb applauded his colleagues as they completed the people’s business a day early in the State Senate, saving the state more than $5,000.

“We as the Senate worked tirelessly this week to approve quality legislation and save taxpayer dollars at the same time,” said Lamb. “During a challenging budget year, the Senate recognized the importance of implementing cost-saving measures and adjourning a day early allowed us to do just that.”

The state Senate on Wednesday approved legislation that would strengthen Oklahoma’s foster care system by incorporating non-profit organizations and faith-based entities into the state’s program.

A measure to better protect older Oklahomans has now cleared both chambers and is on its way to Gov. Brad Henry. On Thursday the House joined the Senate in approving Senate Bill 1289. Sen. Harry Coates is principal author of the measure. He said the bill closes a loophole in current state law aimed at restricting dangerous criminals from working in nursing homes, assisted living centers or adult day care centers.

"This is a good day for the cause of life. Today a bipartisan Senate majority made a bold statement in support of the sanctity of life. Those who rallied behind this cause reflected the core values of Oklahoma citizens, and I applaud my colleagues in providing more safeguards for the life of the unborn.

“Republicans have championed the sanctity of life for decades, and today we once again saw our efforts come to fruition with bipartisan support behind these critical measures. My fellow colleagues in the Senate and House chose to uphold Oklahoma values and overwhelming override the Governor’s veto.

“As a former Secret Service agent, I had a calling to protect people and their rights. Our pro-life legislation protects not only the unborn child, but the mother as well, allowing her to have informed consent prior to an abortion.