The Senate Public Safety Committee gave unanimous approval to a measure that could save lives by strengthening the state’s DUI laws. Senate Bill 529, the “Erin Elizabeth Swezey Act” is authored by Sen. Clark Jolley.
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Legislative leaders today commended officials with the Office of Juvenile Affairs for considering a review of the contract for a new juvenile facility during the agency’s coming board meeting, scheduled for Friday, February 25, at 10 a.m. at 3817 North Santa Fe in Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma Senate continued to work on lawsuit reform legislation Monday. Senate Bill 862, by Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, received bi-partisan approval by a vote of 32-15.

If signed into law, the bill will eliminate joint and several liability. The measure will protect defendants from judgments that exceed their liability. SB 862 will ensure that defendants remain responsible for the portion of damages to which they are at fault.

“No one should have to pay for the wrongs of others,” said Sykes.

Oklahoma City – The last surviving United States Veteran of World War I passed away Sunday in his West Virginia home. Frank Buckles, who lived in Charles Town, W.V., died of natural causes, at the age of 110. Buckles grew up in Oklahoma and joined the Army at age 16.

The state Senate on Monday approved legislation designed to ensure more Oklahoma high school students earn their diplomas.

“If we’re serious about growing our economy, we have to find a way to keep more of our students in school and on track for graduation,” said Sen. John Ford, R-Bartlesville. “I don’t believe we can expect improved results without raising expectations. This is a vital part of our effort to strengthen our schools and give our students a better chance for success.”

The Senate Democratic Caucus announced the remainder of its leadership team Monday after having elected Sen. Andrew Rice of Oklahoma City in November to serve as the next Democratic Leader.

“I was so honored that my colleagues chose me to lead our caucus. It is a tremendous privilege and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” said Rice. “I’m looking forward to working with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to create public policy that will help strengthen our state’s economy and help move Oklahoma forward.”
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Sen. Jonathan Nichols will play an important role in determining whether the Legislature will redraw Oklahoma’s judicial districts based on 2010 Census data. Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman recently announced that the Norman Republican will serve as Judicial Vice Chairman on the Senate Redistricting Committee.

Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced committee assignments for the 2011-12 sessions today.

“The Oklahoma Senate is fortunate to have so many good and capable leaders,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “Committees have hard work ahead but these members are more than up for the task. We had a lot of experience and talent to draw from when making these appointments.”

“I would also like to thank Minority Leader Senator Andrew Rice for helping to select Democrat membership,” Bingman added.

Sapulpa Republican Brian Bingman was formally elected as the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate Tuesday during the senate’s organizational day session. Bingman received a unanimous vote from senate members to serve as leader of the Oklahoma State Senate.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve Oklahoma in this capacity as Pro Tem of the State Senate,” Bingman said. “Receiving unified support means a lot and I appreciate the task ahead as we all work together to improve Oklahoma.

Senator Judy Eason McIntyre and Senator Jim Wilson joined the call on the Corporation Commission to reject another rate hike request from Ohio-based AEP-PSO