The state Senate on Wednesday honored the Oklahoma University football team and Head Coach Bob Stoops for their 2010 Big XII championship season and Fiesta Bowl victory.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, authored by Sens. John Sparks and Jonathan Nichols, commends the Sooners on their accomplishments on and off the field.

The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 42 Wednesday, by Sen. Earl Garrison, prohibiting the use of children in the advertising and promotion of the Oklahoma Education Lottery.

The full Senate has given approval to one of the lawsuit reform measures recently passed out of committee. Supporters said the bill will help end Oklahoma’s reputation as a lawsuit destination state while preserving the right to a fair trial. The measure received bi-partisan support Wednesday afternoon with a vote of 29-18.
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The Senate supported legislation Thursday to make “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” Oklahoma’s official gospel song. Sen. Eason McIntyre is the author of Senate Bill 73 recognizing the song written and composed by Wallis Willis, a Choctaw freedman in the old Indian Territory, sometime before 1862.
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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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