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Oklahoma Senate
The State Senate honored the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls Basketball Team Thursday for their outstanding 2012 season capped by winning the Women's National Invitation Tournament for the first time in school history. A resolution was approved congratulating the team for their courage and perseverance following the tragic plane crash involving head coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna along with OSU alumni, pilot and former Oklahoma State Senator Olin Branstetter and his wife, Paula on November 17, 2011. read more.
A measure to help eradicate feral hogs, one of Oklahoma's greatest agricultural nuisances, has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1751, authored by Sen. Josh Brecheen and Rep. Don Armes, would authorize citizens to use an electronic tracking device while employing the services of a "Judas pig" to help locate and capture or kill entire herds of feral swine.
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Two Tulsa lawmakers said they were disappointed by the governor’s veto of House Bill 2296 on Friday. Sen. Brian Crain and Rep. Eric Proctor co-authored the bipartisan measure, which would have given liability protection to mobile home park operators who allowed residents to take shelter in their office during severe weather
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On Monday, the Senate added two more paintings to its diverse collection of artwork depicting famous Oklahomans and special events in the state’s history. The newest additions depict two of Oklahoma’s most famous Wild West Show personalities, Gordon “Pawnee Bill” Lillie and Lucille Mulhall.
The portraits, by Tulsa artist Tracey Harris, were sponsored by Bob Funk and commissioned by the State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.
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Legislation to target meth manufacturers without limiting consumer access to medicines has been approved by the Senate. House Bill 2941, authored by Rep. David Derby and Sen. Rick Brinkley, was approved Tuesday by a vote of 46-1.
Brinkley said the proposal is a way to fight meth addiction in Oklahoma without burdening law-abiding citizens by forcing them to get a prescription for safe, effective cold and allergy relief like Claritin or Advil Cold and Sinus.
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“Oklahoma does not have enough revenues to even begin to meet critical needs in education, health, public safety, transportation and other services our citizens depend upon. House Bill 3038 will further erode those resources. We’re 48th in the nation in the health of our citizens. If this becomes law, we’ll soon be 50th. We’re close to last when it comes to teacher pay and per pupil spending. We’ll soon be dead last in those categories, too. Supporters claim we’re going to see businesses and people flock to Oklahoma if we end the income tax. read more.
The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus hosted Rev. Jesse Jackson at a press conference at the State Capitol Wednesday. Members discussed inequality in the state of Oklahoma and the impact on minority groups of policy issues such as the open carry proposal and the Stand Your Ground law as they relate to recent killings in Tulsa; assaults on women’s reproductive health rights; the lack of inclusion and diversity on state agencies, boards and commissions; and the exploitation of African American college student athletes by universities and low graduation rates, among other issues.
read more.Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today released the following statement on the passage of House Bill 2155, the Oklahoma Option.
read more.State Sen. John Ford said he is gratified that Oklahoma is continuing to pursue ways to further ensure the integrity of the state’s election process. Ford, who represents Washington, Nowata and northern Rogers counties, was the author of a state question requiring voters to provide identification when casting their ballots. The proposed law was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2010.
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A measure to better protect youth from human trafficking was signed into law earlier this week. House Bill 2518, by Rep. Sally Kern and Sen. Josh Brecheen, strengthens Oklahoma’s human trafficking laws in the hopes of deterring the industry in the state.
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