A bill to protect public buildings used as shelters during natural disasters from liability claims has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1316, by Sen. Ron Justice and Rep. Fred Jordan, modifies the Governmental Tort Claims Act by adding an exemption from liability for cities, towns, counties or other entities that open public buildings up to citizens during emergencies like tornadoes.

The State Senate approved a concurrent resolution Tuesday commending local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for their efforts in the wake of a series of shootings this past weekend in north Tulsa that left three people dead and two injured. Senate Concurrent Resolution 35 was authored by Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa, Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Seneca Scott, D-Tulsa.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today released the following statement on proposed reforms for the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Tuesday in response to the passage of House Bill 3052, a statewide public safety reform effort, in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Gov. Mary Fallin has signed into law a measure that will allow veterans to have a special emblem on their Oklahoma driver’s licenses.
Senate Bill 138, authored by Sen. Roger Ballenger and Rep. Jerry Shoemake, authorizes the Department of Public Safety to create driver’s licenses with a small flag in one corner, to serve as a designation of veteran status.

Oklahomans who’ve had their homes and other property damaged in the latest round of storms need to be cautious when it comes to hiring someone to make roofing repairs. Failing to check out a roofer’s credentials could leave property owners out thousands of dollars with little or nothing to show for it.

State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, released the following statement Tuesday after reports that an American flag had been burned outside the home of Sen. Al McAffrey, D-Oklahoma City.

“The burning of an American flag this past weekend was simply a deplorable action. I serve with Senator Al McAffrey in the Oklahoma Senate, and know that he is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. To think that anyone would defile an American flag, especially on Memorial Day Weekend when Senator McAffrey and millions of other Americans were paying tribute to our fallen heroes, is despicable.”

President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, issued the following statement after the Governor’s announcement Thursday afternoon:

"Governor Fallin deserves a tremendous amount of credit for her dedication, tenacity and leadership on the most important issues facing Oklahoma this legislative session. We have accomplished much together that frankly wouldn't have been possible this year without the Governor leading the way.

The Senate today approved a proposal that would prevent the use of foreign law in Oklahoma courts. The conference committee report for Senate Bill 671 states that courts shall not enforce or utilize foreign law if doing so would provide a defense or justification for a crime.

Sen. Dan Newberry, author of the measure, said those who value and wish to protect our system of law should be pleased by the bill’s passage.

State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement Thursday:

“The budget agreement reached by both chambers called for using growth revenue to offset some of the revenues that would be returned to our citizens through a state income tax cut. At this point, with the 5 pm Friday deadline approaching, it seems doubtful we’ll see a tax cut this session. I understand that would leave about $25 million on the table. I believe the best use of those funds would be to put those dollars into education.