The state Senate today approved legislation that would allow veterans to have a special emblem on their Oklahoma driver’s licenses.
Authored by Sen. Roger Ballenger and Rep. Jerry Shoemake, Senate Bill 138 would authorize the Department of Public Safety to create driver’s licenses with the word ‘Veteran’ appearing on a flag in one corner.

Senator Patrick Anderson responded today to accusations that he has undertaken a “petty political attack” against the State Medical Examiner’s office. Senator Clark Jolley was quoted in the Monday, May 14, 2012 Daily Oklahoman stating that the project was “under a petty political attack” and that “there are people who are trying to politicize the question on whether or not we should construct the Medical Examiner's office.”

Legislation that would create the Oklahoma Blue Heart Medal of Honor was approved today by the full Senate. The honor would be awarded to members of the military who voluntarily perform a deed of bravery or self-sacrifice during combat occurring after Sept. 11, 2001, resulting in their death.

Sen. Dan Newberry, author of Senate Bill 1814, said the proposal was a gesture of appreciation for our soldiers.

The full Senate this week advanced two measures to strengthen the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans. The proposals now await the Governor’s signature.

The Senate dedicated a painting Tuesday of the famous U.S.S Oklahoma Navy battle ship. The painting was both created and sponsored by Oklahoma artist Greg Burns in cooperation with the U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor Executive Committee. Committee co-chairs retired Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, USN, and retired Commander Tucker McHugh, USN attended the event with U.S.S. Oklahoma surviving crewmember Ed Vezey.

Students from Norman Public Schools Advanced Robotics were recently given some time in the spotlight during a visit to the Oklahoma State Senate. Sen. John Sparks recognized the group for winning its sixth state and regional Botball championship in 2012, for being ranked third in the world in 2011 and 2012, and for competing for its third world title in July 2012.

Sen. Patrick Anderson announced today that he is requesting an Attorney General’s opinion regarding the constitutionality of the Master Lease Personal Property and Real Property Programs. These programs are used by Oklahoma’s colleges and universities to pay for various projects on their campuses. Anderson is disturbed by the fact that the projects are not voted on by the Oklahoma Legislature or citizens, but instead are typically funded through increased student fees and tuition.

Two important veterans bills will soon be on their way to the Governor’s desk after the Senate gave them overwhelming approval Tuesday. Sen. Steve Russell authored Senate Bills 1951 and 1905, which address concerns related to military divorces and health care.

State Sen. Susan Paddack said a new state law will help speed up the process for upgrading certification for real estate appraisers. Paddack’s legislation, Senate Bill 1493, co-authored by Rep. Todd Thomsen, was signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin on Tuesday. The idea for the legislation came from a constituent who was frustrated with the certification process.

Eight legislators from Northeastern Oklahoma have united to voice their opposition to the Grand River Dam Authority Board (GRDA) of Directors’ plans to purchase an office building in Tulsa. The lawmakers have sent a letter to the Board calling the plan “an assault upon and insult to Northeastern Oklahoma.”
State Sen. Sean Burrage said the group is against the GRDA’s planned purchase of a 40,000 square foot office building in Tulsa—a community not served by the electric company.