The Senate Appropriations Committee has given approval to a measure to better protect Oklahoma children from child molesters. Sen. Kyle Loveless is Senate author of House Bill 2228, creating the “Protect Against Pedophiles Act,” which was approved on Wednesday. Loveless said federal law forbids schools to require background checks unless they are specifically allowed by state law.
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Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Thursday after passage of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security’s legislative recommendations.
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On Monday, the Senate gave unanimous approval to a measure that will help provide financial assistance around the state during severe droughts. House Bill 1923, authored by Rep. Dale DeWitt and Sen. Ron Justice, would create the Emergency Drought Relief Fund and an Emergency Drought Commission.
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Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk is the next stop for legislation requiring new recruits in law enforcement to receive training to recognize Alzheimer’s and how to respond to people with the disease. Senate Bill 315, by Sen. Brian Crain and Rep. Marian Cooksey, was approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

An individual with Alzheimer’s may get confused and wander off, but when someone tries to help them, they may seem combative and aggressive. Crain said recognizing the symptoms and responding correctly can ensure a positive resolution.
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A measure to help decrease Medicaid fraud in Oklahoma was approved overwhelmingly 86-1 in the House Tuesday. Senate Bill 27, by Sen. Josh Brecheen, will direct the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to require the state’s 40,000 Medicaid providers to post signage explaining how to anonymously report fraudulent Medicaid activity in all locations where services are provided.
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The Senate gave overwhelming approval to legislation Wednesday that would give foster parents an additional financial incentive for taking in foster children. House Bill 1919, by House Speaker T.W. Shannon and Sen. A.J. Griffin, would provide a tax credit for foster parents.
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Legislation enabling convicted criminals to request DNA testing of evidence in their cases has been approved by the State Senate. House Bill 1068, by Sen. Jim Halligan and Rep. Lee Denney, would enable those convicted of violent crimes and sentenced to 25 years or more to request DNA testing of evidence. The measure was approved unanimously on Wednesday.
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The Senate this week approved legislation allowing rural communities to add volunteer firefighters. House Bill 1904 will allow towns that have reached their limit of 25 volunteer firefighters to add an additional five firefighters if needed.

Sen. John Sparks, Senate author of HB 1904, said the measure would allow communities that have battled some of the most threatening wildfires in recent years to strengthen their ability to defend life and property.
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The Senate has approved legislation designed to curb the widespread abuse of prescription drugs in Oklahoma. House Bill 1419 is a bipartisan effort to address fraud and the practice of “doctor shopping” by strengthening the state’s prescription monitoring program.

Sen. Rob Standridge, Senate author of HB 1419, said the proposal represents a strong step in the right direction, but that the state must address more broadly the epidemic of prescription drug abuse in its overall public health strategy.
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The full Senate has given unanimous approval to House Bill 2228, creating the “Protect Against Pedophiles Act.” The measure, by Senator Kyle Loveless and Rep. Joe Dorman, gives schools a greater ability to protect Oklahoma children from predators by conducting background checks for adults volunteers. The measure was approved on Monday, 44 to 0.
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