The state Senate this week approved a measure that would broaden the number of high school graduates eligible for in-state tuition at Oklahoma colleges and universities.

Under Senate Bill 423, authored by Sen. John Sparks, individuals who receive a diploma from an Oklahoma high school will always be eligible for in-state tuition. Sparks said his bill would give more people an opportunity to further their education at Oklahoma colleges and universities and compete for high-paying jobs.
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Sen. Dan Newberry this week applauded U.S. Sens. Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe for defending the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans, as controversial legislation expanding background checks and limiting ownership rights may soon be heard in the U.S. Senate.

Among other restrictions, the proposed legislation would establish new limits on magazine capacity, and expand background check requirements for gun ownership. Newberry said the dedicated opposition of Coburn and Inhofe contributed to the decision of Senate Democrats to shelve a proposed assault weapons ban.
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"I applaud Governor Fallin for her continued work on the issues important to moving Oklahoma forward. The Governor's remarks in the State of the State, focused on growing jobs and the economy, were especially well received. We know Oklahoma's runaway workers' compensation system is the number one roadblock to a strong business climate in our state, and I appreciate Governor Fallin's commitment to work with the legislature on this critical issue."

The Senate Republican Caucus on Tuesday released their agenda for the 2013 legislative session. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said this agenda represents Senate Republicans continued focus on the economy, education, and infrastructure.
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Sen. Anthony Sykes has won approval for legislation targeting individuals who cause fatal fires as a result of cooking methamphetamine. On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously for Senate Bill 942, ensuring those responsible for such deaths can be charged with first degree murder.
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Three states – Arkansas, Arizona and Louisiana – have legalized covenant marriage, and Sen. Josh Brecheen wants to do the same in Oklahoma in an effort to lower the state’s high divorce rate. Senate Bill 105 was approved unanimously Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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On Thursday, Sen. Harry Coates sent a letter to Gov. Mary Fallin requesting a performance audit of the State Insurance Commission. The Republican senator feels that the information is necessary in determining if expenditures being made by the agency conform with state statutes as well as if they are being used for the manner intended by the Legislature and Ethics Commission.
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Legislation that would bar the use of foreign law in Oklahoma courts was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Senate Bill 1015 states that courts shall not enforce any foreign law as a means of mitigating punishment or providing justification for the commission of a crime.

Sen. Dan Newberry, author of the bill, said that by approving the measure, the Senate was affirming the importance of the rule of law in Oklahoma courts.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation Tuesday that would provide liability protection for Oklahoma’s agritourism professionals. Under Senate Bill 931, by Sen. Ron Justice and Rep. Scott Biggs, agritourism professionals would not be liable for any participant injuries or deaths resulting from the inherent risks of agritourism activities as long as a warning is posted prominently on the premises.
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