Sen. Anthony Sykes and Rep. Mike Christian today announced that the Senate and House on Thursday would take up proposals to support and defend the death penalty for the state’s worst criminals.

The House is scheduled to hear Sykes’ Senate Joint Resolution 31, which would send to a vote of the people a constitutional amendment that, if approved, ensures that death penalty statutes are in effect, that methods of execution can be changed, and that the death penalty is not cruel and unusual punishment.

A bill to help make sure that teens in foster care are encouraged to enroll in Oklahoma’s Promise has been signed into law. Senate Bill 763, by Sen. Randy Bass, D-Lawton, was approved by Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday. The measure directs the Department of Human Services to work in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to encourage greater participation in the state-funded scholarship program.
read more.

“We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Rep. David Dank,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “He was a dedicated legislator and a tireless advocate for taxpayers and constituents, but more importantly he was a man of honor and integrity. These qualities were evident in everything he did, from his hard work at the state Capitol to numerous other community leadership and public service efforts. Our prayers are with his family in their time of mourning.”

A bill allowing companies to use private instructors and examiners to quickly train and fill open positions that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is headed to the Governor’s desk.
read more.

The Senate gave unanimous approval Wednesday of a measure to increase the penalty for assault against off-duty law enforcement officers. House Bill 1318, by Rep. Mike Sanders and Sen. Kyle Loveless, would make assault against an off-duty officer a felony when the crime is directly related to the officer’s official position.
read more.

As the state approaches the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Oklahoma Senate paused Thursday to honor and remember state workers who were injured and who died in the blast, and the many others who assisted in the rescue, search and recovery efforts and in seeking justice for the victims. Senate Resolution 27, by Sen. read more.

Legislation giving all state school districts the ability to expand public education options has received final Senate approval and will next move to Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk. Senate Bill 782, by Sen. Clark Jolley and Rep. Lee Denney, amends current law which only gives school districts in the state’s two largest counties, Oklahoma and Tulsa County, the ability to create charter schools.

The annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day will be held at the state Capitol on Tuesday, April 21. The educational event is free to the public and provides information on prevention, treatment, support groups and other pertinent topics.
read more.

The Senate and House on Tuesday gave final approval to two proposals that would develop a system for evaluating tax credits and economic incentives to determine their effectiveness. Authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and House Speaker Jeff Hickman, Senate Bill 806 requires that any economic incentive include a measurable goal or goals when enacted.

Sens. Anthony Sykes and Dan Newberry Wednesday said the Legislature has acted to protect religious liberty with the passage of Senate Bill 788 and House Bill 1007. Authored by Newberry, SB 788 would prevent any church or clergyman from being required to solemnize a marriage in violation of his or her right to the free exercise of religion as protected under the First Amendment.
Newberry said the passage of SB 788 marked an important victory for clergy members.