The full Senate on Wednesday advanced legislation that could result in state spending receiving greater scrutiny than ever before. Authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, Senate Joint Resolution 30 would send to a vote of the people a proposal to dedicate every other legislative year to crafting the states budget.

Bingman said that in light of the $611 million shortfall currently faced by the state, the time has come for reform that will enable the Legislature to examine state expenditures from top to bottom.

A bill that would protect clergy members and others who are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies from being required to perform those duties if it conflicts with the officiant’s religious beliefs passed the full Senate today by a vote of 39-6.

SB 788, authored by Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, would not only protect officiants who are authorized by law to solemnize a marriage, it would also shield churches from being required to participate in ceremonies that might conflict for religious reasons.
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The full Senate has easily passed three of the proposals introduced by Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, to modernize Oklahoma’s election system and increase rapidly declining voter participation.

“The three proposals received overwhelming votes of support, and as a result we are well on our way to modernizing our state’s election laws,” Holt said. “In particular, I believe the strong vote for a secure online registration system represents a landmark for election reform in this state.”

The Senate voted to protect Oklahoma’s students by preventing school employees who have committed sexual crimes against minors from seeking employment in other school districts. Sen. Kyle Loveless is the author of Senate Bill 301, which will stop districts from unknowingly hiring sexual predators, and keeping predators from moving around the state to avoid detection.
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Sen. Kyle Loveless (R-Oklahoma City) continued his call Wednesday for an evaluation of school administrative costs.

“During her comments to the Senate Appropriations Committee, State School Superintendent Joy Hofmeister agreed with what I have been saying for years ? Oklahoma has too many school districts,” Loveless said. “I hope the Superintendent will support my legislation to create a task force to study this issue and submit recommendations to the legislature.”

Legislation aimed at eliminating payroll deductions for state teachers passed in the Senate today by a vote of 28-16, essentially blocking educators from paying their dues to the organizations that collectively bargains on their behalf directly out of their paychecks. Senator Ralph Shortey, R-Oklahoma City, voted no on HB 1749, calling the measure unfair to teachers.
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State Sen. Kyle Loveless (R-Mustang) has requested a legal opinion from Attorney General Scott Pruitt on whether school districts can compel attendance at the education rally planned for Monday at the State Capitol.

“I respect and admire teachers and educators all across our state and welcome them to their state Capitol; however, it has come to my attention that at least one school district is making the rally attendance mandatory for their staff,” Loveless said.

Jerry Smith was elected to the House of Representatives in 1972, and served the citizens of District 76 until he was elected to the State Senate in 1980. Smith served in the Senate, representing District 39, until his departure due to term limits in 2004. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman on Monday issued the following statement on his passing.

State Sen. Brian Crain issued the following statement Monday on the loss of long-time legislator Jerry Smith.

“Jerry Smith was my predecessor in the Senate. He was a diligent and thoughtful legislator and was respected by members on both sides of the aisle. Senate District 39, and indeed our entire state are better for Jerry’s service, and he will be missed by all who knew him.”—Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa

Services will be held Friday, February 6, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at New Haven United Methodist Church,
5603 South New Haven Avenue, in Tulsa.

“I’m grateful to the governor for her efforts to work with members of the Legislature on the issues that matter most to Oklahoma. Her focus on jobs and the economy will allow us to build an even stronger business climate, and her support for priorities like government reform will help us in our efforts to craft a more efficient and effective state government. I share the governor’s enthusiasm for our future and look forward to working with her as we address the challenges facing our state.”—Senate Pres. Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa