(Oklahoma City) A controversial early release law will be repealed under a sweeping criminal justice reform bill approved by the State Senate.

SB 397 would do away with the so-called "cap law," in addition to lowering the legal blood alcohol content on drunk driving offenses and mandating tougher sentences for more violent criminals in Oklahoma. The legislation will also reform existing property crime statutes to ensure that the expensive, high-security prison beds are reserved for the most dangerous criminals.

OKLAHOMA CITY - At a capitol news conference State Senator Scott Pruitt (R-Broken Arrow) celebrated "the most productive week for families" in recent legislative history. Pruitt made his comments following the advancement of two key pro-family measures he authored this session. The first victory comes with House passage of House Bill 1727, a bill containing Pruitt's amendment calling for parental notification prior to a minor receiving an abortion. read more.

House Bill 1727, the bill containing the amendment authored by State Senator Scott Pruitt (R-Broken Arrow) establishing liability when doctors do not acquire parental consent before performing an abortion on a minor, passed the State House of Representatives today and is headed to the governor for approval.

"This is a great day for the people of Oklahoma," said Senator Pruitt. "After years of work by countless individuals life has won out. Today we made a statement that Oklahoma values life and that parents must be a part of their children's lives."

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Brad Henry is thanking the many Oklahomans who have shared their thoughts, prayers and condolences after the passing of his father, Charles T. Henry. The former legislator died Tuesday from lung cancer at the age of 65.

"I just want to tell everyone how much their kind words and prayers have meant to me and my family. It really does make it a bit easier to cope with our loss," said Senator Henry.

Senator Keith Leftwich proudly announced the signing of SB 674 into law by Governor Frank Keating on Wednesday May 23rd.

The Democrat from South Oklahoma City authored the Compete with Canada Film Act to grab the attention of those in Hollywood to create more of their films in Oklahoma. The bill will provide a 15-percent cash-back incentive on money spent in the state for movie or television production.

"I am extremely pleased that SB 674 has been signed by the Governor," said Senator Leftwich. "This is a big step forward in promoting economic development in Oklahoma."

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"All in all, I think it was a very productive session. Certainly, we didn't solve every problem on the horizon, but no Legislature ever does. We did do a number of things to improve our state and make life better for the average Oklahoman, from putting more resources into public school classrooms to providing tax relief for working families. Certainly in terms of its conclusion, this may have been one of the most orderly sessions that I have ever experienced at the State Capitol."

OKLAHOMA CITY-Senate Republican leaders declared the 2001 session of the Oklahoma Legislature a success, grading it an 'A-minus' for the people of Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA CITY - State Senator Jim Reynolds is inviting the public to join him and other volunteers this Saturday in Del City where they'll be helping people remove their vehicle inspection stickers. This past week the governor signed a bill making repeal of the mandatory inspections effective immediately.

"I got out and scraped off my old inspection sticker the very next morning. I have to tell you it felt great. Just the idea that we'd eliminated this government intrusion into our lives was a fantastic feeling," said Senator Reynolds, R-OKC.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Jim Reynolds wants to make sure Oklahomans have a choice when it comes to non-emergency medical transportation. However under current law, a person who cannot be transported sitting up and who needs assistance has no legal choice but to call an ambulance service, which can cost hundreds of dollars more than a non-emergency stretcher service.

States that do not have an income tax are growing faster than those states that do levy a tax on their citizens' income, according to statistics released by the leader of the Oklahoma State Senate.

Senator Stratton Taylor said the evidence supports the enactment of the Texas Plan - his proposal to replace Oklahoma's tax system with that of the state of Texas. Texas has no personal or corporate income tax and no sales tax on groceries.