Existing state obligations and the volatility of energy revenues will make the state budget writing process even more challenging than usual this legislative session, according to the chairman of the State Senate Appropriations Committee.

Senator Kelly Haney and other Senate budget leaders received a briefing on the state budget outlook Wednesday - one that outlined approximately $226 million in bills that must be paid off by the state in the next fiscal year.

The following is a statement from Dr. George E. Young, Sr., Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus.

State Senator and Legislative Black Caucus Chair George E. Young, Sr. released the following statement regarding a video that surfaced this week on social media of a University of Oklahoma student in blackface.

“As members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, we stand firm with the members of OU Black Student Association in stating our disappointment in the recent news of the blatant display of racism.

A Senate interim study will examine the use of impact statements in determining the effect of proposed legislation on particular communities and minorities. State Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, requested the study, which will be held on Monday, October 7 at 10 a.m. in room 535 of the Capitol.

State Sen. Darrell Weaver has filed legislation to require anyone presenting budget information on behalf of a state agency to the legislature to do so under oath. Under Senate Bill 332, it would be a misdemeanor to knowingly present inaccurate budget information to lawmakers.

Weaver, a former director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, said his legislation was aimed at increasing transparency, accountability and restoring public trust in government.
read more.

The full Senate has unanimously approved legislation to help prevent the escalation of traffic stops in cases where the driver has hearing impairments, autism or other communication disorders. Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore and Rep. Tammy West, R-Bethany, are the principal authors of House Bill 2516. Weaver said the legislation would allow individuals the option of providing information on medical conditions that could result in communication issues.
read more.

The governor has signed legislation into law to protect the confidentiality of undercover law officers. Senate Bill 679 was authored by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, and Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City.
read more.

A Senate interim study on workplace violence and medical professionals will meet on Monday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m. in room 419C of the state Capitol. The study was requested by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore.
read more.

State Sen. Darrell Weaver has been selected to participate in a national program on opioid policy. Weaver, R-Moore, is one of only 25 legislators from across the country chosen to participate in the National Conference of State Legislators’ (NCSL) Opioid Policy Fellows Program.
read more.

The state Senate on Tuesday approved legislation that would require physicians to administer abortion inducing drugs in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Co-authored by Sen. Greg Treat, House Bill 1970 will protect patients and promote life.