Following recent negative media reports about the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), the Senate has announced an interim study to examine oversight of the organization as well as its structure, staff and policies. Sen. Frank Simpson, vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, requested the interim study saying it was important in order to ensure that veterans receive the highest quality of care.
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Each year, the Oklahoma Veteran’s Council recognize one Senator and one Representative for their outstanding dedication and hard work in authoring or promoting legislation that supports veterans and their families. This year, Sen. Frank Simpson, a 26-year Navy veteran and the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, was chosen to receive the ‘Senator of the Year’ Award.
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Members of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs on Tuesday heard from the key players in the debate about problems surrounding the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). Those presenting included the Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs, retired Major General Rita Aragon; Oklahoma War Veterans Commission Chairman Rich Putman; Oklahoma War Veterans Commission Vice Chair Jerry Riley, ODVA Acting Deputy Director Roy Griffith, and ODVA Interim Executive Director John McReynolds.
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On Tuesday, the Oklahoma Veteran’s Council, made up of 24 veteran’s organizations from around the state, presented its “Senator of the Year” Award to state Sen. Frank Simpson for his outstanding dedication and hard work in authoring and promoting legislation supporting the state’s veterans and their families.
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The Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs held its second interim study meeting Thursday in an effort to improve services at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. Administrators from all seven of the state’s veteran’s centers presented information before the committee. Topics discussed included staffing and pay levels, turnover rates and training as well as how inspections and investigations are conducted within the centers.
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On Thursday, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman appointed Sen. Frank Simpson to serve as Chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. The retired Navy veteran has served as vice-chair of the committee since getting elected in 2010.
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A measure to ensure better safety for homemade amusement rides was approved Tuesday by the Senate. Sen. Frank Simpson is author of Senate Bill 379, which would require inspection and certification of homemade amusement rides brought to public venues.

Sen. Don Barrington and Rep. Tommy Hardin were pleased when Governor Mary Fallin signed Senate Bill 742 into law earlier this week allowing for the regulated use of utility vehicles (UTVs) in certain instances on public roadways.

On Thursday, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) was among seven state agencies to testify before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services during the committee’s second budget and performance hearing. Sen. Frank Simpson said he was greatly disappointed by the changes made by ODVA to address problems discovered within the agency and at the state’s seven veteran centers during last year’s interim study.
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A measure to protect deployed soldiers from certain legal actions was approved unanimously Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Under Senate Bill 466, by Sen. Frank Simpson, a soldier’s deployment time could not be counted under the statute of limitations if legal action is brought against that individual.
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