OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 1317, modifying the definition of a career teacher, was unanimously approved Tuesday in the Senate Education Committee. The bill, by Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, updates language to recognize the mobility of teachers who may need to change school districts over the course of their career.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to increase the availability of housing in Oklahoma has cleared its first legislative hurdle. Senate Bill 1393, by Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, creates the Revitalizing Empty Structures Through Ownership, Renovation, and Enterprise (RESTORE) Program. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, has advanced legislation to ease the transition for Oklahoma’s foster children as they move placements.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday unanimously passed Senate Bill 1377, which would require the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to provide a duffel bag to foster children who lack luggage for their personal belongings.

OKLAHOMA CITY- The Oklahoma Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee approved Senate Bill 2108 on Monday. The bill, authored by Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, would repeal burdensome licensing requirements related to the hunting of feral hogs, streamlining and simplifying the process.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Logan, R-District 8, is commending the passage of Senate Bill 743, a measure addressing the intentional disruption of religious worship services. The freshman lawmaker and pastor issued the following statement:

"Look, I have widows and families in my congregation. I’ve got folks who come to church looking for peace, not confrontation. As a pastor, I take seriously the responsibility to make sure people can worship without fear — in my church and anywhere else across our state.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Sen.

"Yesterday afternoon in Okmulgee County, two of our sheriffs’ deputies were shot while responding to a disturbance and were injured in the line of duty. Both deputies have been treated at a local hospital and are reported to be in stable condition, and a suspect is in custody.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Senate advanced Senate Bill 743, legislation authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare to strengthen and clarify protections for religious worship services in response to coordinated activist disruptions targeting congregations.