Oklahoma has long protected schools, day care centers and parks with “zones of safety” aimed at keeping convicted sex offenders away from potential victims. But a case in Bristow brought attention to a loophole in the law—a loophole Sen. James Leewright, R- Bristow, and Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Depew, are working to close this legislative session. Senate Bill 1221 was approved unanimously by the full Senate on Monday.

Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa, released the following statement addressing the recent flooding in Tulsa:

“Today we received an update from the Army Corps of Engineers indicating releases from the Keystone Dam are falling and the level of the Arkansas River is dropping. While this is welcome news, it is important for residents to be aware the situation is still very serious, and health and safety risks remain. As floodwaters recede, neighborhoods will be inspected for safety before evacuated residents are able to return.

Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman (D-Tulsa) released the following statement on committee votes regarding the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure:

Allison Ikley-Freeman is now officially on the job as State Senator for District 37. The West Tulsa Democrat was sworn in during a ceremony at the Capitol on Thursday morning as friends, family and other supporters looked on from the Senate gallery.

The Oklahoma State Election Board recently appointed Joy Ferrell as Secretary of the Caddo County Election Board. Sen. Darcy Jech congratulated Ferrell on her appointment and thanked former Secretary, LaDonna J. Phillips, for her service.

The Oklahoma State Election Board unanimously voted Tuesday to appoint Sherron Manning as Secretary of the Beckham County Election Board. Sen. Darcy Jech congratulated Manning on her appointment and thanked Alex Joseph for his service.

The Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) is accepting applications for a new tag agent for Anadarko. That’s according to State Sen. Darcy Jech, who said the commission approved the move at their monthly meeting held on Thursday in Tulsa.

“Citizens who would normally be able to renew their driver license or tags in Anadarko have had to travel to other communities to conduct their business since the tag agency closed down,” said Jech, R-Kingfisher. “I’m pleased that OTC has begun the process to get the Anadarko tag agency open again.”

A bill that would create more than 300 new jobs in the Hinton was signed by the Governor this week, according to State Sen. Darcy Jech.

Senate Bill 116 authorizes private corrections companies to contract with federal agencies for the housing of federal prisoners in facilities owned and operated by the private corrections companies. The legislation allows existing facilities that are currently sitting vacant, like the Great Plains Correctional facility in Hinton, to re-open.

The Oklahoma State Election Board appointed Brenda Landes to be the Secretary of the Noble County Election Board. Previous secretary, Pam McBride, resigned from her role as secretary and accepted a position with the State Election Board in their Support Services Division, effective October 23. Sen. Chuck Hall shared his appreciation for McBride and congratulated Landes and McBride on their new roles.

State Sen. Chuck Hall, R- Perry, has been chosen to serve on a bipartisan, bicameral oversight committee for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT). Creating the office was a top agenda goal during the 2019 Legislative Session in order to help improve government transparency and accountability. Historically, legislators have had to rely on state agencies to provide financial data. LOFT will provide independent data to lawmakers and to the public on state agency budgets and program performance.