A measure creating a zone of safety for Oklahoma children has been sent to the governor for his consideration. Senate Bill by Senator Jonathan Nichols, RNorman, and coauthored by Representative Kevin Cox, DOKC, would prohibit any person convicted of lewd molestation, rape or sodomy from being within three hundred feet of a school, child care facility or playground.
Schools and playgrounds are considered to be safe places for our children, but we need to be sure of this. With this new law, were telling child molesters to keep out and stay away, explained Senator Nichols. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: May , 2003 Clip
Senator James A. Williamson and other Senate GOP leaders discuss
House Democrats Tax Proposal
Senate Republicans Oppose House Dem Sales Tax Increase, read more.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City The Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association again flexed its muscles Monday, using its influence over the Democratcontrolled state Senate to defeat the reconsideration of SB 3, the School Protection Act, by Senator Scott Pruitt, RBroken Arrow and Rep. Fred Morgan, ROklahoma City. read more.

A measure aimed at ensuring disabled Oklahomans wont lose their homes because of unpaid property taxes has been signed into law. Senator Jim Reynolds, ROKC, is principal author of Senate Bill 23, which was coauthored by Representative Kevin Calvey, RDel City.
Senator Reynolds explained that while the measure doesnt exempt those individuals from property taxes, it does ensure their homes wont be sold to pay property taxes. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: May , 2003 Clip
Senator Jim Reynolds
SB 30 Would Authorize Temporary Fishing Permits A measure that passed the Senate Wednesday would make it possible for Oklahomans to purchase temporary fishing permits, according to Senator Jim Reynolds, ROKC. read more.

Governor Henry signed a bill Thursday that requires all Oklahoma drivers license applicants to have their fingerprints scanned by a computerized fingerimaging device.
SB 23, which was authored by Senator Robert M. Kerr, DAltus, requires the Department of Public Safety DPS to implement a fingerimaging procedure for those who apply for an original, renewal or replacement drivers license or an identification card at state tag agencies. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: May 20, 2003 Clip
Senator Gilmer Capps
Oklahoma City Chosen for 200 National Legislative Conference Oklahomas capital has been chosen as host city for the Council of State Governments 200 Annual State Trends and Leadership Forum. Thats according to State Senator Gilmer Capps, who announced the selection on Tuesday. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: May 2, 2003 Clip
Senator James A. Williamson
Republican Leaders Concerned About Lack of Bipartisanship as read more.

Its been nearly a year since people lost their lives in the I0 bridge collapse near Webbers Falls. Since that time, Senator Ben Robinson has wondered what the legislature could do to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Thats why I introduced Senate Bill 3. It is difficult because we are dealing with multiple jurisdictions, but I wanted to make sure we did everything in our power as state legislators to keep this from happening again, explained Senator Robinson, DMuskogee. read more.

The Federal economic stimulus package just approved by Congress is now awaiting President Bushs signature. The proposal includes 20 billion for state governments across the nation.
The package is critical to Oklahoma and other states facing huge budget shortfalls, said Senator Angela Monson, President of the National Conference of State Legislatures. The 20 billion state aid plan earmarks 0 billion for Medicaid and 0 billion for states to use at their discretion. Oklahomas total share of that package is estimated to be approximately 2 million. read more.