OKLAHOMA CITY State Senators Wednesday approved legislation that will create smokefree workplaces for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans and a healthier atmosphere for the states nonsmokers and children. Senate Joint Resolution 2 calls for a ban on smoking in most work places and other public places, including restaurants. Senators voted 3 to 9 for the bill, which now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson called the 39 vote a major victory for the health of Oklahomans. read more.

The creation of an international trade center in Oklahoma is one step closer to becoming a reality. On Thursday, the House of Representatives joined the Senate in giving final legislative approval to Senate Bill 39.
Senator Jonathan Nichols is principal author of the measure, which was coauthored by Representative Billy Mitchell. Senator Nichols called the International Trade Processing Center one of the most important economic development projects for Oklahoma in years. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: May 29, 2003 Clip
Senator Frank Shurden
Changes on Cockfighting Penalties on Hold Until 200 Senator Frank Shurden has decided to hold his bill proposing lesser penalties for cockfighting until the 200 session. Senate Bill 3 calls for a vote of the people in August of 200 on proposed changes.
Currently, all violations are classified as felonies. Under SB 3, a first offense would be a misdemeanor and a second would be a felony. read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY Legislation that could infuse millions of dollars into the states ailing horse racing industry and millions more into the state budget passed the Oklahoma State Senate Thursday afternoon by a 29 vote.
Senate Bill 3 now moves to the House of Representatives where it could be considered Friday, the last day of the First Session of the 9th Oklahoma Legislature. read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson said Wednesday that his first year as the leader of the Oklahoma State Senate was a qualified success.
The 2year veteran lawmaker said the First Session of the 9th Oklahoma Legislature, which ended Friday, produced a number of significant victories for the people of Oklahoma. read more.

Republicans Thwart Tax Increase Several Republican Reforms Enacted, read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: April , 2003 Clip Gov. Henry, Legislative Leaders Strike Pact on School Funds,
Propose Additional Funds for K2 Classrooms Oklahoma City Oklahomas K2 public school classrooms will receive additional funding next fiscal year under a bipartisan agreement announced by Governor Brad Henry and legislative leaders Tuesday. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: April , 2003 Clip
Senator Mike Morgan Budget Agreement Gives Lawmakers Morale Boost Going Into
Final Weeks Of Session When the legislative session hits the halfway point, it is not unusual for lawmakers to feel discouraged because of budget disagreements. According to Senate Appropriations Chairman Mike Morgan, things are a bit different this year. read more.

The State Senate took a few moments on Monday to honor to one of Oklahomas newest and littlest heroes a thirdgrader named Ciara Mitchell who recently saved a classmates life. Ciara, a student at Ridgecrest Elementary in Midwest City, successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver after realizing a classmate was choking on a piece of candy. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: April , 2003 Clip
Sen. Daisy Lawler
Prison Pilot Reading Program Signed Into Law A bill aimed at teaching inmates how to read has been signed into law. Senator Daisy Lawler is the principal author of SB , which was coauthored in the House by Representative Elmer Maddux. Lawler said she was thrilled Governor Henry approved the measure. read more.