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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.
Language added to SB 30, which was authored by Senator Frank Shurden, DHenryetta, would allow for the creation of twoday fishing permits that would be available only to state residents. The permits would cost 0 each.

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.