A new law takes effect this November 1 that will better protect stranded motorists and wrecker services on Oklahoma roads and highways.  The legislation, by Senate principal author, Sen. Brent Howard, and House principal author, Rep. Charles Ortega, directs drivers to change into lanes that are not adjacent to the lane in which a stationary vehicle is displaying flashing lights.  If no extra lane exists, drivers are to slow down and proceed cautiously. 

A ceremonial bill signing held at the state Capitol included Senate Bill 441, by Sen. Marty Quinn, which is aimed at moving more Oklahoma schools back to five-day school weeks.  The legislation was identified as Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat as a top agenda item during the 2019 session.

OKLAHOMA CITY –Sen. Roland Pederson joined Gov. Kevin Stitt for the ceremonial signing of two important measures for rural Oklahoma.

Senate Bill 164 will allow a fire protection district board of directors to increase from 7 or 9 members to ensure better geographic and population representation. The board of directors can also be increased by petition. Members’ terms will be staggered so that no more than two expire in a year.

State Sen. Brent Howard was on hand for a ceremonial bill signing recently held at the Capitol for House Bill 2468, creating the Oklahoma Gestational Agreement Act.  Howard, R-Altus, is principal Senate author of the measure and worked with House principal author, Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City, to get the measure approved and signed into law during the 2019 legislative session.

State Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, is reminding citizens that a new state law takes effect July 1 requiring drivers to carry their certificates of registration in their vehicle at all times.  It’s part of Senate Bill 1339 which also changes current law so that when a car or truck is sold, the tag stays with the owner instead of the vehicle.

“These changes are currently the law in 42 other states,” Allen explained.  “This change will help prevent turnpike tickets and other citations from going to people who no longer own that vehicle.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Each year, the Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED) analyzes bills concerning business, job creation and economic growth and then grades legislators on their votes.  Scores are released in the annual REID Report, and Sen. Ron Sharp had the highest cumulative score, a 96, in the Oklahoma State Legislature. One other legislator, Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater, also has a 96 but has only been in the legislature three years, while Sharp has been in seven years.

OKLAHOMA CITY–   Thunderbird Challenge of Pryor graduated its 52nd class with 109 young men and women on Saturday, with State Senator Micheal Bergstrom attending the event. 

            Thunderbird Challenge, formerly Thunderbird Academy, is one of 10 nationally recognized programs established in 1993.  Oklahoma’s program, offered through the National Guard and the Oklahoma Military Department, has currently graduated over 3,000 of Oklahoma’s youth. 

TULSA – 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.

State Sen. Kevin Matthews announced Friday that the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission will host a groundbreaking ceremony of the Pathway to Hope on Thursday, May 30 at 5:30 p.m.   Matthews is chairman of the Commission.

“The Pathway to Hope walkway will serve to connect and tell the story of the buildings, exhibits and history of the Greenwood area in preparation of the 100th anniversary of the race massacre in 2021,” said Matthews, D-Tulsa.