OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – A bill to stop county sheriffs from being charged to house inmates before they can be transferred into the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) was signed by the governor this week.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Edmond Day is scheduled to be held at the state Capitol on Tuesday, April 30th from 10am to 3pm, according to State Sen. Adam Pugh.

Pugh, who was elected in 2016 to represent the Edmond district, said it’s been a pleasure to plan the event with the help of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Senator Micheal Bergstrom attended the Oklahoma National Guard Legislative reception on Tuesday, April 9th at the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City.  The informal reception highlighted the homeland defense and disaster relief response capabilities of the Oklahoma National Guard, and featured equipment and weapon displays, museum tours and the opportunity to visit with Oklahoman National Guard Soldiers and Airmen.  The evening reception followed the 29th annual joint legislative session to recognize the Oklahoma National Guard and the 45th Infantry Thun read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Senator Micheal Bergstrom and his legislative colleagues convened on Tuesday morning for a joint session in the House Chamber to celebrate and recognize the Oklahoma National Guard and the 45th Infantry Thunderbird Division.   Speaking at the ceremony was Gov. Stitt and Maj. General Michael C. Thompson, adjutant general.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation failed 24-18 Tuesday that would fairly compensate state employees for lost annual leave they are not able to use.  House Bill 1953, by Sen. Ron Sharp and Rep. Dustin Roberts, seeks to allow state agencies to voluntarily buy up to 200 hours of an employee’s unused annual leave as long as the employee maintains at least 120 hours after payment.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation failed 24-18 Tuesday that would fairly compensate state employees for lost annual leave they are not able to use.  House Bill 1953, by Sen. Ron Sharp and Rep. Dustin Roberts, seeks to allow state agencies to voluntarily buy up to 200 hours of an employee’s unused annual leave as long as the employee maintains at least 120 hours after payment.

OKLAHOMA CITY – During the 11th week of session, Sen. Paul Scott (R-Duncan) had another bill signed into law and two more heading to the Governor’s desk.

OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Sen. Roland Pederson is commending the Senate’s unanimous approval of Enid community leader Brent Kisling as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on Tuesday afternoon. 

“It was an honor to confirm Brent Kisling’s appointment this week,” said Pederson, R-Enid.  “His robust experience with the Enid Regional Development Alliance, along with many years in various other leadership positions in Oklahoma will serve him well in his new role as state Commerce Director.”

A key piece of criminal justice reform legislation is headed to the full Senate for a vote.  State Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa, is a Senate co-author of House Bill 1269.  The measure was previously approved by the House before winning approval in the Senate Judiciary Committee and then by the full Appropriations Committee before the April 11 committee vote deadline.