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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman (D-Tulsa) released the following statement on committee votes regarding the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure:

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Legislation that would change the way missing person cases in Oklahoma are handled is now heading to the governor’s desk after the measure passed unanimously on the Senate floor Monday.

OKLAHOMA CITY- A measure that would provide reciprocal licensing for military personnel and their spouses is making its way through the legislature.  Senate Bill 670 cleared the Senate and is now in the House awaiting consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Eastern Oklahoma State College student, Tanner Jarrett, was recognized by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Lawton, for being a member of the All-Oklahoma Academic Team on Tuesday at the state Capitol. All-Oklahoma Academic Team members have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 and are nominated by their college president to the All-USA Academic Team.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Senator Micheal Bergstrom joined Bluejacket High School Junior Justin Herlan at the 104th Annual Oklahoma Youth Expo on Tuesday, March 19 at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.

Herlan, who has earned many honors for his care and presentation of various cattle breeds including Maine, Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn and Chianina, is recognized as a leader around the state in the area of agriculture and livestock, winning numerous Top 10 awards for excellence in the field of agriculture and livestock. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Larry Boggs was presented with the 2018 Senator of the Year Award by the Oklahoma Veterans Council on Wednesday, March 27th in the House Chamber during a Joint Legislative Session.

Boggs, R-Wilburton, was recognized for his ongoing support of veterans, their families and their unique needs.  During his tenure in the Legislature, he has worked on several bills focused on helping veterans and supporting veteran issues.