Press Releases

(Oklahoma City) Tougher laws against terrorism, better intelligence gathering capabilities and higher security levels at state facilities are just some of the recommendations made by a special panel that has been investigating Oklahoma's security needs in recent months.

The Joint Homeland Security Task Force released its final report and recommendations at a State Capitol news conference Thursday.

A lawsuit advocated by Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode could torpedo a tax relief law that helps Oklahoma oil producers, plunging the state energy industry into deeper turmoil and costing the state thousands of jobs in the process, according to a state legislator.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Many Oklahomans were shocked when evidence pointed to a connection between an Oklahoma flight school and at least one of the suspected terrorists linked to the September 11th attack on America.

In an effort to derail any similar terrorist training in Oklahoma in the future, Senator Kevin Easley, D- Broken Arrow, has drafted a bill that would make it unlawful for anyone to instruct someone who is not a United States citizen in learning flight skills or procedures, or participating in ground school courses.

In the past several months, World War II vets across the state who dropped out of high school to serve their country finally received their high school diplomas. Thats thanks to legislation approved during the 2001 legislative session. However because of the way the law was written, many veterans may have been ineligible for the diplomas.

New safeguards designed to keep tobacco products out of the hands of Oklahoma youngsters will be on the agenda when the Legislature convenes in February.

State Senator Mike Morgan has filed SB 1310 - legislation that would strengthen state laws that address tobacco sales to minors and related issues.

Senator Keith Leftwich and Representative Al Lindley today announced a sweeping program to fight the scourge of organized prostitution that has plagued parts of Oklahoma City for several years.

Far from being a victimless crime, Senator Leftwich and Representative Lindley said part of South Oklahoma City is literally under assault due to the high numbers of prostitutes, pimps and customers who frequent the area.

State Senator Johnnie Crutchfield will be pushing for the creation of an Oklahoma sales tax holiday again this year, saying the proposal will save consumers money and boost the state economy at the same time. "I know it's been said about a lot of things, but this truly is a win-win proposition. If we can help families make ends meet and boost economic development all at once, I think we ought to give it a try. We know it works for Texas. Let's make it work for Oklahoma too," said the Ardmore legislator.

With the entire state facing a major budget crunch, Senator Carol Martin says the time is right for the legislature to adopt her proposal allowing school districts to share administrative costs.

"Once again, I am proposing a strictly voluntary method of allowing school districts to retain their identities while cutting costs dramatically by sharing administrative costs," explained Senator Martin.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Charting the course to a more prosperous future for Oklahoma families, the Senate Republican caucus released their legislative priorities for the 2002 legislative session. Refuting the notion that the current budget shortfall makes it difficult to initiate change, the Republicans believe that times like this are the exact reason the legislature needs to adopt a new way of doing business at the state capitol.

OKLAHOMA CITY — State Senator Scott Pruitt (R-Broken Arrow) today warned the Health Care Authority that the legislature won't be blackmailed by their attempts to cut services. Pruitt's comments come in response to yesterday's announcement by HCA that they will be cutting $11 million worth of services provided to Oklahomans.

Committing an act of terrorism or instigating a hoax related to terrorist activities would soon become a felony under Oklahoma law if State Senator Frank Shurden gets his way. The Henryetta legislator has authored Senate Bill 822 - legislation that would update Oklahoma statutes to include penalties for crimes related to terrorism. While the state already has laws addressing such offenses as murder and assault, Sen. Shurden noted that Oklahoma statutes are largely silent on the issue of terrorism.