Press Releases

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said he is encouraged by the signing of Senate Bill 622 that will make the process of organ donation more efficient and more accessible.

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, Senate Bill 622, mirrors similar laws in various states that help families throughout the nation receive vital organs for their loved ones. Families are often put through unnecessary waiting periods and paperwork from state to state in order to obtain an organ donation for a family member.

A bill strengthening penalties against parents caught driving drunk with their children in the vehicle has become law. Sen. Mary Easley is the Senate principal author of SB 1138 which amends the definition of child endangerment to include parents or guardians knowingly letting their children ride in vehicles operated by people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Extensive Talks Result in Comprehensive Lawsuit Reform for Oklahomans

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee and House Speaker Chris Benge are announcing an agreement between all parties involved in negotiations on a landmark comprehensive lawsuit reform package.

“Senator Laster’s response to today’s historic announcement on an agreement on comprehensive lawsuit reform smacks of ‘me-tooism,” yet doesn’t pass the smell test.

“The Democrats have been in control of the Oklahoma Senate for 101 years – the first 99 years were unfettered. If they had been truly interested in passing any reform – be it lawsuit reform, education reform, corrections reform or any other improvement for Oklahoma citizens, they could have passed it without Republican support.

“At first glance the agreement announced today looks very similar to the compromise bill from 2007 crafted by Governor Henry.

“We are pleased negotiators were able to take the crux of the 2007 proposal to include in the provisions of this agreement.

“After the bipartisan defeat of Senator Coffee’s far-reaching political and punitive attorney fee referendum bill he predicted this day would never come.

“Senator Coffee was wrong.

A bill giving greater protection to Oklahomans who contract for construction work is on its way to the governor. Senator Debbe Leftwich is the author of Senate Bill 306. The bill requires contractors to provide proof that they have general liability insurance.

"We've seen too many cases of Oklahomans paying for work to be done on their homes, only to be left holding the bag when the work is substandard, or the contractor takes the money and runs," said Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City. "Requiring proof of liability insurance gives greater protection to consumers."
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More and more of Oklahoma’s students are relying on the internet for their education, and thanks to legislation signed into law Friday those students and their parents will be able to be rest assured that they’re getting the same high quality education as they would in a traditional classroom. SB 604 was authored by Sen. Gary Stanislawski who wanted to ensure that Oklahoma’s internet-based education system is efficient and reliable, and not just the easy way out for students.
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The Governor elected to dismiss vital education reform on Friday by vetoing the School District Empowerment Program, Senate Bill 834.

Senator John Ford, author of SB 834, expressed his disappointment in the Governor’s choosing to neglect the quality reforms Oklahoma schools need.

The life and work of evangelist Oral Roberts was honored by the Oklahoma State Senate on Thursday, with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 25. Senator Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, was principle author of the measure, and said 91-year-old Robert’s impact in both religion and education has been world-wide.

“As Oklahomans, I think most of us are familiar with Oral Roberts, his ministry, and the university he founded in Tulsa, but I don’t know if most people realize how much influence he’s had around the world,” said Newberry.
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Members of the Oklahoma Legislature joined with citizens around the state and nation in recognizing the National Day of Prayer on Thursday. Sen. Earl Garrison introduced SCR 20 endorsing the special event.

"Now more than ever with our country facing the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, we need to look to the Lord for guidance, wisdom, and discernment on how to address this crisis," said Garrison, D-Muskogee.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee’s House Bill 1676 that aids in streamlining government received final passage and is on its way to Governor Henry for his consideration.

Senator Coffee’s legislation moves the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center (CJRC) out of the Legislative Service Bureau, reassigning its functions and staff to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the Attorney General, in an effort to improve efficiency and accountability at the CJRC.

Following is a statement by Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, author of “Nick’s Law” relating to the enactment of Senate Bill 135:

“Sadly, this bill will do nothing to relieve the pressure on families struggling to care for children with autism. The measure was designed to relieve political pressure on legislators who refuse to even consider ‘Nick’s Law,’ which would require health insurance to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism.
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The State Senate honored two of Oklahoma's outstanding teachers Tuesday. Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, by Sen. Earl Garrison and Rep. Jerry McPeak, congratulated the 2008 Milken Educator Award winner Ronia Davison and the 2009 Oklahoma Medal of Excellence winner Georgie Chapuis - both of which teach at the Sadler Arts Academy in Muskogee.

The full Senate has paid tribute to the first Boy Scout Troop founded in the United States. Lawmakers gave unanimous approval Monday to Senate Concurrent Resolution 24, recognizing the 1909 Pawhuska troop as the first to be founded in America. Sen. Joe Sweeden is principal author of SCR 24. The measure was co-authored by Rep. Eddie Fields, R-Wynona.

Relief is on the way for Oklahoma families dealing with autism after the Governor signed Senate Bill 135, by Sen. Ron Justice, into law Monday. The measure will increase the number of trained specialists to treat autism spectrum disorders while allowing the open market to adjust coverage based on the demand of services.

The State Legislature honored the life and work of Oklahoma artist Willard Stone last week. Sen. Mary Easley and Rep. Ben Sherrer authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 recognizing Stone's artistic ability and many accomplishments.

"Willard Stone was a gifted man whose pride in his Native American heritage can be seen in his wonderful works of art," said Easley, D-Wagoner. "I applaud the Gilcrease Museum for their fitting tribute to his extraordinary artwork; and I hope that citizens will take the time to go see the works of one of our state's most gifted artists." read more.