Press Releases

To ensure that individuals seeking divorce only get the portion of a military service member’s retirement shared during a marriage, the Senate gave unanimous approval to Senate Bill 1887 Monday. The Veteran’s Benefit Protection Act, authored by Sen. Steve Russell and Sen. Frank Simpson, makes the division of military retirements, when a court has chosen to treat them as shared property, more equitable.

Sen. Steve Russell said the measure was needed to prevent the unfair division of such benefits in cases where the court rules those benefits as property of the couple.
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Legislation was approved Monday to regulate the private ownership of exotic cats not used for display. Senate Bill 1799, by Sen. Kim David, creates the Oklahoma Responsible Exotic Cat Ownership Act to regulate and require a permit to possess, exhibit, and/or breed any nonnative exotic feline in captivity.
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State agencies, assets and institutions would save hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars under a behavior-based energy conservation program passed by the state Senate on Monday. Senate Bill 1096, authored by President Pro Tem Brian Bingman at the request of Governor Mary Fallin, passed the Senate by a vote of 44-0. SB 1096 is inspired, in part, by an energy conservation program started in 2007 at Oklahoma State University. The University has since lowered energy consumption campus-wide by 19%, representing a savings of nearly $19 million.
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The full Senate has voted in favor of a measure to gradually phase out the state income tax. Senate Bill 1571, also known as the OCPA/Laffer Plan, was approved Monday, 30 to 17. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the principal author of the legislation. He said one important change made since the bill left committee is an amendment that addresses concerns raised by retirees and Oklahomans in the military.
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When the full Senate takes up a measure next week to gradually phase-out Oklahoma’s income tax, the bill will address concerns raised by retirees and members of the military. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the author of Senate Bill 1571, also known as the OCPA/Laffer Plan. The Senate is expected to consider his legislation when members reconvene on Monday.
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The Legislature will wait until after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the federal health care law before proceeding with Senate Bill 1629, legislators announced Thursday.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this summer, perhaps as early as June, on a legal challenge brought by several states alleging the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional.

Senators Frank Simpson, Patrick Anderson and Don Barrington announced their opposition Thursday to a Senate bill that would eliminate a tax benefit for volunteer firefighters, among other tax credits and deductions. Senate Bill 1623 filed by Sen. Mike Mazzei would, among other actions, eliminate a small tax credit for volunteer fire fighters as part of an effort to save the state money to help fund the lowering of the state’s income tax rate. The bill will be heard next week.
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Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman released the following statement Wednesday after the Senate gave unanimous approval to Senate Bill 1863 creating the Post-Military Service Occupation, Education and Credentialing Act.
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Many military veterans struggle to find work after retirement and their spouses sometimes have a hard time finding a job after a base transfer, but legislation that was approved unanimously Wednesday in the Senate could make their search much easier. Senate Bill 1863, by retired Army Lt. Colonel Sen. Steve Russell, creates the Post-Military Service Occupation, Education and Credentialing Act.
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The full Senate on Tuesday approved a measure that would require abortion providers to inform patients they have a right to hear the heartbeat of their unborn child before it is aborted.

Senate Bill 1274, the Heartbeat Informed Consent Act, is authored by Sen. Dan Newberry. The Tulsa Republican said the measure is an important step forward in protecting the unborn.
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On Monday, the Senate dedicated a portrait of Choctaw Statesman, Chief Allen Wright who is credited with suggesting the name "Oklahoma" for the new U.S. Territory created in 1890. The painting, by Oklahoma artist Mike Larsen, was sponsored by the Chief’s great-great-grandson Allen Wright and his wife Jacque, along with their family.
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Sen. Ralph Shortey on Monday applauded Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak for taking a stand against the federal government’s attempt to force religious institutions to offer birth control, sterilization and abortifacients to their employees.

Doak this week will introduce a resolution at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Spring 2012 national meeting urging his peers to protect religious liberties in healthcare.
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The full Senate has given approval to a $92.5 million supplemental funding bill to meet specific needs in public safety and education. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the Senate Appropriations Chairman and author of Senate Bill 1959, which was overwhelmingly approved on Thursday.

Lake Murray State Park could soon be getting a new lodge thanks to legislation filed by Sen. Frank Simpson and Rep. Pat Ownbey. Senate Bill 1913, which was approved by the Senate Rules Committee earlier this week, would authorize the Department of Tourism to utilize $15 million from the State Park Trust Fund to build the new lodge.
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