Press Releases

Sen. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa, issued the following statement on Wednesday announcing his decision to step down from his District 11 seat, effective January 6, 2015.

Most of my professional career has been dedicated to serving the people of north Tulsa in the Oklahoma Legislature. Its been an honor to represent the citizens of Senate District 11, and before that, the constituents of House District 73.

However, I was recently encouraged to pursue other opportunities that will allow me to continue to work to improve education and champion other issues I am passionate about.

Sen. Ron Sharp has filed legislation banning the use of cell phones or other handheld devices to text, email or call while driving. Senate Bill 67 would make it a misdemeanor to use a handheld device while behind the wheel. Violators would face up to a $1,000 fine or up to a year in jail, or both. The measure would enable law enforcement officers to cite drivers for using the devices as a secondary offense.

Sharp, R-Shawnee, said Oklahoma is one of only six states that has no laws on the books addressing texting while driving.

I want to wish the citizens of Senate District 2 a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.  I am so honored and humbled that you have chosen me to be your voice in the Oklahoma State Senate.  This is a privilege that I do not take lightly or for granted.  I’m looking forward to sharing your ideas and concerns with my Senate colleagues this session. 

Stephanie Bice is now officially on the job as State Senator for District 22.  The Oklahoma City Republican was sworn in during a ceremony at the Capitol on Tuesday as friends, family and other supporters looked on from the Senate gallery.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today announced committee assignments for Republican members.

“Oklahomans have given Republicans a historic majority in the state Senate,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “With 40 Senators, there is a considerable diversity of leadership and talent in the Republican caucus. I am proud to work with such a fine group of public servants as we advance an agenda to further our economic momentum.”

The State Senate’s committee Chairs, Vice Chairs and membership for the 2014-15 legislative session are:

Members of the Altus High School Band will perform at the state Capitol this Tuesday, December 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the fourth floor rotunda. The free concert, “From Infamy to Gallantry,” will pay tribute to the Oklahomans who served in World War II, and those from this state and throughout the country who served on the USS Oklahoma. The ship had the second highest loss of life in the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. More than 400 members of the crew died in the attack.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today announced committee chair and vice chair assignments for all standing committees and appropriations subcommittees.

“I’m privileged to work with such an exceptional group of public servants,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “Their dedication and expertise will serve us well as we work to find solutions to the challenges faced by our state.”

The state Senate’s committee chairs and vice chairs for the 2014-2015 session are:

Oklahoma State Sen. Rob Standridge was appointed this week by President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman to represent the majority party of the Oklahoma State Senate at The Assembly of State Legislature’s meeting in Washington, D.C. next week.

The Assembly of State Legislatures is a bipartisan group of state legislators from across the country who recognize that the states have a responsibility under federalism to work together to solve problems of national concern.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today applauded the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling that Senate Bill 1246 does not violate the state Constitution. Bingman was the principal author of the measure, which will reduce the state’s income tax rate as Oklahoma’s revenues grow. “The state Supreme Court got this one right,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “The language and intent of State Question 640 are very clear – to prevent tax increases without a vote of the people or a supermajority. read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Rob Standridge was recently named to a Senate leadership role after being elected as a Majority Whip.  This will be the Norman Republican’s second session as he was elected in November 2012.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Association for Justice (OAJ) honored newly-elected State Senator Kay Floyd as their Awards Gala recently with the 2014 Legislator of the Year Award.  The Oklahoma City democrat said she was honored to receive the recognition.
            “I’m humbled to have received this award,” said Floyd.  “I
            Legislator of the Year is awarded to a member of the Oklahoma Legislature who stands strong for the rights of Oklahoma individuals and shows commitment to the preservation of the civil justice system.