Press Releases

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat criticized the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s use of the “special law” provision of the Oklahoma Constitution to strike down the non-economic damages cap of landmark lawsuit reform laws.
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Edmond Day is scheduled to be held at the state Capitol on Tuesday, April 30th from 10am to 3pm, according to State Sen. Adam Pugh.

Pugh, who was elected in 2016 to represent the Edmond district, said it’s been a pleasure to plan the event with the help of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce.

The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday advanced a measure to modernize the Oklahoma Supreme Court district boundaries in order to increase the pool of qualified applicants eligible to fill judicial vacancies in the future.
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Senator Micheal Bergstrom attended the Oklahoma National Guard Legislative reception on Tuesday, April 9th at the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City.  The informal reception highlighted the homeland defense and disaster relief response capabilities of the Oklahoma National Guard, and featured equipment and weapon displays, museum tours and the opportunity to visit with Oklahoman National Guard Soldiers and Airmen.  The evening reception followed the 29th annual joint legislative session to recognize the Oklahoma National Guard and the 45th Infantry Thun read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Senator Micheal Bergstrom and his legislative colleagues convened on Tuesday morning for a joint session in the House Chamber to celebrate and recognize the Oklahoma National Guard and the 45th Infantry Thunderbird Division.   Speaking at the ceremony was Gov. Stitt and Maj. General Michael C. Thompson, adjutant general.

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 – 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.”

The full Senate has given unanimous approval in the Senate for legislation exempting the American Legion from state sales taxes on goods and services. House Bill 1003, by Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson and House Majority Leader Mike Sanders, was approved by the full Senate on Wednesday.
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The Senate approved legislation Wednesday to allow school districts to take action to address drivers unlawfully overtaking school buses. House Bill 1926, by Sen. Ron Sharp and Rep. Dell Kerbs, would better protect student riders by allowing districts to install cameras on school buses to record those who illegally pass when the stop sign is flashing.
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State Sen. Roger Thompson has been appointed to the Budgets and Revenue Committee for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).  Thompson, who chairs the Oklahoma State Senate’s Appropriations Committee, was appointed by NCSL leadership.

The committee’s jurisdictional areas include federal and state policies with fiscal implications, including funding for services and programs, budget processes, tax and revenue systems, legislative oversight, unfunded mandates and state-local fiscal relations.  

Despite the political rhetoric of House Democrats, Senator Lonnie Paxton said Senate Republicans are following the law and protecting the pensions of state retirees by sending a cost of living adjustment (COLA) bill for further study.

Sen. Jason Smalley announced Monday that he will be supporting amended legislation to raise the cap on the Equal Opportunity Education Program when it comes back to the Senate. The Stroud Republican voted against the measure when it came through the Senate in light of his opposition to school vouchers but said the amended bill will help Oklahoma’s schools and students.
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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:

Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman (D-Tulsa) released the following statement on committee votes regarding the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure:
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The Senate Education Committee approved legislation earlier this week to improve school safety. House Bill 2336, by Sen. David Bullard, would allow a local board of education to adopt a policy to authorize the carrying of a handgun onto school property by school personnel who hold a valid reserve peace officer certification or who possess a valid handgun license.
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The full Senate has unanimously approved legislation to help prevent the escalation of traffic stops in cases where the driver has hearing impairments, autism or other communication disorders. Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore and Rep. Tammy West, R-Bethany, are the principal authors of House Bill 2516. Weaver said the legislation would allow individuals the option of providing information on medical conditions that could result in communication issues.
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The Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee in a special meeting on Thursday acted on a House bill that would provide a 2 percent cost of living adjustment for state pension retirees contingent on the outcome of an actuarial study of the pension systems.

Senator Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, is the Senate author of House Bill 2304 and filed a committee substitute to ensuring the bill followed the provisions of the Oklahoma Pension Legislation Actuarial Analysis Act (OPLAAA).
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