Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY – Now that Oklahoma’s Imagination Library will be expanding to all 77 counties, the legislators who authored the measure creating the state’s program are working to help spread the news. Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow and Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, were co-authors of the 2020 legislation.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kevin Matthews is inviting the public to come learn more about rural Oklahoma and one of Oklahoma’s 13 surviving all-Black communities.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s public safety community will soon have access to better mental health resources and support after the signing of Senate Bill 1613. Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, authored the bill directing the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish and maintain a mental wellness division within the agency to provide mental health services and programs to public safety personnel and their families.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate paused on Tuesday to honor the late Vivian Corbett “Millie” Bailey, formerly of Tulsa, who recently passed away in Maryland at the age of 104.  Sen.

The governor has signed legislation allowing a responding law enforcement officer to authorize the removal of a body from a car accident scene after specific parameters have been met. Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, was the author of the measure.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren has authored and filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 28 directing the State Auditor to audit the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). This comes after recent news reports that the OTA is moving forward with plans to begin work on a controversial toll road expansion, including purchasing properties, after learning a $200 million line of credit cannot be used for the project because of pending lawsuits.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Frank Simpson was recently honored on the Senate floor for his tireless support and legislative contributions to the Oklahoma National Guard during his tenure in the Senate. The Springer Republican was presented with the Oklahoma Thunderbird medal for “outstanding service, achievement or contribution made in support of Oklahoma National Guard missions” by Oklahoma Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino and Oklahoma Air National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Chief Master Sgt. Scott Irwin.

The Senate has given final approval to Senate Bill 1367, which increases the penalties for those who purchase medical marijuana and then sell the product to non-cardholders. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed Senate Bill 1464 into law. Authored by Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation aimed at increasing the number of direct flights to Oklahoma has now been signed into law. Senate Bill 1461, by Sen.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation designating Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma as the state’s official theatre has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 1385, the bipartisan measure bestowing the honor, was coauthored by Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd and House Majority Leader Jon Echols and takes effect Nov. 1, 2022.

The governor has signed Senate Bill 1596, also known as the Oklahoma Health Care Agent Act, which establishes requirements for health care power of attorney and allows Oklahomans to make advanced decisions about their care in case they are temporarily or permanently incapacitated. The measure was authored by Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus.

Senate Democrats held a press conference to give an update on the 2022 legislative session. Speakers included:

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City

Sen.

OKLAHOMA CITY – In an effort to combat the rising concern of adult content reaching Oklahoma children, Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has worked with local internet service providers (ISPs) to compile a list of resources for parents and guardians.

According to the Family Online Safety Institute, nearly half of all parents are concerned about their children encountering sexually suggestive content, bullying, or other inappropriate behavior online. The concern about this issue usually rises with age as children begin to access more content online.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed Senate Bill 1119 into law, by Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, and Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. The bill will remove the 270-hour limit adjunct teachers work per semester in a classroom.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill giving greater protection to victims of human trafficking and child abduction has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 1569, by Sen.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill designed to give families working at Oklahoma military bases greater access to childcare has been signed into law by Gov.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Legislative Latino Caucus announced the 6^th annual Hispanic Cultural Day will be held on May 10, 2022, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. The event allows the Oklahoma Legislature, the Hispanic community, and the public to come together to celebrate Hispanic culture, history, entertainment, and food. Latino Caucus Chairman Sen.

The full Senate gave unanimous approval to House Bill 3359 Thursday, which would modify the education qualifications for those pursuing a career in funeral directing or embalming.