The Senate unanimously approved legislation Wednesday to ensure young Oklahomans do not miss their first elections. Sen. Jason Smalley is the author of Senate Bill 496 to allow those who are at least 17.5 years old to pre-register to vote.

Currently, a 17-year-old can pre-register to vote 60 days before an election as long as they will turn 18 on or before election day. SB 496 will allow all Oklahomans to pre-register to vote at 17.5 years of age.

The full Senate has given approval to a measure aimed at helping save lives if students overdose on opioids while at school. State Sen. Greg McCortney is the author of Senate Bill 85, which adds school nurses or other designated employees to those who can administer life-saving opiate antagonists. The bill was approved Tuesday unanimously.

Acknowledging the importance of aerospace and aviation in Oklahoma and the industry’s influence on a growing workforce and impact on the state’s economy, State Senator Adam Pugh led the first meeting of the newly-formed Aerospace Caucus at the state Capitol this week.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat commended the many advocates gathering at the Oklahoma Capitol on Wednesday for the annual “Rose Day” pro-life celebration.

House and Senate Democratic Unified Agenda

Senate Democratic Caucus Agenda Legislation

House Democratic Caucus Agenda Legislation

Following the discovery of a $30 million slush fund at the state Department of Health last year, a multi-county grand jury made seven recommendations to prevent future financial deceit by state agencies. Sen. Paul Scott has authored legislation to implement one of those recommendations by punishing state employees who hide public funds under their control.

Twenty-four new and returning members of the Oklahoma State Senate were sworn into office at the Capitol Wednesday with Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, President of the Senate, presiding over the ceremony. The oath was administered by the Honorable Douglas L. Combs, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Tuesday Oklahoma voters went to the polls and approved State Question 794, also known as Marsy’s Law. SQ 794 passed with 78 percent approval and was the only state question approved by Oklahoma voters. Marsy’s Law places greater protection and rights for victims of crime into Oklahoma’s constitution. State Question 794 was authored by State Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, and was the fourth constitutional amendment by Sykes that Oklahoma voters have approved. Previous state questions include:

SQ 751 making English the Official Language of Oklahoma (76%)

The naming of a two mile section of Interstate 35 near Stillwater after Nancy Randolph Davis will be celebrated at a dedication ceremony and reception on Thursday, November 1 in Stillwater, according to State Sen. Anastasia Pittman. The event will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Oklahoma State University in The Council Room, located on the 4th floor in the Student Union. The public is invited to attend.

State Sen. Roger Thompson and State Rep. Weldon Watson were joined this week by ten other members of the House and Senate in signing a letter urging members of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to approve Public Service Company of Oklahomas application for preapproval for the Wind Catcher Energy Connection Project.