As the state approaches the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Oklahoma Senate paused Thursday to honor and remember state workers who were injured and who died in the blast, and the many others who assisted in the rescue, search and recovery efforts and in seeking justice for the victims. Senate Resolution 27, by Sen.

The Senate gave unanimous approval Wednesday of a measure to increase the penalty for assault against off-duty law enforcement officers. House Bill 1318, by Rep. Mike Sanders and Sen. Kyle Loveless, would make assault against an off-duty officer a felony when the crime is directly related to the officer’s official position.

Legislation giving all state school districts the ability to expand public education options has received final Senate approval and will next move to Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk. Senate Bill 782, by Sen. Clark Jolley and Rep. Lee Denney, amends current law which only gives school districts in the state’s two largest counties, Oklahoma and Tulsa County, the ability to create charter schools.

A bill allowing companies to use private instructors and examiners to quickly train and fill open positions that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is headed to the Governor’s desk.

“We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Rep. David Dank,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “He was a dedicated legislator and a tireless advocate for taxpayers and constituents, but more importantly he was a man of honor and integrity. These qualities were evident in everything he did, from his hard work at the state Capitol to numerous other community leadership and public service efforts. Our prayers are with his family in their time of mourning.”

A bill to help make sure that teens in foster care are encouraged to enroll in Oklahoma’s Promise has been signed into law. Senate Bill 763, by Sen. Randy Bass, D-Lawton, was approved by Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday. The measure directs the Department of Human Services to work in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to encourage greater participation in the state-funded scholarship program.

Sen. Anthony Sykes and Rep. Mike Christian today announced that the Senate and House on Thursday would take up proposals to support and defend the death penalty for the state’s worst criminals.

The House is scheduled to hear Sykes’ Senate Joint Resolution 31, which would send to a vote of the people a constitutional amendment that, if approved, ensures that death penalty statutes are in effect, that methods of execution can be changed, and that the death penalty is not cruel and unusual punishment.

A medical pilot program using cannabidiol, a derivative linked to marijuana, is heading to a vote of the full Senate after being unanimously approved in the Senate Health and Human Services committee yesterday by a vote of 9-0.

State Sen. Kyle Loveless (R-Mustang) has requested a legal opinion from Attorney General Scott Pruitt on whether school districts can compel attendance at the education rally planned for Monday at the State Capitol.

“I respect and admire teachers and educators all across our state and welcome them to their state Capitol; however, it has come to my attention that at least one school district is making the rally attendance mandatory for their staff,” Loveless said.

Legislation aimed at eliminating payroll deductions for state teachers passed in the Senate today by a vote of 28-16, essentially blocking educators from paying their dues to the organizations that collectively bargains on their behalf directly out of their paychecks. Senator Ralph Shortey, R-Oklahoma City, voted no on HB 1749, calling the measure unfair to teachers.