“Secretary Coffee is a dear friend and a leader of immense talent. Though I am saddened by the news of his departure as Secretary of State, I know Glenn will continue to serve Oklahomans for many years to come—for that I am thankful. His contributions to building a common-sense, conservative majority cannot be measured. He is, and always will be, a public servant. The state of Oklahoma, without a doubt, is better off because of Glenn’s public service. I wish him the absolute best in his future endeavors.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman for standing committees and Chair and Vice Chairs of all Appropriations Subcommittees today.

“I am proud to work with an outstanding group of leaders dedicated to advancing a pro-jobs, pro-growth legislative agenda,” said Bingman. “This team of chairs and vice chairs will steer important legislative committees focused on solutions to the challenges facing our state.”

The State Senate’s committee Chairs and Vice Chairs for the coming session:

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced Friday the members of his Leadership staff and members of the senior Senate staff for the First Session of the 54th Oklahoma Legislature.

In response to news that Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak authorized the purchase of more than $180,000 of guns, police-package vehicles and high-tech law enforcement equipment, Sen. Harry Coates on Friday said he was planning legislation to restrict the agency’s efforts to adopt a police-like posture.

The Insurance Department typically investigates white-collar crime. The items purchased by the agency, including bullet-proof vests and mountable shotgun lights, are often used by police and SWAT teams.

Earlier this week, members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) convened for their bi-annual retreat and strategizing session, held in Norman at Oklahoma's Whispering Pines Inn.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the use of $25 million in state bond funds to make improvements to a dam owned by the City of Tulsa is unconstitutional.

The Court found that:
“In reality, the bonds appear to be nothing more than a gift to the City of Tulsa and surrounding communities from the State. This type of gift is precisely what is prohibited by the Oklahoma Constitution, Article X, Sections 14 and 15. Accordingly, the proposed bonds are unconstitutional.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman released the following statement Monday in response to Governor Mary Fallin’s announcement that Oklahoma will not engage in the formation of a state-based healthcare exchange or pursue an expansion of Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:

The State Capitol will be lit blue on November 14th in recognition of World Diabetes Day to raise awareness about the disease that affects thousands of Oklahomans each year.

“We are so excited that our beautiful State Capitol will be one of more than 1,100 monuments worldwide that will be lit blue this evening to call attention to the devastating impact that diabetes takes on individuals and families,” said Sen. Constance N. Johnson (D-Oklahoma County).

Senate Republicans met Wednesday in caucus for the first time since Election Day to name Brian Bingman as President Pro Tempore-Elect. Bingman faced no opposition. Additionally, the Senate Republican Caucus elected Assistant Majority Floor Leaders and Republican Whips for the 54th Legislature’s Senate Majority leadership team. The Republican caucus enters the 54th Legislature with a historic 36-12 majority in the state Senate.

The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce is set to examine the new regulatory landscape facing Oklahoma banks later this month. On Wednesday, November 28, the committee will hold its first interim study meeting concerning the Basel III global standards, which will usher in a broad number of new regulatory requirements for banks.