Senate author of the original Stand Your Ground law and co-author of the amended version extending protection to businesses, Sen. Harry Coates is concerned about the misinformation being promoted by advocates pushing for Jerome Ersland’s release. Advocates have stated there was a “loophole” in the law that failed to protect the rights of the pharmacist, but Coates says this is not the case.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City –Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said if anyone wanted further proof about the need for lawsuit reform in Oklahoma, they should just look at Monday’s 11th hour rush by trial attorneys to file cases before a series of new laws took effect on November 1.

According to the Oklahoma County Court Clerk’s office, on a typical day, 50 to 70 civil suits are filed. On Monday alone, 532 lawsuits were filed, 310 of which were negligence cases, compared to an average of 5 to 10 negligence cases a day.

Twelve months of furloughs and losing nearly thirty percent of their staff over the last three years hasn’t dampened the spirits or generosity of the employees at the Oklahoma State Senate who donated thousands of dollars to various state charities including the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank this month.

Starting next Tuesday, November 1, Oklahomans who drive drunk will face tougher penalties—changes that supporters say will save lives. Sen. Clark Jolley and Rep. Jason Nelson authored the Erin Swezey Act last session, which won overwhelming approval by the legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin. The legislation was named for a 20-year-old Oklahoma State University student from Edmond who was killed in 2009 by a drunk driver with numerous DUI arrests and convictions.

Sen. Constance N. Johnson and Rep. Randy McDaniel along with other advocates will present the 3rd Annual State Capitol Dome Blue World Diabetes Day Program on Monday, November 14 to help raise awareness about diabetes, a growing health epidemic which kills more Americans each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the 2nd floor Rotunda of the State Capitol. Open to the public, the program is part of an effort in which 1,100 monuments worldwide will be lit blue in observance of World Diabetes Day.

The Oklahoma State Senate has been named “Employer of the Year” by Oklahoma City’s Mayor’s Committee on Disability Concerns. President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman accepted the honor on behalf of the Senate, and was joined by former Senate intern, Hailey Mathis. The OU political science student was paralyzed in the May 3, 1999 tornado, but continues to live life to the fullest, completing an internship with the State Senate during the 2011 session.

President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman has announced the hiring of Nathan Atkins as Leadership Assistant to the President Pro Tempore and Communications Director.

Atkins has an extensive background in government and politics.

Nathan is a talented and highly regarded aide with a passion for public service, said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. His skills and background make him a great fit at the state Senate. I am excited to bring Nathan into the office of the Pro Tem as we work with all Senate members to move Oklahoma forward with a business-friendly, limited government agenda.

The newest member of the Oklahoma State Senate is now officially on the job. Sen. Greg Childers was officially sworn in during a special ceremony in the Senate Chamber on Wednesday. Among the many friends, relatives and supporters attending the State Capitol ceremony were Childers’ wife, Melanie, and sons Cameron, 12, Connor, 8 and Cole, 6, who joined Childers on the floor for the oath of office.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, Oklahoma school teachers and state employees using HealthChoice for insurance benefits will be forced to fill their prescriptions through an out-of-state mail order pharmacy, Sen. Patrick Anderson said Wednesday. The bureaucratic decision will result in the loss of approximately $75 million from the Oklahoma economy to New Jersey.

"Today I submitted letters to the Secretary of the Senate, President Pro Tempore Bingman, and Governor Fallin informing them that I will resign my duties as State Senator effective Jan. 15th, 2012.