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State Senator Frank Shurden has won full Senate approval for a measure to ensure the State Health Department has regulatory control over tattooing. Senate Bill 806 passed 30 to 15 on Wednesday.

“We are the only state that does not regulate tattooing. With Hepatitis C on the rise, we need to address this public health and safety issue and do what 49 other states are doing—make sure these businesses are not spreading disease,” said Shurden, D-Henryetta.
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Workers compensation reforms proposed by Governor Brad Henry passed through the Oklahoma State Senate Wednesday afternoon on a straight party-line vote.

With Democrats backing the Governor’s proposal and Republicans voting in opposition, Senate Bill 846 was approved on a 25-21 vote.

“This legislation will save money for Oklahoma businesses, protect the rights of injured workers and provide a boost to Oklahoma’s economy,” said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charlie Laster, author of the measure
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Senator Jeff Rabon announced today that Senate Bill 702, which is also known as the Truth in Campaigning measure cleared another legislative approval with passage on the Senate floor. The legislation, which received bi-partisan support, will make it a misdemeanor for a candidate or individual to knowingly release untruthful information about an opponent during an election cycle.
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Henry’s Plan Protects Attorneys from Real Reform at Expense of Doctors, Injured Workers

Senate Republicans unanimously voted against Gov. Brad Henry’s watered down workers’ compensation plan – Senate Bill 846 – in the Oklahoma State Senate Wednesday, charging that the bill penalizes physicians and injured workers in an effort to protect attorneys from meaningful reforms.

A bill to enable consumers to get defects with their newly built home repaired at a swift rate passed the Senate today, clearing another legislative hurdle. Senator Todd Lamb noted that Senate Bill 431, also known as the Homeowner Construction Defect Protection Act, would provide those who hire a builder to construct their new home with a peace of mind that if problems do arise, they will be remedied on a faster basis than current law provides.
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A measure to ensure that Oklahoma homeowners do not receive a cancellation notice of their insurance after filing a claim cleared yet another legislative hurdle today. Senator Mary Easley, author of Senate Bill 402, stated that the intent of the bill is to guarantee that Oklahoma’s homeowners do not receive a lapse in their insurance coverage.
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In an effort to boost Oklahoma's economy, increase financial literacy and stop the growing crisis of credit card debt and bankruptcy in Oklahoma, the State Senate passed a measure late Monday to ensure Oklahoma's students are taught financial responsibility.
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Senator Debbe Leftwich announced today that a measure to extend the Oklahoma Quality Investment Act that was signed by the Governor during the last legislative session, has cleared yet another legislative hurdle. Senate Bill 755 also renames the Act, which served as a pilot program for Dayton Tire, to the Oklahoma Specialized Quality Investment Act.
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State Senators approved the creation of new retirement system for public safety employees Tuesday.
Senate Bill 711 offers public safety employees who are now members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System a retirement plan more in line with the plan to which most police officers and firefighters belong, said State Senator Kenneth Corn, author of the measure.
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