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The full Senate has given final approval to a bill to encourage more parents to buckle up their children. Currently, the fine for failing to use proper child restraints is $10 and up to $15 in court costs. SB 799 would boost the fine.

“Under Senate Bill 799, the fine would be waived for a first offense and the court costs capped at $15 if the person shows proof that they’ve obtained the appropriate child safety seats. Subsequent offenses would carry a $50 fine and court costs,” explained Jolley, author of the measure.
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The Senate has paid tribute to State Treasurer Robert Butkin. The man praised for restoring trust and integrity to that office is stepping down to become Dean of the University of Tulsa School of Law next month. Senate Resolution 21, commending Butkin, was approved unanimously on Thursday.
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The Senate has paid tribute to State Treasurer Robert Butkin. The man praised for restoring trust and integrity to that office is stepping down to become Dean of the University of Tulsa School of Law next month. Senate Resolution 21, commending Butkin, was approved unanimously on Thursday.
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The State Senate will hear a resolution Friday recognizing the accomplishments and talent of Checotah-native Carrie Underwood who was named a finalist on the popular TV show, "American Idol" Wednesday night. She may be new to a lot of Americans, but she is not new to Senator Frank Shurden.
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What started as a rally for support for the thousands of Oklahoma grandparents raising their grandchildren back in September of 2004, has turned into a law strengthening the rights of those grandparents. Senate Bill 733, authored by Senator Daisy Lawler, was signed into law today by Governor Brad Henry as a host of grandparents and bill supporters stood in the Governor’s Blue Room to witness the ceremonial bill signing.
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The State Superintendent of Public Instruction will begin receiving the state Sex Offender Registry this summer for distribution to school districts thanks to a bill signed into law Monday.

Senate Bill 440, by Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City, will help improve Oklahoma school districts' ability to check potential employees, as well as current ones, by giving them direct access to the state registry.
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A bill to require high-tech monitoring for convicted sex offenders has been signed into law. Sen. Charles Wyrick, D-Fairland, principal author of the measure, said Gov. Brad Henry signed SB 631, “Jessica Lunsford’s Law” on Tuesday at the State Capitol.
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Senator Jim Wilson, Representative Debbie Blackburn and Representative Joe Eddins stated today that the current round of Oklahoma tax cuts being considered by both house of the legislature will only prove to be devastating to future programs and needs of Oklahomans.

The legislators stated that the tax cuts, which are phased in over a period of four years, seem like a good plan, but in the end will only end up costing Oklahomans more grief and problems.

The full Senate has given final approval to a measure creating the Youthful Offender Task Force of 2005. Senator Nancy Riley, R-Tulsa and Rep. Lucky Lamons, D-Tulsa, are co-authors of the measure. Riley said Senate Bill 458 would help lawmakers scrutinize how Oklahoma deals with juveniles in state custody.