Audio

A bill to help school children enjoy nutritious, locally-grown fruits and vegetables has won unanimous approval by the full Senate. Senator Daisy Lawler is the author of SB 1515, which would create a statewide Farm to School program.

“This a win-win bill for helping our kids with better health and nutrition and for rural economic development,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “Our initial pilot program was a resounding success and surveys of school districts throughout the state tell us they’re very enthusiastic about this concept.”
read more.

The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a bill that will completely eliminate Oklahomas estate tax, also known as the death tax. Senate Bill 334, by Senators Mike Mazzei and Glenn Coffee, would provide immediate estate tax relief to non-lineal heirs, such as nephews and nieces, and would completely eliminate the death tax over a three-year period.

State Sen. Daisy Lawler is urging Oklahomans to remember that there is still a statewide burn-ban in effect. That’s after a suspected arson fire in her district has destroyed homes, displaced hundreds of people and injured two volunteer firefighters with the Rush Springs Fire Department. At least five other firefighters have been reported injured in other parts of the state.

Lawler said the fire that started near Empire City has left members of her church and other friends homeless.
read more.

The full Senate has voted unanimously for a bill giving neighborhoods across the state greater protection from rapists and child molesters. Sen. Glenn Coffee is author of Senate Bill 1754, also known as the Neighborhood Protection Against Sex Offenders Act. "Just about everyone from time to time will need the services of a plumbing or electrical company or some other business that sends workers into their home. What this act will do is let people know if an employee of that business is on the sex offender registry before that person is sent into their home," said Coffee R-Oklahoma City. read more.

A measure that will expand the most innovative public-private partnership in Medicaid history won approval by the full State Senate Thursday and is headed for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
read more.

The Senate has approved a measure aimed at reducing injuries and deaths of children and teens due to ATV accidents. Sen. Bernest Cain is the author of Senate Bill 30, which would require all riders under the age of to wear a helmet.
The bottom line here is we can save lives in Oklahoma with this simple precaution, said Cain, DOklahoma City. Wearing helmets while riding ATVs can reduce deaths by 2 percent and it can reduce nonfatal head injuries by percent. read more.

State Senators Wednesday unanimously approved legislation creating a permanent funding source to provide state funds to bolster the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

“Despite warmer than normal temperatures this winter, the rising cost of natural gas has already sparked a dramatic increase in home heating bills, leaving many Oklahoma families struggling to make ends meet,” said Senator Cal Hobson, author of the measure.

Legislation aimed at saving the lives of Oklahoma children and teenagers has been approved by the full Senate. Senate Bill 1495, known as the Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act, is named for 12-year-old Kyle Williams of Edmond, who died as a result of a jet ski accident in August 2004.
read more.

Legislation by Sen. Daisy Lawler to ensure motor fuel taxes are spent on transportation needs was approved unanimously by the Senate on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 1028, by Lawler, D-Comanche, would redirect the 1.625 percent of gasoline taxes and 1.39 percent of diesel taxes that are currently deposited in the state’s General Revenue Fund into the State Transportation Fund. The change would provide more than $7 million additional dollars for roads and bridges.
read more.