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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate approved a pair of bills Wednesday afternoon to better protect the health and well-being of Oklahoma’s children in daycare facilities and those living under safety plans. Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, is the Senate author of the House measures.

House Bill 2122, also known as the Cocktails to Go Act, is now one step closer to becoming law. The measure is authored by Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, and Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation passed off the Senate floor Wednesday to protect members of the Oklahoma National Guard from employment discrimination. Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Chair Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer, is the Senate principal author of House Bill 2545, creating the Oklahoma Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate voted Wednesday to strengthen penalties against those who purposely try to bring harm to law enforcement officers and county officials online. House Bill 1643, by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, prohibits the publishing of identifying information of such individuals used to threaten, intimidate, harass, or stalk them.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has approved legislation by Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, and Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, to give legal protections to drivers trying to escape from riots.  House Bill 1674 was approved by the full Senate on Wednesday and would give civil and criminal liability protection to drivers who may unintentionally cause injury or death while fleeing a riot and imposes penalties for those who unlawfully obstruct streets or highways, blocking vehicles.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Jake Merrick, R-Yukon, is officially on the job after taking the oath of office in a ceremony held on Wednesday at the state Capitol.  Family, friends and fellow members joined Merrick in the Senate chamber as Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Darby administered the oath.

Merrick, an ordained minister and business owner, was elected to complete the unexpired term of the Senate District 22 seat in a special election held last Tuesday.  The seat was previously held by U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice.

OKLAHOMA CITY – More of Oklahoma’s young offenders will soon get a second chance to get back on the right path thanks to legislation signed late Monday by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Senate Bill 140’s author, Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, said the measure is an important step to help rehabilitate offenders, reduce recidivism and address prison overpopulation.    

The bill increases the age of participation for nonviolent, first time male offenders in the state’s Delayed Sentencing Program for Young Adults from 21 to 25.    

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to help Oklahomans be better able to afford their insulin will soon be on the governor’s desk after receiving final passage from the Senate Monday. House Bill 1019, by Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Ardmore, and Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, caps the price for a 30-day supply of insulin to $30 and $90 for a 90-day supply for each covered prescription. Currently, copays are based on individual insurance plans.

The Senate has given approval to a measure aimed at combatting traumatic brain injuries (TBI) by creating the Advisory Council on Traumatic Brain Injury to further study the issue.

OKLAHOMA CITY –The full Senate has given approval to House Bill 1568, Maria’s Law, to help Oklahoma students better understand mental health issues and how they can impact their overall well-being.  Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, and Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, are principal authors of the legislation, which was approved unanimously by the Senate on Tuesday.