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OKLAHOMA CITY – Given that suicide is the second leading cause of death among Oklahoma children, adolescents, and young adults ages 10–24, Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, wants to ensure students have help at their fingertips in moments of crisis. The Senate approved his Senate Bill 1307 Tuesday to provide the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number on student identification cards.

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Monday, the Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the Irish Senate and the birth of democracy on the Emerald Isle. Authored by Senators Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, and Mary Boren, D-Norman, the resolution also recognizes the role Irish immigrants have played in Oklahoma history and celebrates the creation of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus in Oklahoma.  

On the heels of the governor’s announcement that Oklahoma is forming a partnership with Arkansas and Louisiana to create a regional hydrogen hub, the state Senate has passed two measures that would give tax credits to businesses and individuals utilizing and producing the clean and affordable energy source.

Authored by Sen. John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton, Senate Bills 1857 and 1858 would support the tri-state initiative by incentivizing the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles and encouraging hydrogen engineering.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate gave unanimous approval to legislation Monday to further honor our state’s fallen military by helping their surviving spouses. Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika, is the author of Senate Bill 1670, which would extend the sales tax exemption granted to the unremarried surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans to the spouses of those killed in the line of duty.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson has won full Senate approval for a bill aimed at moving district court funding from fees to appropriated funding through the Legislature.  Senate Bill 1458 would eliminate a slate of fines and fees currently charged upon conviction.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate advanced a measure Wednesday by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, to help schools better address the needs of students struggling with mental health issues. Senate Bill 626 would require mental health facilities to inform the parents of minors being discharged from inpatient mental health care services of the importance of disclosing the student’s mental health needs to their local school.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given approval to a measure aimed at strengthening Oklahoma’s efforts to defend life.  Senate Bill 1503, by Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, creates the Oklahoma Heartbeat Act.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate approved legislation Wednesday to bring Oklahoma in line with federal standards regarding infant screenings. Senate Bill 1464, by Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, would require the state Health Department’s (OSDH) screening list to be updated regularly to match the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP).

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma could soon join the other 33 states that honor America’s military by not taxing their retirement pay, following the Senate’s unanimous approval of Senate Bill 401 Wednesday. The measure is authored by Air Force veteran Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, vice chair of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.