Press Releases

(Oklahoma City) Environmental problems at a number of state parks can be addressed with the help of a new state law that was approved by the 2002 Oklahoma Legislature, according to the author of the statute in question.

Senator Dave Herbert, chairman of the Senate Tourism Committee, said that SB 1271 authorizes the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission to initiate a bond issue to address needs under its purview, such as remediation of sewage systems at state parks and recreational areas.

(Oklahoma City) State Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor announced Thursday that he is prepared to file a legal action in support of the Pledge of Allegiance in the wake of a controversial federal court ruling yesterday.

A three-judge federal panel in California struck down the pledge, ruling that the words "under God" violated constitutional provisions regarding the separation of church and state.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I haven't had time to review the specifics of the court's decision, but obviously, I am disappointed with the ruling.

"I will be talking to Speaker Adair and our attorneys about what our next step may be."

Senate Bill 935, authored by Senator Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman, had passed both houses unanimously before it was signed into law by Governor Keating this past week. The Norman Republican says that the sales tax at estate sales was a nuisance tax on Oklahoma families that needed to be removed.

Legislative leaders announced they would appeal an Oklahoma County District Court decision handed down last month regarding the selection of Governor Frank Keating's plan for redrawing the state's congressional districts.

Senator Frank Shurden said Governor Frank Keating's veto of a bill to allow castration of convicted rapists would cost Oklahoma taxpayers millions of dollars. That's because the governor said he'd rather see the sex offenders kept in prison for life even after he'd told Senator Shurden if the bill got to his desk, he would sign it.

Senator Frank Shurden is urging Governor Keating to sign a bill that would authorize chemical castration for certain sex offenders in Oklahoma. The Henryetta lawmaker said if this bill becomes law, it could prevent countless sex crimes against women and children.

"In Europe, countries that already allow castration of sex offenders have shown that not only is it an effective deterrent, but it has also resulted in a dramatic reduction in repeat offenses," explained Senator Shurden.