Press Releases

In an effort to bring attention to the importance of biofuels in Oklahoma and to place increased emphasis on the production of oil seed crops, the State Senate passed House Bill 1916 Tuesday. The principal Senate author, Senator Ron Justice explained the legislation would allow for a tax exemption on the production of biofuels.
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State Capitol, Oklahoma City On the same day the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on partial-birth abortions, Gov. Brad Henry took the opposite track on the abortion issue in the State of Oklahoma, vetoing bipartisan legislation that prohibits state funds, facilities, and employees from being used to perform abortions. The bill also requires abortionists to file reports with the state to ensure they are following Oklahomas laws requiring parental notification and informed consent.
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Some of Oklahoma’s biggest entertainment attractions may soon benefit from the construction of a luxury hotel to be constructed in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.

On Tuesday, the full Senate approved House Bill 2019 to provide a tax refund of $354,000 on the construction of a hotel that would be built near Remington Park. Senate author Richard Lerblance explained the bill would benefit not only Oklahoma City, but the state as a whole.
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A comprehensive lawsuit reform bill is gaining momentum with a key endorsement by the National Rifle Association, the Senate’s co-president pro tempore said Tuesday.

“The NRA’s endorsement of SB 507’s liability protection for firearms and ammunition manufacturers has added to the momentum for meaningful lawsuit reform this year,” stated Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The NRA’s support should ensure additional votes for SB 507 from rural Democrats who support Second Amendment rights.”

Medical professionals and members of the Legislature held press conferences in Oklahoma City and Tulsa on Monday, urging Gov. Brad Henry to sign Senate Bill 714 into law. Sen. James A. Williamson, principal author of the measure, said the press conferences were necessary to counter misinformation from opponents of the measure.
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On Monday, the evenly divided Oklahoma Senate passed a bipartisan immigration reform bill by a 41 to 6 vote. If the House of Representatives accepts the Senate’s amendments to House Bill 1804, the legislation could be on Gov. Brad Henry’s desk by the end of the week.

Sen. James A. Williamson is the Senate author of HB 1804, “The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007.” He said the bill is designed to protect jobs for citizens as well as addressing concerns about taxpayer supported benefits.
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The State Senate on Thursday joined with other government officials across the nation in helping raise awareness of the importance of affordable housing and community development programs and resources. Senate Resolution 30, by Joe Sweeden, endorses the Housing America 2007 Campaign and recommits the Senate to meeting the affordable housing and community development needs of Oklahoma.
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Calling Senate Bill 714 “outrageous,” Sen. Jim Wilson has urged Gov. Brad Henry to veto the measure. The bill was given final approval in the Senate on Wednesday and is now headed to the governor for his consideration. Wilson said the legislation would forbid the use of state funds, facilities or employees to terminate pregnancies and impose further restrictions as well.
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A measure intended to curb the growing problem of copper theft in Oklahoma moved one step closer to becoming law on Thursday. The full Senate voted in favor of House Bill 1399, which would require junk dealers to maintain detailed records regarding the source of the copper they obtain for resale.

Senate author Cliff Branan explained that increases in copper theft have had far-reaching implications for Oklahomans.

Graph comparing the five appropriations bills approved in the Senate on Wednesday with Gov. Henry’s proposed budgets for those same agencies presented this session.

The evenly divided Oklahoma Senate voted Wednesday to send a bipartisan pro-life bill to Gov. Brad Henry’s desk. The legislation prohibits state funds or facilities from being used to perform abortions.

Wednesday, the Senate adopted the House of Representatives’ amendments to Senate Bill 714, authored by Sen. James A. Williamson, and then voted 32 to 16 for the bill with 8 Democrats joining all 24 Republican senators to pass the legislation.

A painting depicting Solomon Layton, architect of the Oklahoma State Capitol, laying the cornerstone of the building has been officially dedicated. Former State Senator Charles Ford, President of the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc., unveiled the painting during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber on Tuesday.
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Tulsa is the fifth largest metro in the United States without Amtrak service. That’s something Sen. Bill Brown wants to change in the near future. Brown, R-Broken Arrow, is the principal author of Senate Joint Resolution 14, which urges the U.S. Department of Transportation to include a Tulsa to Springfield, Missouri rail line in its existing Missouri Amtrak feasibility study. Gov. Henry voiced his support for the concept when he signed SJR 14 on Sunday.
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Democratic and Republican legislative leaders in the House and Senate Tuesday announced they will immediately pass a $1.5 million supplemental appropriation for the state's military department to help replace aging and dilapidated National Guard armories.

The Senate will take up the supplemental appropriation later Tuesday in House Bill 1184, and the measure could be on the governor’s desk by the end of the week.

The State Senate on Wednesday honored the public service career of former Senator Gary Gardenhire, passing a resolution wishing him well upon his retirement.

Gardenhire’s most recent role in public service concluded in February, when he retired from his position as General Counsel for the Oklahoma Health Department. Sen. Jonathan Nichols authored Senate Resolution 28, praising the distinguished veteran and lifelong public servant for his numerous contributions to the state.

The Senate passed Senate Resolution 25 Wednesday designating April 4, 2007 as "4-H Day" at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The resolution was authored by Senators Ron Justice and Charles Wyrick.

"This organization has always been a big part of my life and has a very special place in my heart," said Justice, R-Chickasha. "I really appreciate everyone who has come today to help educate others about the wonderful contributions that 4-H is making to our local communities and our state as a whole."
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An extraordinary Tulsa woman was honored by the Senate Tuesday for her outstanding accomplishments and contributions to her family and community. Senate Resolution 27, by Sen. Bill Brown, congratulates Chastity "Chazz" Anderson for her selection as Mrs. Oklahoma 2006 and commends her for helping raise awareness of Lupus in Oklahoma.
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The Senate honored a remarkable woman Tuesday for her dedication to her family and to helping bring awareness to sexual abuse in Oklahoma. Sen. Nancy Riley authored Senate Resolution 26 commending Melissa “Missy” Soto on her selection as Mrs. Sand Springs 2007 and for her dedication to giving a voice to the silent crime of sexual abuse in the state.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Tuesday in favor of legislation aimed at protecting the jobs of U.S. citizens. The measure also contains provisions to ensure taxpayer supported benefits are made available to American citizens and legal immigrants only. Sen. James A. Williamson is the Senate author of House Bill 1804, “The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007.” He said the people of Oklahoma are extremely concerned about the issue of illegal immigration.
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The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security voted on Tuesday in favor of a measure intended to curb the number of traumatic all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries in Oklahoma. House Bill 1686 would require children under the age of 18 to wear crash helmets while operating or riding on an ATV on public land.

Senate author Andrew Rice said Oklahoma currently has no safety requirements for ATV riders, other than that they are not allowed to operate ATV’s on paved roads.