Press Releases

A measure to ensure better safety for homemade amusement rides was approved Tuesday by the Senate. Sen. Frank Simpson is author of Senate Bill 379, which would require inspection and certification of homemade amusement rides brought to public venues.

Oklahoma County homeowners who have recently received their property tax bill need to file an appeal before the clock runs out. That’s according to State Sen. Jim Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, who said one out of three homeowners in the county is being overcharged. He said that’s just one problem in a system that is clearly broken and needs to be fixed.

A measure to extend a portion of the sales tax exemption allowed for 100% disabled veterans to their widows unanimously passed the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday. Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton, says the measure would provide some financial help to the surviving spouses of Oklahoma’s heroes.
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Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the free speech rights of funeral picketers, State Sen. Josh Brecheen said Wednesday he would ask for an Attorney General’s opinion on his legislation which would double the time moratorium and distance such protests can be held at Oklahoma funerals.
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Legislation to provide financial assistance to school districts around the state passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday. Senate Bill 80, by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, would remove the limit on school district carryover funds helping provide schools with more funding.

“Currently, schools are draining their general funds in order to avoid being penalized by the state and having their State Aid reduced. By eliminating the carryover limits, schools could act responsibly and save their money for future budgetary needs,” said Stanislawski, R-Tulsa.
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The State Senate unanimously approved legislation Monday amending the Public Competitive Act of 1974. Senate Bill 127, by Sen. Jerry Ellis, strengthens the Act by providing penalties for those who do not use competitive bidding on public projects.

The State Senate has given unanimous approval to a measure moving Oklahoma’s presidential primary from February back to March. Sen. David Holt (R-Oklahoma City) is author of the measure which was approved on Tuesday. Holt said Senate Bill 808 ensures Oklahoma will not be excluded from the 2012 political conventions.

The Senate dedicated a portrait Tuesday afternoon of Oklahoma-native Admiral Joseph James “Jocko” Clark. The portrait, commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund and sponsored by Sen. and Mrs. Cliff Branan, was painted by world-renowned artist and Oklahoma City resident Mike Wimmer.
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The full Senate has approved a measure to name the southbound I-44 bridge over the Red River in honor of President George W. Bush. Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, is principal author of Senate Bill 304, which was approved on a bipartisan vote of 40-5 on Tuesday. The vote came on the same day as the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum announced the President, his wife and daughters will be honored this April with the 2011 Reflections of Hope Award.

The state Senate on Tuesday approved legislation that would require the display of the ‘Honor and Remember Flag’ at the state Capitol to commemorate the sacrifice of fallen soldiers.

Senate Bill 395, authored by Sen. Bill Brown, would require the display of the flag on the south steps of the state Capitol, underneath the United States flag, upon the combat death of an Oklahoma soldier.

The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday approved a proposal intended to broaden the number of private school scholarships awarded to children from low-income households.

Sen. Dan Newberry, author of Senate Bill 969, said the proposal would establish a tax credit to incentivize greater contributions to scholarship funds.

A measure to strengthen Oklahoma’s funeral picketing laws was approved unanimously Tuesday. Senate Bill 406, by Sen. Josh Brecheen, will help keep protesters away from funeral services for a longer period of time as well as a further distance away from a service.