A Senate measure to help protect motorists and make Oklahoma’s roads safer has been signed into law by Governor Brad Henry. Senate Bill 1929, authored by Senator David Myers and Rep. Jim Newport, creates the David Jaggers Law, named after a long-time motorcycling enthusiast and active member in the Downed Bikers Association who was killed by a negligent, reckless motorist while riding his motorcycle.

A bill aimed at strengthening penalties for Internet sexual predators won approval from the full House Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1479, by State Senator Jim Wilson, (D-Tahlequah) and Rep. Purcy Walker, (D-Elk City) increases the punishment for child predators using modern technology to sexually solicit minors, making the crime a felony and increasing the sentence to 10 years in prison.

The bill now goes back to the Senate.

Leftwich and Hamilton Question Motive Behind Last-minute Resolution

After defeating a two-year effort to protect the rights of women by refusing to allow an up or down vote on the Victim’s Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) last week, House Rules Committee Chair Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa, offered a resolution on the floor of the House Monday containing watered down language from the bill. Her actions have two members of the Legislature demanding an explanation.

A bill by that protects the right of law-abiding citizens to “keep and bear arms” even during times of emergencies is now law in Oklahoma.

Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, sponsored House Bill 2696 in the Oklahoma State Senate. The new law removes the power of a governor to prohibit during emergencies the possession of guns by law-abiding citizens. Rep. Trebor Worthen, R-Oklahoma City, was the measure’s House author.

Legislation to broaden the rights of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves has been approved by the full State Senate. House Bill 2615, known as the “Stand Your Ground” bill by Sen. Harry Coates, R-Seminole and Rep. Kevin Calvey, R-Del City, was approved by the Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 39 to 5.

Coates said the “Make My Day” law had resulted in a dramatic decrease in burglaries in Oklahoma. He predicted the “Stand Your Ground” bill would also help deter crime.

A bill authored by Senator Susan Paddack, an Ada Democrat, that will give Oklahoma families a tax credit for rebuilding their homes that were destroyed or damaged by the recent wildfires won the approval of the full Senate today. House Bill 2121 enacts a tax credit for the difference between the ad valorem paid on the property in the year prior to the wildfire damage and the ad valorem taxes paid in the first year the property is rebuilt.

The State Senate on Monday approved legislation to place restrictions on the sale of violent video games to Oklahoma children.

House Bill 3004, by Sen. Glenn Coffee and Rep. Fred Morgan, would add violent video games to the list of products termed “harmful to minors” under state law, making it a crime to sell them to children under the age of 18.

For his work to ensure Oklahoma’s neediest high school students have a chance at a higher education, Senator Jay Paul Gumm was recently declared a “Champion of TRIO.”

TRIO is a series of programs that help students from disadvantaged backgrounds – especially students whose parents did not attend college – prepare for higher education. The program provides services that include: academic advice and assistance; tutorial services; help with college admission and financial aid applications; as well as mentoring and counseling.

The State Senate on Monday passed a resolution honoring the exceptional life and work of Gloria Farley of Heavener, a teacher, researcher, author and caseworker for the state welfare system.

Senator Kenneth Corn, author of Senate Resolution 87, said Farley’s tireless work and efforts have produced a wealth of historical knowledge and ultimately resulted in her research area being transformed into the Heavener Runestone State Park.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said Tuesday’s show in the House makes it clear that the House Republican leadership has placed tax cuts for the wealthy above the education of Oklahoma’s children.

“House leaders continue to stump for a package of tax cuts that will cost Oklahoma nearly $650 million and which will benefit the wealthiest in Oklahoma far more than the middle class. Yet today, they voted to short-change Oklahoma’s teachers,” Morgan said.