SB 1030 would build 800 MHZ Statewide Emergency Communication System

The Senate on Wednesday chose the Mexican free-tailed bat an unusual bat with a migratory pattern that has become in a huge tourist attraction for one Oklahoma state park as the official state flying mammal of Oklahoma.

This is really a tourism bill, said Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, author of Senate Bill 1678, which recognizes the Mexican free-tailed bat, also known as Tadarida brasiliensis, as the states flying mammal. The Selman Bat Cave out by Alabaster Caverns State Park is a great tourist attraction.

SB 1747 Could Be Signed into Law in Matter of Days

An original painting depicting the first president of the University of Oklahoma was unveiled in the Oklahoma State Senate today. Painted by Norman artist Mike Wimmer and sponsored by OU President David Boren, his wife, Molly Shi Boren, and Senator Cal Hobson, the original artwork portrays David Ross Boyd planting one of the first trees on the university campus.

With the family of Caitlin Wooten sitting in the Senate gallery this morning, the Senate unanimously approved The Caitlin Wooten Act with bi-partisan support. The author of Senate Bill 1037, Senator Susan Paddack, said with the bills approval by the Senate, it now awaits action in the House of Representatives.

A bill that will bring greater financial responsibility and accountability to state government won the approval of the full Senate today.

The Senate author, Senator Kenneth Corn, said Senate Bill 1341 requires independent performance audits of state agencies to determine if the agencies are adequately carrying out the mission they have been assigned by the Legislature.

Senator Debbe Leftwich, chair of the Business and Labor Committee says Oklahoma residents should have the opportunity to decide on what type of county government they believe will help move Oklahoma forward.

Leftwich, (D-Oklahoma City), expressed frustration Monday that her amendment concerning county home rule government hit a roadblock in the legislative process when a procedural motion failed to receive enough votes to allow an up-or-down vote on the measure by the full Senate.

A measure creating a back-to-school sales tax holiday passed off the Senate floor Tuesday and is headed for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 1665 by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Jay Paul Gumm was approved by a 42-5 vote. The measure is part of the Senate Democrats “Agenda to Empower the Middle Class” and is supported by Governor Brad Henry.

Pole Road will continue to serve as an entrance to Crossroads Mall from Interstate 240 in South Oklahoma City, transportation officials have informed Sen. Debbe Leftwich, who fought to keep the Pole Road exit open when a new highway interchange design threatened to make shoppers drive a mile out of their way.

Protecting Oklahoma's children from internet predators is the focus of Senate Bill 1479 which was approved today by the State Senate. Senator Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, is primary author of the bill.