A bill to help school children enjoy nutritious, locally-grown fruits and vegetables has won unanimous approval by the full Senate. Senator Daisy Lawler is the author of SB 1515, which would create a statewide Farm to School program.

“This a win-win bill for helping our kids with better health and nutrition and for rural economic development,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “Our initial pilot program was a resounding success and surveys of school districts throughout the state tell us they’re very enthusiastic about this concept.”

The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a bill that will completely eliminate Oklahomas estate tax, also known as the death tax. Senate Bill 334, by Senators Mike Mazzei and Glenn Coffee, would provide immediate estate tax relief to non-lineal heirs, such as nephews and nieces, and would completely eliminate the death tax over a three-year period.

A measure that will expand the most innovative public-private partnership in Medicaid history won approval by the full State Senate Thursday and is headed for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

State Sen. Daisy Lawler is urging Oklahomans to remember that there is still a statewide burn-ban in effect. That’s after a suspected arson fire in her district has destroyed homes, displaced hundreds of people and injured two volunteer firefighters with the Rush Springs Fire Department. At least five other firefighters have been reported injured in other parts of the state.

Lawler said the fire that started near Empire City has left members of her church and other friends homeless.

The full Senate has voted unanimously for a bill giving neighborhoods across the state greater protection from rapists and child molesters. Sen. Glenn Coffee is author of Senate Bill 1754, also known as the Neighborhood Protection Against Sex Offenders Act. "Just about everyone from time to time will need the services of a plumbing or electrical company or some other business that sends workers into their home. What this act will do is let people know if an employee of that business is on the sex offender registry before that person is sent into their home," said Coffee R-Oklahoma City.

State Senator Mary Easley (D-Tulsa), vice-chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee expressed her appreciation Thursday that her funeral picketing bill was approved by the House and will now go before Gov. Brad Henry to sign into law.

Senate Bill 1020, known as the “Oklahoma Funeral Picketing Act” would make it a misdemeanor to picket within 500 feet of a cemetery, mortuary or church from one hour before the scheduled commencement of funeral services until one hour after the actual completion of the funeral services.

Legislation aimed at saving the lives of Oklahoma children and teenagers has been approved by the full Senate. Senate Bill 1495, known as the Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act, is named for 12-year-old Kyle Williams of Edmond, who died as a result of a jet ski accident in August 2004.

State Senators Wednesday unanimously approved legislation creating a permanent funding source to provide state funds to bolster the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

“Despite warmer than normal temperatures this winter, the rising cost of natural gas has already sparked a dramatic increase in home heating bills, leaving many Oklahoma families struggling to make ends meet,” said Senator Cal Hobson, author of the measure.

Legislation that will keep tickets to Oklahoma City Hornets games among the lowest in the league and complete the incentive package that helped lure the National Basketball Association team to the Ford Center earlier this year cleared its last legislative hurdle Wednesday and his headed to the desk of Governor Brad Henry.

Senate Bill 1022 is authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan. The measure exempts tickets to NBA and NHL games in Oklahoma from sales tax.

Legislation by Sen. Daisy Lawler to ensure motor fuel taxes are spent on transportation needs was approved unanimously by the Senate on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 1028, by Lawler, D-Comanche, would redirect the 1.625 percent of gasoline taxes and 1.39 percent of diesel taxes that are currently deposited in the state’s General Revenue Fund into the State Transportation Fund. The change would provide more than $7 million additional dollars for roads and bridges.