The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a measure ensuring the future of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSUCOM). Senate Bill 1771 will create an authority and trust to execute and implement the terms of an Academic Affiliation Agreement recently reached between OSUCOM and the Tulsa Regional Medical Center (TRMC).

Sen. Mike Mazzei is co-author of the legislation, which he called critical to the survival of the medical school.

State Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee of Oklahoma City made the following statement regarding Gov. Brad Henry’s call for a special session on the state budget:

“This is the special session that should not be. It is only necessary because of the weeks of obstruction by Senate Democrats and their unwillingness to allow a meaningful income tax cut for Oklahoma taxpayers in a year with a record tax surplus,” Coffee said.

State Sen. James A. Williamson said Gov. Brad Henry’s call for a special session on the state budget is a failure of leadership by the governor.

“This special session is a failure of leadership by Gov. Henry. It is incredible to me that he apparently has no ability to convince any of the Senate Democrats to compromise on the budget and tax cuts,” stated Williamson, R-Tulsa.

Senator Nancy Riley said the State Senate on Thursday took an important step to ensure the protection of our most vulnerable citizens by passing her bill to reform the Sex Offender Registration Act.

“Several recent incidents have brought to light an urgent need for these reforms,” said Riley, R-Tulsa. “The residents in my district have been extremely concerned about this issue and I’m pleased the Senate passed this measure, taking it one step closer to becoming law.”

Oklahoma State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said one of the first measures passed this legislative session in the Oklahoma State Senate honors the life of Senator Robert M. Kerr.

Today, Senate Joint Resolution 63 which names the Quartz Mountain Resort Arts and Conference Center after the late Senator finally received final approval in the House of Representatives.

The State Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a measure that will create the Oklahoma Farm-to-School Program. The bill now advances to the Governor’s office.

Sen. Daisy Lawler, author of House Bill 2655, said she was pleased her legislation has reached the final step in the legislative process.

“This legislation is a win-win situation for Oklahoma,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “Not only will the bill provide our school children with fresh and healthy foods, but it will create a significant economic boost for Oklahoma farmers.”

Sen. Mike Mazzei said he was extremely gratified that the full Senate had given unanimous approval to his bill strengthening retirement systems for teachers, public employees and judges. Mazzei said Senate Bill 1894 was designed to “stop the bleeding” before it is too late.

A new state law that gives Oklahomans the right to use a gun to defend themselves if they are threatened is just the latest is a series of measures designed to assure citizens of the state can exercise their rights under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The “Stand Your Ground Law” was possible, State Senator Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, said Tuesday, because of a measure he authored a decade ago that made carrying a concealed weapon legal in Oklahoma.

Senator Jim Wilson says Oklahoma's children will be better protected from Internet predators now that the "SafeNet Act" is in effect in the state. The new law created through Senate Bill 1479, by Senator Wilson and Rep. Purcy Walker, became immediately effective after receiving approval from the Governor Monday morning.

An original painting was dedicated at the State Capitol Tuesday entitled “Showers of Sunshine: A Landscape of Grady County, Oklahoma.” The work, by artist Linda Tuma Robertson of Edmond, was unveiled during a special ceremony in the House Chamber. The painting was a gift of the Rob McCune family. Rob is the son of the late State Senator John R. McCune who served in the State Legislature from 1969 until 1988. The artwork was commissioned by the Oklahoma Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc., which is headed by former State Senator Charles Ford.