Legislation to target meth manufacturers without limiting consumer access to medicines has been approved by the Senate. House Bill 2941, authored by Rep. David Derby and Sen. Rick Brinkley, was approved Tuesday by a vote of 46-1.

Brinkley said the proposal is a way to fight meth addiction in Oklahoma without burdening law-abiding citizens by forcing them to get a prescription for safe, effective cold and allergy relief like Claritin or Advil Cold and Sinus.

“Oklahoma does not have enough revenues to even begin to meet critical needs in education, health, public safety, transportation and other services our citizens depend upon. House Bill 3038 will further erode those resources. We’re 48th in the nation in the health of our citizens. If this becomes law, we’ll soon be 50th. We’re close to last when it comes to teacher pay and per pupil spending. We’ll soon be dead last in those categories, too. Supporters claim we’re going to see businesses and people flock to Oklahoma if we end the income tax.

On Monday, the Senate added two more paintings to its diverse collection of artwork depicting famous Oklahomans and special events in the state’s history. The newest additions depict two of Oklahoma’s most famous Wild West Show personalities, Gordon “Pawnee Bill” Lillie and Lucille Mulhall.

The portraits, by Tulsa artist Tracey Harris, were sponsored by Bob Funk and commissioned by the State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.

Two Tulsa lawmakers said they were disappointed by the governor’s veto of House Bill 2296 on Friday. Sen. Brian Crain and Rep. Eric Proctor co-authored the bipartisan measure, which would have given liability protection to mobile home park operators who allowed residents to take shelter in their office during severe weather

A measure to help eradicate feral hogs, one of Oklahoma's greatest agricultural nuisances, has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1751, authored by Sen. Josh Brecheen and Rep. Don Armes, would authorize citizens to use an electronic tracking device while employing the services of a "Judas pig" to help locate and capture or kill entire herds of feral swine.

Sen. Tom Adelson said after careful consideration, he has decided against seeking reelection to the State Senate. Adleson represented Tulsa District 33 for two terms and under term limits, could have served another four years.

“I want to thank my supporters for their encouragement and commitment to improving state government and to making Oklahoma a great place to live and work and raise a family,” said Adelson, D-Tulsa. “I am so very grateful for the chance to listen and learn about their concerns and ideas to make Oklahoma an even better state.”

The State Senate honored the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls Basketball Team Thursday for their outstanding 2012 season capped by winning the Women's National Invitation Tournament for the first time in school history. A resolution was approved congratulating the team for their courage and perseverance following the tragic plane crash involving head coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna along with OSU alumni, pilot and former Oklahoma State Senator Olin Branstetter and his wife, Paula on November 17, 2011.

Businesswoman AJ Griffin is officially on the job as the Senate’s newest member. Griffin was elected in a special election held April 3 to fill the District 20 seat, which includes Logan, Noble, Pawnee and Kingfisher counties.

“It is a humbling experience to stand in the Senate Chamber, hand on the Bible and realize the tremendous responsibility the citizens have entrusted to me, but I am also honored by that trust and excited about working with constituents and my fellow senators to help move our state forward,” said Griffin, R-Guthrie.

Sen. Gary Stanislawski said a bill allowing access to statistical data about drug prescriptions has been approved by both chambers and is one step closer to becoming law.

Stanislawski, R-Tulsa, is principal author of Senate Bill 1065, which deals with the state’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). The database is maintained by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD) to track prescriptions of specific types of drugs, like Vicodin.

A bill to protect public buildings used as shelters during natural disasters from liability claims has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1316, by Sen. Ron Justice and Rep. Fred Jordan, modifies the Governmental Tort Claims Act by adding an exemption from liability for cities, towns, counties or other entities that open public buildings up to citizens during emergencies like tornadoes.