A measure to simplify the criteria for students to be eligible for in-state tuition at Oklahoma colleges and universities has been approved by the state Senate.
Under Senate Bill 1624, authored by Sen. John Sparks, if a student is a United States citizen and an Oklahoma resident at the time they graduate from an Oklahoma high school, they will always be eligible for in-state tuition. Sparks said his proposal will make it easier for many native Oklahomans to pursue their educational goals in Oklahoma.

The state Senate has approved Caylee’s Law, a measure requiring parents or guardians to report that a child has gone missing within a 48-hour period.
Sen. Ralph Shortey, author of Senate Bill 1721, said the bill was motivated by the 2011 trial of Casey Anthony, who was convicted of lying to police regarding the disappearance of her daughter. SB 1721 creates a felony for failure to report a missing child within 48 hours.

A measure that would help the state’s 107 housing authorities recoup millions in unpaid rent and property damages each year was approved in the Senate. Senate Bill 1019, by Sen. Earl Garrison, would allow public housing authorities to file claims with the Oklahoma Tax Commission to garnish former tenants’ personal income tax refunds for any monies owed for rent or property damage.

The Senate today approved legislation that would require candidates in presidential primaries to provide proof of identity and eligibility to hold office.
Sen. Ralph Shortey, author of Senate Bill 1569, said critics of similar legislation filed last year claimed the measure was an attempt to capitalize on criticism of President Barack Obama, but his proposal is a matter of common sense reform.

The Senate showed their support of Oklahoma’s heroes who are wounded in battle by giving unanimous approval to a bill to protect Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) in divorce proceedings. Senate Bill 1951 would deem a portion of CRSC as separate property, not divisible as a marital asset or community property. The bill would prohibit alimony payments, whether designated for support or for property division, to be based on CRSC.

The full Senate has given approval to legislation preventing cities or state government from disarming citizens during a state of emergency. State Sen. Anthony Sykes is the principal author of Senate Bill 1760. Sykes said the bill would prevent what happened in New Orleans just a few years ago.

Legislation intended to reduce the state’s long-term fiscal burden and protect the viability of pension systems was approved by the Senate on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 1264, authored by Sen. Dan Newberry, will guarantee a percentage of spillover funding is dedicated toward paying the state’s pension liability debt.

The Senate on Tuesday approved legislation to target meth manufacturers while preserving citizens’ access to medicines. Sen. Rick Brinkley, author of Senate Bill 1634, said his proposal would provide law enforcement officials with powerful tools to fight meth, but would not make pseudoephedrine available by prescription only.

The full Senate has given approval to a measure that would lower the state’s personal income tax rate over a two year period. Senate Bill 1623, by Sen. Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, was approved Tuesday. Mazzei said the measure will enable citizens to keep more of their hard-earned money and make Oklahoma more attractive for job creation.

Legislation to prevent cover-ups of on-campus sexual assaults and child abuse has been approved by the full Senate. Senate Bill 1889, by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, won unanimous approval on Tuesday. Marlatt described it as the “anti-Sandusky” bill.

Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky is facing multiple counts of sexual abuse of children, including assaults that allegedly occurred on campus.