State agencies, assets and institutions would save hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars under a behavior-based energy conservation program passed by the state Senate on Monday. Senate Bill 1096, authored by President Pro Tem Brian Bingman at the request of Governor Mary Fallin, passed the Senate by a vote of 44-0. SB 1096 is inspired, in part, by an energy conservation program started in 2007 at Oklahoma State University. The University has since lowered energy consumption campus-wide by 19%, representing a savings of nearly $19 million.

The full Senate has voted in favor of a measure to gradually phase out the state income tax. Senate Bill 1571, also known as the OCPA/Laffer Plan, was approved Monday, 30 to 17. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the principal author of the legislation. He said one important change made since the bill left committee is an amendment that addresses concerns raised by retirees and Oklahomans in the military.

When the full Senate takes up a measure next week to gradually phase-out Oklahoma’s income tax, the bill will address concerns raised by retirees and members of the military. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the author of Senate Bill 1571, also known as the OCPA/Laffer Plan. The Senate is expected to consider his legislation when members reconvene on Monday.

Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman released the following statement Wednesday after the Senate gave unanimous approval to Senate Bill 1863 creating the Post-Military Service Occupation, Education and Credentialing Act.

Many military veterans struggle to find work after retirement and their spouses sometimes have a hard time finding a job after a base transfer, but legislation that was approved unanimously Wednesday in the Senate could make their search much easier. Senate Bill 1863, by retired Army Lt. Colonel Sen. Steve Russell, creates the Post-Military Service Occupation, Education and Credentialing Act.

The full Senate on Tuesday approved a measure that would require abortion providers to inform patients they have a right to hear the heartbeat of their unborn child before it is aborted.

Senate Bill 1274, the Heartbeat Informed Consent Act, is authored by Sen. Dan Newberry. The Tulsa Republican said the measure is an important step forward in protecting the unborn.

On Monday, the Senate dedicated a portrait of Choctaw Statesman, Chief Allen Wright who is credited with suggesting the name "Oklahoma" for the new U.S. Territory created in 1890. The painting, by Oklahoma artist Mike Larsen, was sponsored by the Chief’s great-great-grandson Allen Wright and his wife Jacque, along with their family.

Sen. Ralph Shortey on Monday applauded Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak for taking a stand against the federal government’s attempt to force religious institutions to offer birth control, sterilization and abortifacients to their employees.

Doak this week will introduce a resolution at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Spring 2012 national meeting urging his peers to protect religious liberties in healthcare.

The full Senate has given approval to a $92.5 million supplemental funding bill to meet specific needs in public safety and education. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the Senate Appropriations Chairman and author of Senate Bill 1959, which was overwhelmingly approved on Thursday.

After an emotional debate in the State Senate on Tuesday, members voted to disapprove a plan critics say could cause the deaths of some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. House Concurrent Resolution 1030, by Rep. Lisa Billy and Sen. Susan Paddack, was an effort to block a Department of Human Services (DHS) proposal the lawmakers said would ultimately force the closure of SORC, the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center, in Pauls Valley.