Senate Bill 970 passed the full Senate today, a bill from the newly created Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget. The committee was created upon the enactment of joint rules within the legislature, something Oklahoma has not had since 1999.

Citing a House panel’s approval of an immigration reform proposal this week, Sen. Ralph Shortey on Thursday said he was encouraged to see reform efforts winning support in both houses of the Legislature.

House Bill 1446, authored by Rep. George Faught, was approved by the House Judiciary committee on Monday. The measure includes multiple provisions addressing immigration law, including sections that mirror those in Senate Bill 908, authored by Shortey.

Legislators continue to work on a plan that will address Oklahoma’s $16 billion of unfunded pension liability. The Senate Select Committee on Pensions met Thursday to discuss major reforms to the system and listen to input from experts within various pensions affected by the current system. The Senate is targeting reforms that will guarantee current workers receive all of the benefits that were promised them when they entered the system.

Oklahoma County homeowners who have recently received their property tax bill need to file an appeal before the clock runs out. That’s according to State Sen. Jim Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, who said one out of three homeowners in the county is being overcharged. He said that’s just one problem in a system that is clearly broken and needs to be fixed.

A measure to extend a portion of the sales tax exemption allowed for 100% disabled veterans to their widows unanimously passed the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday. Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton, says the measure would provide some financial help to the surviving spouses of Oklahoma’s heroes.

Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the free speech rights of funeral picketers, State Sen. Josh Brecheen said Wednesday he would ask for an Attorney General’s opinion on his legislation which would double the time moratorium and distance such protests can be held at Oklahoma funerals.

The State Senate has given unanimous approval to a measure moving Oklahoma’s presidential primary from February back to March. Sen. David Holt (R-Oklahoma City) is author of the measure which was approved on Tuesday. Holt said Senate Bill 808 ensures Oklahoma will not be excluded from the 2012 political conventions.

The Senate dedicated a portrait Tuesday afternoon of Oklahoma-native Admiral Joseph James “Jocko” Clark. The portrait, commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund and sponsored by Sen. and Mrs. Cliff Branan, was painted by world-renowned artist and Oklahoma City resident Mike Wimmer.

The full Senate has approved a measure to name the southbound I-44 bridge over the Red River in honor of President George W. Bush. Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, is principal author of Senate Bill 304, which was approved on a bipartisan vote of 40-5 on Tuesday. The vote came on the same day as the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum announced the President, his wife and daughters will be honored this April with the 2011 Reflections of Hope Award.

The State Senate unanimously approved legislation Monday amending the Public Competitive Act of 1974. Senate Bill 127, by Sen. Jerry Ellis, strengthens the Act by providing penalties for those who do not use competitive bidding on public projects.