The House passed bills that would allow Oklahoma students to transfer between public school districts at any time and that change the school funding formula to make money follow the student and curb the number of non-existing – or ghost – students currently allowed in the system. “Open transfer ensures equity regardless of geography by…
A measure allowing social media users to sue for damages against any social media website that censors a user’s political or religious speech was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, authored Senate Bill 383 to eliminate selective censorship of opinion on social media and to ensure free speech is treated…
Hundreds of Oklahoma teaching positions are empty, and a 2017 statute allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom with no limitations on earnings expired June 30, 2020. The Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 267 to extend the earnings exemption through 2024. Senate Education Committee Vice Chairman, Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee,…
The House approved legislation outlining the process to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate if the need arises. House Bill 2173, authored by Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, would allow the governor to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate with a temporary appointment until an election can occur. He started developing the legislation last…
The Senate Public Safety Committee approved Senate Bill 631, authored by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, that would make Oklahoma a Second Amendment sanctuary state. The bill would preempt any future legislation, rules or ordinances by the federal government, state agency or political subdivision in Oklahoma from infringing on citizens’ Second Amendment rights. It would also…
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a measure to prohibit law enforcement agencies from releasing audio or video showing an officer dying in the line of duty unless a court rules the material should be released in specific cases. Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, is principal author of Senate Bill 968. Haste said his legislation has…
The Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations & Budget Committee passed legislation by Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, to update the statutory income qualifier to claim an additional homestead exemption. The qualifier has not been raised since 1997. House Bill 1009 increases the statutory income qualifier to claim an additional homestead exemption from $20,000 to $25,000. The additional homestead…
A bill to clarify and strengthen penalties for those who commit crimes during violent riots is now on its way to the full Senate. Senate Bill 806, creating the Oklahoma Citizens’ Protection Act, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, was approved on Wednesday by the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Peaceful protest is a right under our Constitution,…
A bill that will increase the amount of death benefits for any firefighter, paid or volunteer, or law enforcement officer who is in the pension system and passes away, was referred for an actuarial analysis by a vote of 8-0 in the House Banking Committee. The actuarial analysis will determine the fiscal impact of the…
The Senate Rules Committee approved Senate Bill 253, authored by Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, which would modify declaration of candidacy forms for citizens seeking to hold public office. The measure would require candidates to provide the date they registered as a voter of the political party they are running for as well as his or…