News

College of the Ozarks to host Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” for Spring Work Ethic Forum

March 2, 2023

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks will host Mike Rowe, television personality and proponent of a strong work ethic, for the Spring Work Ethic Forum Convocation on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. “Since our founding in 1906, the Work Education Program at College of the Ozarks has been our signature program, and we want…

Q 820 Recreational marijuana vote March 7

February 23, 2023 Karen Hardin

On March 7 Oklahomans will head to the polls for a special election on State Question 820 to decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana. According to the Tulsa County Election Board, there has been a significant jump in new voter registrations in the last couple of months presumably to vote for this initiative. Medical marijuana…

OK House announces education plan

February 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Republicans on Thursday announced an education plan designed for every student, parent and teacher in the state. House Bill 2775, authored by House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, includes a $500 million increase in funding for public schools throughout the state that will fund $2,500 pay raises for every teacher not…

Senate bill “woman means woman” passes out of committee

February 23, 2023 Ray Carter

Oklahoma lawmakers approve bill declaring woman means woman Members of an Oklahoma Senate committee have advanced legislation to standardize state law and ensure that all references to women in statute are explicitly defined as individuals declared female at birth. Senate Bill 408, by state Sen. Jessica Garvin, creates the “Women’s Bill of Rights.” The text…

Bill to increase fines/prison time for stealing firearms clears first hurdle

February 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Public Safety Committee has given its approval to a measure to increase the penalties for firearm thefts in Oklahoma. Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, is the author of Senate Bill 859, which was approved by the panel on Thursday. Weaver is a former head of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and…

Hamilton’s bill to increase poll worker pay passes Senate Judiciary Committee

February 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Judiciary Committee met on Tuesday and unanimously passed Senate Bill 290, which would increase pay for election day poll workers. “This is a much needed and much deserved pay raise for our dedicated poll workers who often work over 13 hours on election day,” Hamilton said, “I am so appreciative…

Senate approves bill prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors

February 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has approved a measure prohibiting gender transition procedures for children under the age of 18. Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, is the author of Senate Bill 613, which bans the use of any medications or surgical procedures for the purpose of gender transition. Behavioral and mental health counseling and medications…

McBride/Baker Bills Would Revise State Education Board

February 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Common Education Committee on Tuesday passed two bills that would change the composition of the State Board of Education. House Bill 2562 would increase the size of the board from 7 members to 11, authorizing the speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate to appoint…

Senate approves VPO for child abuse victims

February 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, has won full Senate approval for his legislation to better protect child abuse victims. Senate Bill 291, approved on Monday, would enable children, with the help of an adult, to seek a victim protective order (VPO) against their abuser. “While adults can certainly file for a VPO to…

Bashore Passes Vehicle Excise Tax Savings Bill in Committee

February 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation that would modify the formula for determining motor vehicle excise tax on vehicle purchases passed unanimously in the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee for Finance on Monday. House Bill 1389 is authored by Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, who ran similar legislation last session. “This is a pro-consumer bill that figures excise…