The Senate approved to a bill to modernize and standardize services receive at local tag agencies. Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, is the author of Senate Bill 1605. “The pandemic, along with software issues and other challenges implementing the issuance of REAL IDs, underscored the need to modernize and standardize how we deliver services to citizens,”…
Oklahoma could soon join the other 33 states that honor America’s military by not taxing their retirement pay, following the Senate’s unanimous approval of Senate Bill 401. The measure is authored by Air Force veteran Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, vice chair of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. Currently, Oklahoma’s…
February tax receipts to the Oklahoma Treasury show Oklahoma’s economy continues to expand, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine raises many concerns including inflationary pressure, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said. February gross receipts of $1.06 billion are up by almost 12% compared to the same month of last year. That is a record high for…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Compared to the beginning of 2021, more U.S. Protestant churches are gathering in person and more churchgoers are filling the pews. The return to pre-pandemic attendance levels has stalled, however, in recent months. The Latest Lifeway Research study found, despite a new variant wave of COVID-19, 97% of U.S. Protestant churches met…
With inflation remaining at a 40-year high, House Republicans advanced five new options the Legislature can choose from to provide tax relief to Oklahomans this session. House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said, “With President Biden’s policies driving inflation up and more states cutting taxes – especially income taxes – last year than any year since…
The Oklahoma Senate approved a resolution affirming the historical ties between the state and the people of Ukraine and supporting their fight against the violent and illegal Russian invasion. “We stand with the people of Ukraine and call on the citizens of Oklahoma to join us in praying for their safety and freedom. We have…
To keep punishment decisions for the most heinous crimes out of the hands of political appointees and with courts and juries, where they belong, Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando, advanced legislation restricting the Pardon and Parole Board from exceeding its jurisdiction on death penalty and life without parole cases. “The Pardon and Parole Board’s controversial, unprecedented…
Legislation creating a fund to help counties and municipalities impacted by natural disasters passed its House committee. House Bill 3819, authored by Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, would create the Oklahoma Disaster Mitigation and Recovery Matching Fund. This fund would be appropriated $5 million to aid counties and communities impacted by natural disasters or at risk…
Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, saod House Bill 3718 has passed through the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee. The bill, authored by Roberts, adds an enforcement clause to last year’s legislation banning COVID-19 vaccines mandates, mask mandates and vaccine passports as a condition of admittance to, or attendance at, a state school. “Last year, the…
The Senate voted to prohibit anyone without a disability or who is not trained to assist those with disabilities from fraudulently representing a pet as a service animal. Senate Bill 1223 was introduced by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant. “Sadly, there are some in our society who will take advantage of the benefits of a service…