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The Tulsa Beacon

 

Legislative Update

Medical assault problem

Tulsa Beacon

Oklahoma needs to be proactive in addressing assaults against medical professionals.  That’s according to Sen. Darrell Weaver, author of Senate Bill 1290, the Medical Care Provider Protection Act. Last October, Weaver held an interim study on healthcare professionals and workplace violence.  Weaver, R-Moore, said despite a career in law enforcement, he was stunned by the…

Raise tobacco age to 21

Tulsa Beacon

State Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, has filed legislation to reflect recent changes in federal law raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21.   Last month, Congress passed legislation prohibiting the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.  The Tobacco-Free Youth Act was signed into…

School counselors’ bill

Tulsa Beacon

Due to unfunded mandates of public education testing, many Oklahoma schools are using their school counselors as building test coordinators and test administrators, a practice Sen. Mary Boren says needs to stop.  The Norman democrat and certified school counselor filed Senate Bill 1381 to protect school counselors from being pulled away from their official duties…

Judge Rowe Nominated to SCO

Tulsa Beacon

Stitt nominates his second judge Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the appointment of Dustin P. Rowe to the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. This is Stitt’s second appointment to the state Supreme Court. Rowe’s appointment fills the vacancy for District 2 created by former Justice Patrick Wyrick’s appointment to become a federal judge on the United States…

State House resolution condemns partisan impeachment

Tulsa Beacon

State Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow,  filed a House Concurrent Resolution asking their colleagues in both the House and Senate to condemn the actions of the U.S. Congress for pursuing impeachment proceedings against President Donald J. Trump instead of performing the serious work prescribed to them by the Constitution, which…

Sex offenders must report

Tulsa Beacon

As of November 1, sex offenders residing with a minor child must now report to the statewide centralized Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) hotline. Previously, only the parent, stepparent or grandparent of a minor had to report to the hotline.  Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, authored the bill at the request of DHS to better…

Income tax credit for gun safety bill

Tulsa Beacon

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed legislation to create an income tax credit for Oklahoma citizens who successfully complete the gun safety training course required to get a concealed carry permit. “Since Constitutional Carry has gone into effect, many people have expressed concerns about no longer forcing people to undergo government-mandated training in order to…

Drivers license

Tulsa Beacon

Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, hosted an interim study before the House Public Safety Committee to examine possible steps that could be taken to help get drivers licenses reinstated after being involved in the justice system. Miller requested the study to examine the impact possessing a valid drivers license has on a person’s life after they…

Gambling compact negotiations between Stitt/tribes stalled

Tulsa Beacon

Gov. Kevin Stitt said state-tribal negotiations over casino compacts have reached an impasse, but said he remains committed to an improved agreement that will require state casino operators to pay market rates for monopoly gambling rights. “What does the casino industry pay in other states?” Stitt said. “What is market? That’s the fairest way to…

Lawmakers ponder more prison release strategies

Tulsa Beacon

State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane. detailed his plan to dramatically reduce the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to create a new parole system. Humphrey’s interim study, Restructuring the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System, was held before the House Public Safety Committee, which he chairs. “This plan would provide increased supervision and improve outcomes for those released…