As work continues to reform the state’s criminal justice system and release more prisoners, Sen. Adam Pugh has filed two bills to ensure inmates are better prepared to re-enter society. The Edmond Republican said his plans will improve community relations, protect public safety and lower recidivism rates by providing offenders with a plan of action…
Oklahoma could soon join the growing number of states backing away from using Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to administer prescription-drug programs. Sen. Paul Scott, R-Duncan, has filed Senate Bill 1901 to replace the state’s third-party PBMs with a direct-to-pharmacy payment system – a move he said could save the state millions and help significantly lower…
BOISE – A bipartisan group of Afghanistan and Iraq war era veterans praised State Sen. Nathan Dahm for introducing legislation requiring that Oklahoma’s National Guard units cannot be deployed for foreign combat or combat support duties unless Congress has formally adopted a declaration of war as provided by the U.S. Constitution. “As veterans, we strongly…
State Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, was named assistant majority floor leader for the Oklahoma House of Representatives. “Representative Fetgatter has proven to be a spokesman that others in the House look to for leadership and advice,” said House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City. “I know he will be a valuable member of the…
Senate Republicans have elected Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, caucus chair and Senator Greg McCortney caucus vice chair, the President Pro Tempore’s Office announced. The elections were necessary due to the resignation of Senator Jason Smalley, who previously served as caucus chair. Rader previously served as caucus vice chair. McCortney, R-Ada, recently was appointed chair of…
Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson has filed a bill to reform the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act. Thompson, R-Okemah, said the legislation will create government efficiencies while modernizing state agency spending. The Central Purchasing Act sets limitations on agency spending. Although this section of the statutes has been amended in fragments over the past 20 years,…
As millions of people across the United States came together for the National March for Life last weekend, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced a ban on state-funded travel to the State of California. “California and its elected officials over the past few years have banned travel to the State of Oklahoma in an effort to politically…
Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, has filed House Bill 2900 seeking to make abortion murder. State law in Oklahoma already makes abortion illegal unless it is committed by a licensed physician. There were efforts in the Oklahoma Legislature to abolish abortion in the 2019 session but they were blocked from votes in committees by self-proclaimed “pro-life”…
The Oklahoma Senate has completed filing bills for the second session of the 57th Legislature. The deadline was January 16 and a total of 840 Senate Bills and 19 Senate Joint Resolutions were filed. In 2019, 1,040 Senate Bills and 22 Senate Joint Resolutions were filed by the deadline. A total of 645 Senate Bills…
The Oklahoma House of Representatives has completed bill filing for the second session of the 57th Legislature. A total of 1,361 House Bills, 16 House Joint Resolutions and 4 House Concurrent Resolutions were filed. The full text of the bills, along with additional information including authors and coauthors, can be found online at www.okhouse.gov. Last…