Legislative Update

More clarity for custody hearings

March 7, 2019

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation to help parents better understand judges’ rulings on child custody and visitation. Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, authored Senate 65 after hearing from numerous constituents who are frustrated with their custody or visitation arrangements and have gotten no clear explanation about the court’s findings. “To judges, these individuals may just…

Online approval for state notaries

March 7, 2019

The Senate gave unanimous approval to legislation to allow notary publics to certify electronic documents. Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, is the author of Senate Bill 915 which would create a Remote Online Notarization (RON) process in Oklahoma allowing notaries to perform their services online over secure audio video calls rather than in person. Under…

Southern Baptist and GOP leaders criticize SB13 to abolish abortion

February 28, 2019

The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma is publicly opposing Senate Bill 13, the Abolition of Abortion in Oklahoma Act. Sen. Joseph Silk, R-Broken Bow, is the author of SB13, which would bring an immediate end to legalized abortion in Oklahoma. “The BGCO’s letter asserts Senate Bill 13 would be invalidated by the courts, but the…

Bill targets abortionist licenses

February 28, 2019

The Oklahoma House Public Health Committee approved a bill that would strip away the state license of any doctor who commits an abortion. This is almost identical to a bill by Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, that passed both houses but was vetoed by ex-Gov. Mary Fallin three years ago. HB1182 by Rep. Jim Olson,…

Ribeye may be the state steak?

February 28, 2019

The ribeye may soon be the official state steak. State Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, is the author of Senate Bill 21. Murdock said the bill is all about promoting a vital part of Oklahoma’s economy and heritage. “The cattle industry is a huge part of Oklahoma’s identity,” Murdock said. “We have 5.1 million head of…

Constitutional carry bill advances

February 28, 2019

The Senate Appropriations Committee overwhelmingly approved a bill that would permit Oklahomans to carry firearms without a permit. The committee voted 18-4 for the “constitutional carry” bill and sent the measure on to be considered by the entire Senate. House Bill 2597 by Sen. Kim David, R-Wagoner, and Representative Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, would permit…

$574.4 million budget surplus

February 28, 2019

The Board of Equalization, chaired by Gov. J. Kevin Stitt, certified $8,249,071,274 in revenues for FY 2020 appropriations, which is $574.5 million, or 7.5 percent, more than was appropriated for FY 2019. This amount is $37.8 million, or 0.5 percent, less than the December estimate. The state treasurer reported that at the end of January,…

5-day school week bill

February 28, 2019

The Senate Education Committee approved a bill to essentially mandate five-day school weeks in Oklahoma schools. Senate Bill 441 by Senator Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, says all public schools shall be in session for no less than 180 days. Currently, schools are to be in session for 1,080 hours. The bill provides exemptions to the five-day…

Honoring Purple Hearts

February 28, 2019

It is estimated that around two million Purple Hearts have been awarded by the U.S. Military since World War I. Sen. Frank Simpson authored Senate Bill 232 to recognize Oklahoma’s 1,340 recipients by designating Oklahoma a Purple Heart State. “So many Oklahomans have sacrificed life and limb for our country,” said Simpson, R-Springer. “We want…

Opioid overdose help

February 28, 2019

The full Senate approved a bill aimed at helping save lives if students overdose on opioids while at school. State Sen. Greg McCortney is the author of Senate Bill 85, which adds school nurses or other designated employees to those who can administer life-saving opiate antagonists. The bill was approved unanimously. Currently, state law includes…