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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Rep. Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, said implementation of House Bill 2597, known as Constitutional Carry, won’t turn Oklahoma into the “Wild West.” “Most Oklahomans won’t notice a difference after the enactment of constitutional carry,” said David, Senate Majority Floor Leader. “Some are using scare tactics and warning Oklahoma will turn…
Sen. Ron Sharp has filed legislation to try to outlaw the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving unless it is with hands-free technology. Senate Bill 1088 would expand the Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act of 2015 to try to decrease the number of distracted drivers on Oklahoma roads. “Currently, texting while…