News

Senate votes to strengthen law to stop illegal foreign ownership of land

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure to stop the illegal purchase of Oklahoma land passed the Senate unanimously Wednesday. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, worked with the attorney general’s office in crafting Senate Bill 212 to keep non-U.S. citizens from directly or indirectly, through a business entity or trust, owning land in the state unless otherwise authorized…

Bill to organize books by age in libraries passes Senate

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has approved a bill to require school and public libraries to place books into sections labeled elementary, junior high, Under 16 or juniors and seniors. Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, is the author of Senate Bill 397, which was approved by the Senate on Tuesday. “There is a time and…

Federal Election Trigger Bill Passes House

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House today approved a bill that would decouple Oklahoma elections from federal ones should federal election laws substantially change. Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, described House Bill 1415 as a trigger bill that would only take effect should federal election laws change in a way that conflicts with state laws. If…

House Censures Member for Hiding Fugitive in Office

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today censured one of its members for impeding a law enforcement investigation into an alleged assault on a fellow member and an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper that took place in the Capitol last week. The member, Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, harbored a fugitive wanted for questioning…

Bill to remove state park entry fees approved by full Senate

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 637 was approved by the Senate on Wednesday. Burns’ bill eliminates state park entry fees with the exception of motor homes and travel trailers. The fees are not to exceed $8. “We have dozens of state parks across the state with various geographic characteristics and amenities,” Burns said. “Oklahoma’s state…

Bill to Allow Vehicle Registration Every Two Years

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House on Monday unanimously passed a bill that would allow personal vehicle owners the option of registering their personal vehicles every two years instead of just annually. House Bill 2011 is authored by Rep. Dean Davis, R-Broken Arrow. “This will save time and effort for Oklahomans who choose the option of…

Bill modifying Oklahoma’s Promise for CareerTech students

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate gave unanimous approval Thursday to a measure to help more of Oklahoma’s students qualify for the state’s free tuition scholarship program, known as the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP), or Oklahoma’s Promise. Currently, one of the qualification requirements is completing the college preparatory curriculum in high school. Senate…

Senate approves interstate teacher compact bill

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a bill that would make it easier for teachers in military families to resume their careers after being transferred to a new state. Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, is the principal author of Senate Bill 467, creating the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact (ITMC) Act….

Senate approves consumer protection bill

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, has won unanimous Senate approval for legislation strengthening protections for consumers. Senate Bill 871 would make it a violation of the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act to pose as a state agency representative in a letter or advertisement to scam citizens. “It’s called an imposter scam. A citizen…

Correction Reform Measures Advance to Senate

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, this week secured passage of House Bills 2589 and 2608 in the House. House Bill 2589 would allow county sheriffs or jail trust administrators to request an immediate transfer of inmates from their jails to the Department of Corrections. The Department would be required to schedule transport of…