Several House Democrats want “transgender” students to freely use any bathroom that they identify as, even if a boy wants to be a girl and a girl wants to be a boy. Rep. Monroe Nichols, D-Tulsa, said, “We voted on and I supported a $700 million economic incentive to hopefully entice a Fortune 500 company…
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s (OTA) $200 million line of credit application that was filed last week with the Council of Bond Oversight. Attorneys for Norman homeowners and members of the nonprofit Pike Off OTA filed objections, which focused on the OTA’s lack of legal authority to build the turnpikes in Norman that could threaten the property…
Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed Senate Bill 1119 into law, by Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, and Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. The bill will remove the 270-hour limit adjunct teachers work per semester in a classroom. Garvin said, “We’re working hard to figure out how to fill the teacher workforce pipeline, but those efforts are going…
A bill giving greater protection to victims of human trafficking and child abduction has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1569, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, is also known as the “Address Confidentiality for Child Survivors and Their Families Act.” “SB 1569 simply gives victims of human trafficking and child abduction the ability to keep…
The governor has signed Senate Bill 1596, also known as the Oklahoma Health Care Agent Act, which establishes requirements for health care power of attorney and allows Oklahomans to make advanced decisions about their care in case they are temporarily or permanently incapacitated. The measure was authored by Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus. “All citizens should…
Oklahoma’s Second Congressional District has drawn the biggest field of aspiring GOP candidates this year. Fourteen Republicans – including a state senator and state representatives – will be on the June 28 primary ballot. Not surprisingly, only one Democrat and one Independent is running and therefore they both will advance to the November ballot. That…
Oklahoma set a new record for wind in April. “There is one aspect of this April’s weather that would unite most Oklahomans — the wind,” said Gary McManus, associate state climatologist, Oklahoma Climatological Survey. “Already Oklahoma’s windiest calendar month climatologically, the seemingly unceasing gales howling day and night became a common point of exasperation.” Data…
Oklahoma State revenues in April surged to a record high propelled by income tax payments, but other indicators point to caution, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced. This was true even though some categories dropped. But in April, Medical marijuana taxes generated $62.6 million, down by $2.2 million, or 3.4 percent. Motor vehicle taxes produced $72…
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education has approved Early College High School (ECHS) programs at Connors State College, Murray State College, Oklahoma City Community College, and Tulsa Community College. The programs are approved for a five-year period, concluding at the end of the spring 2027 term. ECHS programs help students graduate from high school…
Gov. Kevin Stitt nominated Keith Reed the Commissioner of Health for the state of Oklahoma. Reed has been with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) for 20 years, serving in various positions throughout the agency. Reed has been serving as OSDH’s interim Commissioner of Health since October 22, 2021. Reed was born and raised…