News

Owasso School Board Election Feb. 14

February 9, 2023 Robert Watson

On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, a non-partisan primary election will be held for a member on the Owasso Public School Board representing Ward 3. Three candidates are seeking the position: the incumbent Neal Kessler, who is also the current president of the board, Kristy Moon, and Vincent Donaldson. The election follows on the heels of…

Tornadoes and ice highlight January weather

February 9, 2023

Oklahoma’s January 2023 may have begun with a springlike bang, but it ended with a more appropriate wintry punch. Warm weather dominated the first three weeks of the month, and was on pace to become one of the warmest Januarys on record before winter crashed the party. The early springlike weather also brought Oklahoma its…

Early voting on school candidates and propositions begin on Thursday, Feb. 9

February 9, 2023

Early voting begins for the Board of Education Primary for ISD-11 Owasso Public Schools Office No. 3, Special Propositions Elections for ISD-7 Skiatook Public Schools, ISD-5 Jenks Public Schools and ISD-9 Union Public Schools; as well as a the City of Broken Arrow Special PSO Utility Franchise Election, Thursday, February 9 for voters in Tulsa…

Act to push back against ATF rule and protect Second Amendment rights

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation to protect the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans and prevent further federal overreach. “The feds are continually looking for ways to circumvent the Constitution and trample our fundamental rights,” Dahm said. “The arbitrary and onerous pistol-brace rule set by ATF – an agency filled…

Legislation to stop federal regulations on firearm suppressors made in Oklahoma

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed Senate Bill 720, to ensure firearm suppressors and the basic materials used to manufacture them in Oklahoma are not subject to federal laws or regulations. “The federal government has time and time again tried to enforce gun control measures across the country, and infringe on our…

Bill would phase out and replace federal funding and control over K-12 education

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation has been filed to cut and replace financial ties and control of the federal government over common education in Oklahoma. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, authored Senate Bill 863 to authorize the State Department of Education to develop a ten-year plan to phase out the acceptance and use of federal funds for…

Legislation to protect minors from gender transition medications, surgeries

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, has filed four pieces of legislation to protect minors from life-changing gender transition hormones and surgery that could render them unable to have children as adults. The bills also allow lawsuits to be filed against health care providers and adults who violate the provisions of these measures….

Bill defining community standards for material made accessible to minors

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, has filed Senate Bill 1056, which would create a special definition of “contemporary community standards” in Oklahoma statutes to better address the issue of obscene material being made accessible to minors. Standridge said case law has resulted in the concept of contemporary community standards in the determination…

Pugh bills would protect veterans’ benefits and create special court diversion program

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, has filed legislation to ensure Oklahoma’s approximately 290,000 veterans get their rightful military benefits, including those earned through combat, from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). He’s also authored a measure to create a special court diversion program for veterans in trouble with the law who are…

Bill to provide tax exemption to certain nonprofit hospitals

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed Senate Bill 304 to add nonprofit hospitals to the list of entities that receive sales tax exemptions for goods and services. “In rural communities, hospitals provide essential medical services, and provide critically needed jobs in the area,” Burns said. “Unfortunately, many community hospitals have had to…