Tag: Senate Bill

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…

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…

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…

Affordable healthcare

February 28, 2019

The Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee unanimously approved a bill by President Pro Tempore Greg Treat that would help more small business owners gain access to affordable health plans. Senate Bill 943 increases access to association health plans (AHP) by making state law closely reflect federal rule changes that allow more employer groups and associations…

Sen. Dahm’s SB12 conforms Oklahoma to 2nd Amendment

February 7, 2019

State Sen. Nathan Dahm wants Oklahoma law to conform to the 2nd Amendment rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Dahn has introduced Senate Bill 12, which would amend state law to allow anyone 21 or older to carry a firearm, concealed or unconcealed, loaded or unloaded – with few exceptions. It doesn’t change the status…

Sen. Scott: Don’t hide public funds

February 7, 2019

Following the discovery of a $30 million slush fund at the state Department of Health last year, a multi-county grand jury made 7 recommendations to prevent financial deceit by state agencies. Sen. Paul Scott has authored legislation to implement one of those recommendations by punishing state employees who hide public funds under their control. Senate…

Cutting red tape for state farmers

February 7, 2019

Legislation has been filed to bring Oklahoma’s poultry laws in line with U.S. Department of Agriculture standards. Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, authored Senate Bill 995 to provide small farm exemptions from the Poultry Products Inspection Act, if the small farm abides by certain sanitary standards and only processes their own poultry. Sharp said if the…

Sen. Dave Rader files Personhood Act

January 31, 2019

State Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, has introduced a bill that would grant “personhood” to unborn children in Oklahoma. The Personhood Act, Senate Bill 195, states, “The life of each human being begins at conception” and “unborn children have protectable interests in life, health and well-being…” It would grant “on behalf of the unborn child at…