Measure to Honor Oklahoma’s Military Passes Senate with Bi-Partisan Support

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Senator Randy Bass, said a bill providing a $250,000 life insurance policy for Oklahoma guard members cleared another legislative hurdle today as it passed out of the Senate with bi-partisan support.

Bass, (D-Lawton) said Senate Bill 821 is part of Governor Henrys Operation Home Front Initiative. Henry unveiled the plan in his State of the State address at the beginning of this legislative session. The Operation Homefront proposal also seeks to create a tax exemption for up to 50 percent of all veteran’s military pensions.

“We must honor those who serve our country and defend our freedom,” Bass said. “Senate Bill 821 does that by making sure families of those Oklahomans who are killed in the line of duty are treated with the utmost respect.

“ Issues concerning the military will always be among my top priorities and I am committed to sending a message to our troops that says we honor their service to our country,” the Senator said. “I am pleased Senate Bill 821 passed out of the Senate today because I believe this measure sends that message loud and clear.”

Bass explained the bill now will go to the House for consideration.