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Week In Review

Monday, May 24 to Friday, May 28, 2010

Monday, May 24

• The Senate met Monday, approving the following measures:

-SB 673 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, adds the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to the definition of health care facility in the Affordable Access to Health Care Act.

-SB 828 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, requires contracts for the acquisition of any land rights relating to sitting, construction and operation of wind power generation facilities to include provisions for decommissioning sites and remediating the land.

-SB 889 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Uniform International Wills Act.

-SB 1070 by Sen. Susan Paddack, creates the Oklahoma Solicitation of Charitable Donations Act.

-SB 1309 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, removes certain limits on fees for bond-related services obtained by the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority.

-SB 1628 by Sen. Harry Coates, repeals statutory language regarding the commissioner of labor approving a list of the most hazardous industries in the state.

-SB 1787 by Sen. Mike Schulz, states legislative intent to restrict the permanent severing of airspace over real property for developing and operating commercial wind or solar energy conversion systems.

-SB 1816 by Sen. Brian Bingman, clarifies language related to penalties for delinquent motor vehicle registration fees.

-SB 1840 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, creates a task force to study the availability of retail natural gas service in Oklahoma.

-SB 1872 by Sen. Harry Coates, adds language requiring plans and specifications to be included in an application for review for a project submitted to the Construction Industries Board.

-SB 1928 by Sen. Dan Newberry, clarifies language related to escapes by persons detained in juvenile detention facilities.

-SB 1961 by Sen. Clark Jolley, clarifies language related to employment discrimination.

-SB 1970 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, creates the Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program.

-SB 2092 by Sen. John Sparks, expands the purpose of the County Budget Act to include fostering cooperation among elected officials for effective and informed operation of county government.

-SB 2093 by Sen. John Sparks, expands the definition of trespassing on private land devoted to agriculture and of trespassing on land of a facility licensed under the Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act or a big game commercial hunting area to include willfully shooting from or across a public road or highway onto the land of another.

-SB 2109 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, modifies the calculation for the initial allocation of state aid for schools, foundation program and salary incentive aid by requiring the portion of weighted membership derived from pupils enrolled in online courses to be based on the weighted average daily membership of the preceding school year.

-SB 2130 by Sen. Don Barrington, modifies the determination of “gross salary” under the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System.

-SB 2235 by Sen. Brian Crain, requires a motion for an emergency custody hearing to include an independent report that demonstrates the child is in surroundings that could endanger the child in a court proceeding concerning child custody or child visitation.

-SB 2253 by Sen. Don Barrington, modifies reference to federal law related to fireworks.

-HB 1281 by Rep. Scott Martin, increases from three-fourths of 1 cent to 1 cent the per-ton fee operators of non-coal mining operators must pay to the Department of Mines.

-HB 1888 by Rep. Phil Richardson, replaces reference of the Rural Ambulance Service Districts Act with the Ambulance Service Districts Act.

-HB 2004 by Rep. Harold Wright, includes methods on mental illness symptoms identification and mental health issues in preservice programs developed by the Commission for Teacher Preparation.

-HJR 1056 by Rep. Rex Duncan, proposes a constitutional amendment changing reference from the State Industrial Court to the Workers’ Compensation Court.

-HB 2999 by Rep. Kris Steele, directs the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board to continue to purchase treatment services provided by certified alcohol and drug counselors.

• The Senate General Conference Committee on Appropriations approved numerous appropriations measures and the following bills on Monday:

-HB 2456 by Rep. Scott Martin, authorizes the Department of Human Services to close the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center.

-SJR 51 by Sen. Mike Johnson, proposes a constitutional amendment increasing from 10 percent to 20 percent of the General Revenue certification for the preceding fiscal year the amount of surplus funds to be placed in the Constitutional Reserve Fund.

-HB 2753 by Rep. Lee Denney, allows a school district that has a school site listed on the school improvement list under No Child Left Behind to sponsor a charter.

-HB 3029 by Rep. Chris Benge, prohibits the State Department of Education from withdrawing accreditation from or imposing a financial penalty on schools that fail to meet class-size requirements.

-HB 3380 by Rep. Randy Terrill, creates the Oklahoma Methamphetamine Offender Registry Act.

• The House convened Monday, approving the following measures:

-SB 1590 by Sen. Mike Johnson, updates statutory references in the Rural Venture Capital Formation Incentive Act.

-HB 3422 by Rep. Ken Miller, directs the Office of State Finance to update the tax information website with an expanded online database.

-HB 3311 by Rep. Scott Martin, requires that every act of the Legislature contain a separate provision that expresses the subject of the bill and requires a court that finds legislation to have violated the Oklahoma Constitution’s one-subject rule to provide written findings that detail each of the multiple subjects the court has determined are contained within the measure.

-HB 3061 by Rep. Dale DeWitt, creates a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to be designated the Water Infrastructure Revolving Fund in the State Treasury.

-HB 3261 by Rep. Gus Blackwell, repeals language related to the forfeiture of a candidate’s filing fee unless the candidate is unopposed in a primary election, becomes a candidate in a primary runoff or receives more than 15 percent of votes cast.

-HB 2274 by Rep. Todd Thomsen, allows building funds of technology center school districts to be used for repairing and maintaining computer systems and equipment.

-HB 2290 by Rep. John Wright, recreates the Minority Teacher Recruitment Advisory Committee.

-HB 2720 by Rep. Mark McCullough, modifies punishments for certain crimes of theft.

-HB 2890 by Rep. Lewis Moore, requires a written notice of claim to the state or political subdivision to contain any and all information required to process the claim pursuant to state and federal law.

-HB 2920 by Rep. John Trebilcock, creates the Oklahoma Maternal-Infant Quality Care Collaborative.

-HB 2929 by Rep. Ann Coody, creates the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education Act.

-HB 2971 by Rep. Mike Sanders, modifies language related to the Emergency and Transportation Revolving Fund.

-HB 2983 by Rep. Rex Duncan, modifies the definition of “terrorism” under the Oklahoma Antiterrorism Act to include acts of violence resulting in damage to property or injury perpetrated to coerce a civilian population or government into granting military or religious demands.

-HB 2991 by Rep. John Enns, allows any officer of the Department of Public Safety or other political subdivision to tow any vehicle that has been used in the commission of a felony.

-HB 3127 by Rep. Joe Dorman, requires increment and incentive district reports to be filed with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the Department of Commerce.

-HB 3161 by Rep. Leslie Osborn, prohibits Lottery Commission Advertisments from including any beneficiary advertisement or promotion illustrating the benefits or potential benefits to schools from lottery proceeds.

-HB 3260 by Rep. Gus Blackwell, directs the Wildlife Conservation Commission to declare an open season in any county for a species of wildlife if a state contiguous with Oklahoma has declared and established an open season on that species.

-HB 3167 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, modifies the definition of “infrastructure” under the Oklahoma Community Economic Development Pooled Finance Act.

-HB 3383 by Rep. Randy Terrill, exempts military personnel when entering Oklahoma from temporary active assignment outside the contiguous United States from a restriction on transporting more than one liter of alcoholic beverages into, within or through Oklahoma.

-SB 1073 by Sen. Brian Crain, clarifies language related to judgment liens for creditors, deleting “satisfied by payment or otherwise discharged” in favor of “satisfied in full, vacated or become dormant or otherwise unenforceable.”

-SB 1280 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies the definition of “employment” under the Employment Security Act as it relates to home services as part of a program administered by the Department of Human Services.

-SB 1592 by Sen. Mike Schulz, allows the release of certain information obtained by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to be disclosed to the Center of International Trade at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

-SB 1617 by Sen. Jim Halligan, requires each school district that has been identified as low performing to file an improvement plan with the State Department of Education.

-SB 1762 by Sen. Debbe Leftwich, prohibits a person from owning or operating a hired bus limousine service licensed as a motor carrier of persons and property under the Motor Carrier Act of 1995 to knowingly transport a minor or minors who are in possession of or consuming alcoholic beverages, including low-point beer.

-SB 1871 by Sen. Harry Coates, requires that the owner of property or the owner’s agent who attempts to determine cost estimates or a list of materials based upon a drawing or plan for a construction project not be held liable for the acts of or deemed to practice a profession or trade required to be licensed.

-SB 1876 by Sen. Harry Coates, adds language requiring a physical education curriculum to be designed to enable students to develop skills and knowledge necessary to participate in physical activity through life.

-SB 1889 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, modifies language relating to the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.

-SB 1905 by Sen. Harry Coates, requires that all monies retained or to be distributed for purses at licensed horse racing facilities to be held in trust by the Horsemen’s Bookkeeper for the duly designated horsemen’s organization for purses.

-SB 1954 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Task Force on the Motor Vehicle License Plate Delivery System.

-SB 1964 by Sen. John Ford, clarifies language related to caterers’ licenses and limits their issue to those that prepare, sell and distribute food for consumption on either a licensed or unlicensed premises.

-SB 1956 by Sen. Ron Justice, removes the Institute for Issue Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution as the directing authority of the Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program and places it under the Agriculture Mediation Board.

-SB 1989 by Sen. Bill Brown, makes certain elections irrevocable under the Oklahoma Police and Pension System.

-SB 2007 by Sen. Don Barrington, removes time-specific language related to the Department of Public Safety canceling or denying driving privileges for those under the age of 18.

-SB 2034 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, requires that all accountants or partnership of accounts that will conduct required audits of public schools meet certain requirements to the satisfaction of the state auditor and inspector.

-SB 2203 by Sen. Brian Crain, directs that, upon notice of the appointment of a conservator, guardian of the estate or other fiduciary charged with the management of a principal’s property, the attorney-in-fact shall terminate.


• The House General Conference Committee on Appropriations approved the following measure on Monday:

-HB 2359 by Rep. Kenneth Miller, clarifies statutory references related to the duties of the State Board of Education.


Tuesday, May 25

• The Senate met Tuesday, approving the following bills:

-HB 3284 by Rep. Pam Peterson, creates the Statistical Abortion Reporting Act.

-SB 481 by Sen. Todd Lamb, modifies the criteria for receiving tax credits in the construction of energy efficient homes.

-SB 1284 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, creates the Oklahoma Quality Events Incentive Act.

-SB 1321 by Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, increases the penalty for vendors who willfully or intentionally refuse to honor a consumer’s sales tax exemption from an administrative fine to a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $500 per offense.

-SB 1373 by Sen. Brian Crain, creates the Oklahoma Plan for Comprehensive Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Act.

-SB 1396 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, adds a definition of “Model 4 Seller” under the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Administration Act.

-SB 1379 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, requires a state agency that wishes to retain a lawyer or law firm where fees and expenses will exceed $5,000 to undergo a request for proposal process.

-SB 1579 by Sen. Mike Johnson, clarifies language related to classified and unclassified service.

-SB 1857 by Sen. Harry Coates, grants the State Board of Agriculture the powers and duties to maintain traceability of state standards to the National Institute of Standards and Technology and adopt standard weights and measures for products, conduct investigations to ensure compliance, inspect packaged commodities offered for sale to determine whether they contain the amounts represented and enforce standard weights and measures.

-SB 1862 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, allows charter schools to be sponsored by federally recognized Indian tribes and the governing bodies of cities with populations of more than 300,000 when the charter school is located in a school district that has an average daily membership of 5,000 or more and which all or part of the district is located within the boundaries of the city.

-SB 2033 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, allows school districts to implement an incentive pay plan to reward teachers deemed effective at increasing student and school growth in achievement beginning with the 2011-12 school year.

-SB 2046 by Sen. Bill Brown, creates the Health Care Choice Act.

-SB 2179 by Sen. Cliff Branan, modifies language related to the erection of outdoor advertising.

-SB 2213 by Sen. Clark Jolley, requires the State Board of Education to seek approval of the U.S. Department of Education to amend the state accountability plan to replace certain criterion-referenced tests with a formative assessment system that is aligned to the Priority Academic Student Skills.

-SJR 51 by Sen. Mike Johnson, proposes a constitutional amendment increasing from 10 percent to 20 percent of the General Revenue certification for the preceding fiscal year the amount of surplus funds to be placed in the Constitutional Reserve Fund.

-HB 2274 by Rep. Todd Thomsen, allows building funds of technology center school districts to be used for repairing and maintaining computer systems and equipment.

-HB 2302 by Rep. Gary Banz, modifies language related to the Academic Achievement Award program.

-HB 2358 by Rep. Scott Martin, clarifies language related to the Department of Central Services.

-HB 2698 by Rep. Randy McDaniel, creates the Oklahoma Government Website Information Act.

-HB 2710 by Rep. Wallace Collins, creates up to a $25 state income tax checkoff provision for a donation for the benefit of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

-HB 2730 by Rep. Wade Rousselot, states that any law enforcement agency in this state that seizes a vehicle in which a controlled dangerous substance has been manufactured that is forfeited may request that the Oklahoma Tax Commission brand the certificate of title with the notation “drug manufacture vehicle.”

-HB 2791 by Rep. Steve Kouplen, modifies the definition of “eligible agricultural business” under the Oklahoma Agricultural Linked Deposit Program.

-HB 2883 by Rep. Ken Luttrell, adds language defining “powersports vehicles” and “powersports vehicle dealer” under the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act.

-HB 2929 by Rep. Ann Coody, creates the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education Act.

-HB 2935 by Rep. Todd Russ, directs a county assessor to change the assessment role based on any real estate conveyed between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 each year.

-HB 2936 by Rep. Todd Russ, increases from $11 to $22 the per-hour, per-person fee that a financial institution may charge a government authority for search and processing for clerical or technical personnel.

-HB 2971 by Rep. Mike Sanders, modifies language related to the Emergency and Transportation Revolving Fund.

-HB 3161 by Rep. Leslie Osborn, prohibits Lottery Commission advertisements from including any beneficiary advertisement or promotion illustrating the benefits or potential benefits to schools from lottery proceeds.

-HB 3422 by Rep. Kenneth Miller, directs the Office of State Finance to update tax information website with an expanded online database.

-SB 2022 by Sen. Debbe Leftwich, grants the court the power to allow a victim to monitor the position of the defendant in cases where a protective order is granted and the defendant is required by the court to wear a global positioning system device.

-HB 2831 by Rep. Ron Peters, modifies language relating to the Department of Consumer Credit.


• The Senate General Conference Committee on Appropriations approved numerous appropriations measures and the following bills on Tuesday:

-SB 1578 by Sen. Mike Johnson, clarifies language related to the number of full-time employees at CompSource Oklahoma.

-HB 2359 by Rep. Scott Martin, clarifies statutory references related to the duties of the State Board of Equalization.

-HB 2918 by Rep. T.W. Shannon, authorizes the Oklahoma Tax Commission to design and issue the Buffalo Soldier license plate.

-HB 3024 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, adds definitions of “motor vehicle,” “medium-speed electric motor vehicle” and “qualified low-speed electric motor vehicle” as they relate to a one-time tax credit for investments in clean-burning motor vehicle property.

-HB 3267 by Rep. Mike Jackson, creates a revolving fund to be known as the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Account in the Administrative Office of the Courts.

-HB 3338 by Rep. Mike Christian, adds language prohibiting the State Fire Marshal from engaging in any other business that may be a conflict of interest with agency business.

-HB 3343 by Rep. Mike Christian, increases the fee for an original application or license renewal to $50 for each original application or renewal of a private investigator or unarmed security guard and $100 for each original application and renewal of an armed security guard or armed private investigator.

-HB 3379 by Rep. Randy Terrill, directs a court to not order attorney fees against a public official, public employee or public agency enforcing the Sex Offenders Registration Act.

-HB 3054 by Rep. Chris Benge, creates the Municipal Fiscal Impact Act.

-SB 1914 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Oklahoma Tax Return Services Oversight Act.

-HB 3341 by Rep. Mike Christian, creates the Illegal Immigration Act.

• The House approved the following measures on Tuesday:

-SB 1589 by Sen. Glen Coffee, clarifies statutory references to definitions in the Railroad Modernization Act of 2005.

-SB 1908 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, removes language requiring vehicle operators to devote their full time and attention to driving and language preventing a law enforcement officer from issuing a citation for inattentive driving unless the operator of the vehicle is involved in an accident.

-SJR 59 by Sen. Dan Newberry, proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting a law from compelling any person, employer or health care provider from participating in any health care system and allowing a person or employer to pay directly for health care services without being required to pay penalties or fines and allowing a health care provider to accept payment for health care services without being required to pay penalties or fines.

-HB 2358 by Rep. Scott Martin, clarifies language related to the Department of Central Services.

-HB 2434 by Rep. Scott Martin, authorizes the Department of Transportation to expend funds from the State Transportation Fund for fiscal year 2011.

-HB 2625 by Rep. Tad Jones, modifies terms related to motor vehicle dealers, salespersons, distributors and manufacturers, providing a definition of “recreational vehicle.”

-HB 2686 by Rep. Richard Morrissette, creates the Eastern Red Cedar Registry Board Act.

-HB 2753 by Rep. Lee Denney, modifies the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act.

-SB 673 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, adds the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to the definition of health care facility in the Affordable Access to Health Care Act.

-SB 889 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Uniform International Wills Act.

-SB 1040 by Sen. Mike Schulz, prohibits a member of the Board of Chiropractic Examiners from being an insurance claims adjuster.

-SB 1070 by Sen. Susan Paddack, creates the Oklahoma Solicitation of Charitable Donations Act for the purpose of promoting integrity and accountability in the charitable solicitation process.

-SB 1309 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, removes certain limits on fees for bond-related services obtained by the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority.

-SB 1397 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, requires the Oklahoma Tax Commission to notify all people within the state who have a previous registration on record of the period for registration renewal and instead allows them to provide notification.

-SB 1398 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, modifies language regarding notification from the Oklahoma Tax Commission to people within the state who have previous vessel or motor registrations on record of the period for registration that are due to be registered.

-SB 1601 by Sen. Sean Burrage, modifies language related to the Protective Services for Vulnerable Adults Act.

-SB 1628 by Sen. Harry Coates, repeals statutory language regarding the Commissioner of Labor approving a list of the most hazardous industries in the state.

-SB 1633 by Sen. Randy Brogdon, creates the School District Transparency Act.

-SB 1686 by Sen. Harry Coates, makes mechanics and materialmen’s liens affecting property occupied as a dwelling by its owner invalid unless a pre-lien notice was sent within 90 days of the last furnishing of materials, services, labor or equipment by the claimant.

-SB 1787 by Sen. Mike Schulz, states legislative intent to restrict the permanent severing of airspace over real property for developing and operating commercial wind or solar energy conversion systems.

-SB 1816 by Sen. Brian Bingman, clarifies language related to penalties for delinquent motor vehicle registration fees.

-SB 1840 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, creates a task force to study the availability of retail natural gas service in Oklahoma.

-SB 1862 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, allows charter schools to be sponsored by federally recognized Indian tribes and the governing bodies of cities with populations of more than 300,000 when the charter school is located in a school district that has an average daily membership of 5,000 or more and which all or part of the district is located within the boundaries of the city.

-SB 1872 by Sen. Harry Coates, adds language requiring plans and specifications to be included in an application for review for a project submitted to the Construction Industries Board.

-SB 1928 by Sen. Dan Newberry, clarifies language related to escapes by persons detained in juvenile detention facilities.

-SB 1961 by Sen. Clark Jolley, clarifies language related to employment discrimination.

-SB 1970 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, creates the Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program.

-SB 2063 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, requires the county clerk to collect from a party seeking a general execution all fees necessary for payment of the disinterested persons for their services in appraising certain property.

-SB 2124 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, defines specific support activities for rail transportation and specific support activities for water transportation as “basic industry” in relation to tax and incentive purposes.

-SB 2130 by Sen. Don Barrington, modifies the determination of “gross salary” under the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System.

-SB 2235 by Sen. Brian Crain, requires a motion for an emergency custody hearing to include an independent report that demonstrates the child is in surroundings that could endanger the child in a court proceeding concerning child custody or child visitation.

-SB 2318 by Sen. Clark Jolley, states that students enrolled in any district, program or charter school that is not operated or authorized by their district of residence to be administered any test required by the Oklahoma School Testing Program Act and states a location limitation for the test to be administered.

-SB 2231 by Sen. Cliff Branan, requires those registering under the Sex Offender Registration Act to provide a physical address and not a post office box.

-SB 2319 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, specifies criteria for the State Board of Education’s rules regarding the implementation of online courses.


• The House General Conference Committee on Appropriations approved numerous appropriations measures and the following bills on Tuesday:

-HB 2432 by Rep. Kenneth Miller, imposes a moratorium on payment of certain gross production tax rebates, modifies the process for paying such tax exemptions and defers reimbursement payments.

-SB 1578 by Sen. Mike Johnson, clarifies language related to the number of full-time employees at CompSource Oklahoma.



Wednesday, May 26

• The Senate met Wednesday, approving the following measures:

-SCR 64 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, authorizes the Senate President Pro Tempore and the House Speaker to employ legal counsel to file a lawsuit to prevent the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from taking effect.

-SJR 59 by Sen. Dan Newberry, proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting a law from compelling any person, employer or health care provider from participating in any health care system and allowing a person or employer to pay directly for health care services without being required to pay penalties or fines and allowing a health care provider to accept payment for health care services without being required to pay penalties or fines.

-HB 3267 by Rep. Mike Jackson, creates the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Account in the Administrative Office of the Courts.

-SB 486 by Sen. Clark Jolley, provides a sales tax exemption on the sale of tangible personal property or services to a non-profit organization that is certified and designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as an organization dedicated to recovering organs for transplantation in all 77 Oklahoma counties.

-SB 1105 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Uniform Certificate of Title Act dealing with non-governmental motor vehicles.

-SB 1132 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Uniform Limited Partnership Act of 2009.

-SB 1578 by Sen. Mike Johnson, clarifies language related to the number of full-time employees at CompSource Oklahoma.

-SB 1594 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, sets the cost of annual hunting licenses for nonresidents hunting game other than deer, antelope or elk at $141 and $355 for antelope and elk.

-SB 1793 by Sen. Susan Paddack, states that a party who requests a jury trial and fails to appear may be deemed by the court to have waived the right to a jury trial related to the termination of parental rights.

-SB 1895 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies language relating to probate procedure to require no release of estate tax liability for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2010.

-SB 1903 by Sen. Cliff Aldridge, creates the Oklahoma Home Service Contract Act and declares that home service contracts are not insurance and are not subject to the Insurance Code.

-SB 1936 by Sen. Kenneth Corn, permits the Office of Juvenile Affairs to sell real estate owned by the state or the office that is surplus and located in LeFlore County and within Talihina.

-SB 1962 by Sen. Clark Jolley, reduces from three to one the number of copies of the municipal code that must be kept of the office of the municipal clerk for public use, inspection and examination.

-SB 1973 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, allows any labor organization to opt out of the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act.

-SB 2259 by Sen. Todd Lamb, requires the Department of Corrections to post on its website a report on the department’s progress regarding its reintegration efforts through the use of work release programs, work centers, community corrections centers, intermediate sanctions facilities, accredited halfway house and transitional living centers and the placement of inmates in those facilities.

-HB 1458 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, creates the Funeral Services Licensing Act.

-HB 1611 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, modifies the workers compensation time extension period relating to surgery recommendations for soft-tissue injuries.

-HB 1964 by Rep. Kris Steele, amends the Independent Living Act.

-HB 2290 by Rep. John Wright, recreates the Minority Teacher Recruitment Advisory Committee.

-HB 2572 by Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, modifies language regarding demonstrations at a funeral service.

-HB 2658 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, modifies language related to the requirement that an employer provide prosthetic devices to injured workers.

-HB 2753 by Rep. Lee Denney, modifies the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act.

-HB 2890 by Rep. Lewis Moore, adds language relating to the Government Tort Claims Act.

-HB 2920 by Rep. John Trebilcock, creates the Oklahoma Maternal-Infant Quality Care Act and the Oklahoma Maternal-Infant Quality Care Collaborative.

-HB 2983 by Rep. Rex Duncan, modifies the definition of “terrorism” under the Oklahoma Antiterrorism Act to include acts of violence resulting in damage to property or injury perpetrated to coerce a civilian population or government into granting military or religious demands.

-HB 2991 by Rep. John Enns, allows any officer of the Department of Public Safety or other political subdivision to tow any vehicle that has been used in the commission of a felony.

-HB 3285 by Rep. Skye McNiel, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Meat Inspection Act.

-HB 3291 by Rep. Skye McNiel, creates the Local Economic Action and Development Act.

-HB 3393 by Rep. Jason Nelson, clarifies that the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services are to operate the Self-Directed Care Option.

• The Senate General Conference Committee on Appropriations approved the following measures on Wednesday:

-SB 1756 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, permits the Legislature to allow agencies of the executive and judicial branches to use space within the Capitol building that is under the Legislature’s control.

-HB 2331 by Rep. Steve Martin, removes language instituting a deadline by which the Department of Public Safety’s online verification system for vehicle liability insurance must be operational.

-HB 3166 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, requires a House committee to conduct an annual review and evaluation of each tax credit authorized by state law and to make a written report of recommendation for any modifications to the Speaker of the House no later than May 1 of each year.

-HB 3171 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, requires death certificates to be filed with the Department of Health within three days of the death.

-SB 1600 by Sen. Brian Crain, exempts from the requirements of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act purchases and solicitations made from funds or assets received by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

-SB 2258 by Sen. Clark Jolley, creates the Greater Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking Act of 2010.

-SB 2303 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, requires any entity constitutionally or statutorily permitted to create a law enforcement agency to submit to the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training a minimum of 60 days prior to creation of the law enforcement agency or police department certain information regarding reason, funding, resources and policies.

-HB 3000 by Rep. Kris Steele, modifies language related to the Governmental Tort Claims Act.

• The House met Wednesday, approving the following bills:

-HB 3029 by Rep. Chris Benge, prohibits the State Department of Education from withdrawing accreditation from or imposing a financial penalty on schools that fail to meet class-size requirements.

-SB 2033 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, allows school districts to implement an incentive pay plan to reward teachers deemed effective at increasing student and school growth in achievement beginning with the 2011-12 school year.

-HB 1611 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, modifies the workers compensation time extension period relating to surgery recommendations for soft-tissue injuries.

-HB 2295 by Rep. Don Armes, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Agricultural Code.

-HB 2918 by Rep. T.W. Shannon, authorizes the Oklahoma Tax Commission to design and issue the Buffalo Soldier license plate.

-HB 3054 by Rep. Chris Benge, creates the Municipal Fiscal Impact Act.

-HB 3267 by Rep. Mike Jackson, creates a revolving fund to be known as the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Account in the Administrative Office of the Courts.

-HB 3291 by Rep. Skye McNiel, creates the Local Economic Action and Development Act.

-HB 3338 by Rep. Mike Christian, adds language prohibiting the State Fire Marshal from engaging in any other business that may be a conflict of interest with agency business.

-SB 828 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, requires contracts for the acquisition of any land rights relating to construction and operation of wind power generation facilities to include provisions for decommissioning sites and remediating the land.

-SB 1396 by Sen. Mike Mazzei, adds a definition of “Model 4 Seller” under the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Administration Act.

-SB 1714 by Sen. Ron Justice, states legislative intent that all state public entities procure products using the wood of the eastern red cedar when available.

-SB 1900 by Sen. Harry Coates, modifies language related to residential building permits.

-SB 2199 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, permits a local school board of a district of any size to request a national criminal background check on anyone currently employed by the district and requires a national criminal background check be conducted on everyone seeking employment with the district.

• The House General Conference Committee on Appropriations approved the following measures on Wednesday:

-HB 2465 by Rep. Ken Miller, expands the duties of the Office of the Attorney General.

-SB 1580 by Sen. Mike Johnson, clarifies language related to the Oklahoma State Employees Deferred Savings Incentive Plan.

Thursday, May 27

• The Senate met Thursday, approving the following measures:

-SB 2052 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, creates the Oklahoma Health and Wellness Board.

-HB 3029 by Rep. Chris Benge, prohibits the State Department of Education from withdrawing accreditation from or imposing a financial penalty on schools that fail to meet class-size requirements, including for early childhood education, or that fail to meet the certification requirements for library media specialist, media materials and equipment standards, staffing standards for the media program and media program expenditure standards during fiscal years ending June 30, 2011, and June 30, 2012.

-SB 738 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, updates references to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner with the Oklahoma Department of Forensic Sciences.

-SB 1771 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, modifies language related to instances when a juvenile or youthful offender is found to have run away or is absent without leave from a staff secure or non-secure placement.

-SB 2180 by Sen. Dan Newberry, creates the Roofing Contractor Registration Act.

-SB 2258 by Sen. Clark Jolley, creates the Greater Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking Act of 2010.

-SB 2303 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, requires any entity constitutionally or statutorily permitted to create a law enforcement agency to submit to the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training a minimum of 60 days prior to creation of the law enforcement agency or police department certain information regarding reason, funding, resources and policies.

-SB 959 by Sen. Clark Jolley, states that the term “quorum” when used in reference to an agency, board, commission, task force or other entity of the government or a political subdivision will be more than half the total number of voting members of the entity and that the existence of one or more vacancies in the membership of an entity shall not affect the number required to reach a quorum.

-SB 885 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Revised Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act.

-HB 2295 by Rep. Don Armes, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Agricultural Code.

-HB 2331 by Rep. Steve Martin, removes language instituting a deadline by which the Department of Public Safety’s online verification system for vehicle liability insurance must be operational.

-HB 2650 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, modifies certain immunity granted under workers’ compensation provisions.

-HB 2652 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, provides a definition of “surgery” under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

-HB 2772 by Rep. Weldon Watson, creates the Oklahoma Appraisal Management Company Regulation Act.

-HB 2886 by Rep. Lewis Moore, allows the Risk Management Division of the Department of Central Services to assist any state agency in obtaining quotes for workers’ compensation insurance at the request of any state agency.

-HB 2918 by Rep. T.W. Shannon, authorizes the Oklahoma Tax Commission to design and issue the Buffalo Soldier license plate.

-HB 3029 by Rep. Chris Benge, prohibits the State Department of Education from withdrawing accreditation from or imposing a financial penalty on schools that fail to meet class-size requirements.

-HB 3054 by Rep. Chris Benge, creates the Municipal Fiscal Impact Act.

-HB 3167 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, modifies the definition of “infrastructure” under the Oklahoma Community Economic Development Pooled Finance Act.

-HB 3261 by Rep. Gus Blackwell, repeals language related to the forfeiture of a candidate’s filing fee unless the candidate is unopposed in a primary election, becomes a candidate in a primary runoff of receives more than 15 percent of votes cast.

-HB 3338 by Rep. Mike Christian, adds language prohibiting the State Fire Marshal from engaging in any other business that may be a conflict of interest with agency business.

-HB 3383 by Rep. Randy Terrill, exempts military personnel when entering Oklahoma from temporary active assignment outside the contiguous United States from a restriction on transporting more than one liter of alcoholic beverages into, within or through Oklahoma.

• The Senate General Conference Committee on Appropriations approved the following measures on Thursday:

-SB 2465 by Sen. Mike Johnson, expands the duties of the Office of the Attorney General to include all legal duties of state agencies, except for the Governor, Legislature, Judiciary, Ethics Commission, District Attorneys Council, Indigent Defense System, all individual institutions of the Oklahoma State System for Higher Education and rate-related proceedings of the Corporation Commission.

-SB 1337 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, directs that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner be located in close proximity to the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute.

-SB 1580 by Sen. Mike Johnson, clarifies language related to the Oklahoma State Employees Deferred Savings Incentive Plan.

-SB 1585 by Sen. Mike Johnson, clarifies language related to the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority.


• The House met Thursday, approving the following bills:

-SB 738 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, provides for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to be named the Office of the State Medical Examiner and be located near the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute.

-HB 2652 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, provides a definition of “surgery” under the Workers’ Compensation Act to mean a medical procedure involving an incision into the skin for the insertion of an instrument or device for treatment or diagnosis.

-HB 2650 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, modifies language under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

-SB 1973 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, allows any labor organization to opt out of the provision of the Workers’ Compensation Act.

-SB 2163 by Sen. Susan Paddack, creates the Health Care Indemnity Fund Act.

-HB 1935 by Rep. Weldon Watson, removes language allowing teachers teaching past age 70 the ability to make up 5 percent contributions for the years taught after age 70.

-HB 2331 by Rep. Steve Martin, removes language instituting a Dec. 31, 2009, deadline by which the Department of Public Safety’s online verification system for vehicle liability insurance must be operational.

-HB 2573 by Rep. John Trebilcock, requires sheriffs to reimburse health care providers for medical care and treatment for inmates in county jails according to the Oklahoma Medicaid Fee Schedule.

-HB 2831 by Rep. Ron Peters, modifies language relating to the Department of Consumer Credit.

-HB 2919 by Rep. T.W. Shannon, creates the Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act.

-HB 3000 by Rep. Kris Steele, modifies language related to the Governmental Tort Claims Act.

-HB 3052 by Rep. Dan Kirby, modifies official days off for the Christmas holiday.

-HB 3166 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, requires a House committee to conduct an annual review and evaluation of each tax credit authorized by state law and to make a written report of recommendation for any modifications to the Speaker of the House no later than May 1 or each year.

-HB 3171 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, requires death certificates to be filed with the Department of Health within three days of death.

-HB 3231 by Rep. Mike Jackson, modifies language related to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s duty to establish a method to deter abuse and reduce errors in Medicaid billing, payment and eligibility.

-HB 3311 by Rep. Scott Martin, allows either house of the Legislature by resolution to disapprove a proposed rule or amendment to a rule or emergency rule.

-SB 1132 by Sen. Patrick Anderson, creates the Uniform Limited Partnership Act of 2009.

-SB 1284 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, creates the Oklahoma Quality Events Incentive Act to provide a method by which an eligible municipality or county may use a portion of the state sales tax revenue derived from taxable transactions occurring within a designated area to promote certain events.

-SB 1321 by Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, increases the penalty for vendors who willfully or intentionally refuse to honor a consumer’s sales tax exemption from an administrative fine to a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $500 per offense.

-SB 1373 by Sen. Brian Crain, creates the Oklahoma Plan for Comprehensive Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Act.

-SB 1594 by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, sets the cost of annual hunting licenses for nonresidents hunting game other than deer, antelope or elk at $141 and $355 for antelope and elk.

-SB 1793 by Sen. Susan Paddack, states that a party who requests a jury trial and fails to appear may be deemed by the court to have waived the right to a jury trial related to the termination of parental rights.

-SB 1857 by Sen. Harry Coates, grants the State Board of Agriculture the powers and duties to maintain traceability of state standards to the National Institute of Standards and Technology and adopt standard weights and measures for products, conduct investigations to ensure compliance, inspect packaged commodities offered for sale to determine whether they contain the amounts represented and enforce standard weights and measures.

-SB 1901 by Sen. Harry Coates, declares that the American Indian Cultural Center, and the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority may exercise all its powers without approval from any other public entity.

-SB 1903 by Sen. Cliff Aldridge, creates the Oklahoma Home Service Contract Act.

-SB 1960 by Sen. Harry Coates, creates the Aircraft Passenger and Pilot Protection Act and states legislative intent to regulate the height of structures near public-owned airports to protect instrument and visual operations to the airport and the safety and welfare of the flying public.

-SB 2046 by Sen. Bill Brown, creates the Health Care Choice Act.

-SB 2052 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, requires the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board to contract for plan year 2011 with a vendor that offers a web-based, doctor-patient mutual accountability incentive program to work as a pilot program.

-SB 2109 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, modifies the calculation for the initial allocation of state aid for schools, foundation programs and salary incentive aid by requiring the portion of weighted membership derived from pupils enrolled in online courses to be based on the weighted average daily membership of the preceding school year.

-SB 2179 by Sen. Cliff Branan, modifies language related to the erection of outdoor advertising.


• The House General Conference Committee on Appropriations met Thursday, approving the following measures:


-HB 2465 by Rep. Scott Martin, expands the duties of the Office of the Attorney General to include all legal duties of state agencies.

-HB 2367 by Rep. Scott Martin, provides funding for senior nutrition program.

-HB 1935 by Rep. Weldon Watson, removes language allowing teachers teaching past age 70 the ability to make up to 5 percent contributions for the years taught after age 70.

Friday, May 28

• The Senate met Friday, approving the following measures:

-HB 2432 by Rep. Ken Miller, allows deferred payment of gross production tax rebates for deep and horizontally drilled wells.

-SB 1337 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, authorizes the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to move near the Forensic Science Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma.

-SB 1759 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, states that websites with information regarding state expenses and revenue must include stimulus fund expenditures.

-HB 2310 by Sen. Jason Murphey, requires travel reimbursement to use the lowest Trip Optimizer estimate, and requires agencies to report money spent on financial services to the Office of State Finance.

-HB 2573 by Rep. John Trebilcock, requires sheriffs to reimburse health care providers for medical care and treatment for inmates in county jails according to the Oklahoma Medicaid Fee Schedule.

-HB 2395 by Rep. Ken Miller, modifies the duties of the Office of the State Auditor and Inspector.

-SB 1756 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, permits the Legislature to allow agencies of the executive and judicial branches to use space within the Capitol building that is under the Legislature’s control.

-HB 2446 by Rep. Ken Miller, directs $5,000,000 from the University Hospitals Authority Disbursing Fund to provide a grant to the University of Oklahoma School of Opthalmology.

-HB 3166 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, requires a House committee to conduct an annual review and evaluation of each tax credit authorized by state law and to make a written report of recommendation for any modifications to the Speaker of the House no later than May 1 of each year.
-HB 3035 by Rep. Chris Benge, creates and names the Oklahoma Executive Branch Agency Consolidation Act of 2010.

-HB 2625 by Rep. Tad Jones, modifies terms related to motor vehicle dealers, salespersons, distributors and manufacturers, providing a definition of “recreational vehicle.”

-SJR 66 by Sen. Glenn Coffee, limits the amount in claims for legal services for workers’ compensation benefits.

-HB 3311 by Rep. Chris Benge, requires every act of the Legislature to contain a separate provision expressing its subject.

-HB 3052 by Rep. Dan Kirby, modifies official days off for the Christmas holiday.

-HB 1613 by Rep. Daniel Sullivan, modifies disclosure restrictions in the event of an audit by the State Insurance Commissioner.

-HB 2831 by Rep. Ron Peters, modifies language relating to the Department of Consumer Credit.

-HB 2408 by Rep. Ken Miller, allows certain Ethics Commission documents to be posted online.

-SB 1600 by Sen. Brian Crain, exempts from the requirements of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act purchases and solicitations made from funds or assets received by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

-HB 3000 by Rep. Kris Steele, modifies language related to the Governmental Tort Claims Act.

-HB 3343 by Rep. Mike Christian, increases the fee for an original application or license renewal to $50 for each original application or renewal of a private investigator or unarmed security guard and $100 for each original application and renewal of an armed security guard or armed private investigator.

-HB 2919 by Rep. T.W. Shannon, creates the Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act.

-HB 3380 by Rep. Randy Terrill, creates the Oklahoma Methamphetamine Offender Registry Act.

-SB 1251 by Sen. Jim Wilson, states that no health benefit plan shall deny coverage based upon an insured person’s status as a victim of domestic abuse.

-SB 2236 by Sen. Charles Wyrick, creates the Construction Project Information Sharing Act.

-HB 2266 by Rep. Mike Christian, assures the confidentiality of execution participants.

-HB 2359 by Rep. Kenneth Miller, clarifies statutory references related to the duties of the State Board of Education.

-HB 3024 by Rep. Jeff Hickman, adds definitions of “motor vehicle,” “medium-speed electric motor vehicle” and “qualified low-speed electric motor vehicle” as they relate to a one-time tax credit for investments in clean-burning motor vehicle property.

-HB 2686 by Rep. Richard Morrissette, creates the Eastern Red Cedar Registry Board Act.

Other News


• The state Senate adjourned Sine Die on Friday.

• Sen. Debbe Leftwich on Friday announced that she would not seek another term in the state Senate. Sen. Leftwich was elected to serve the citizens of District 44 after her husband, Keith, who previously held the seat, lost a battle with cancer in 2003.