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Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson has won full Senate approval for legislation to modernize state agency spending and create government efficiencies. Senate Bill 1422, by Thompson, R-Okemah, was approved on Tuesday.

Thompson said it’s been more than two decades since there has been a comprehensive and uniform review of the Central Purchasing Act, which sets limits on agency spending.  SB 1422 will update agency spending limits to reflect the increased prices of goods and services and address additional modernizations.

The full Senate has approved a measure that would require the director of the Department of Corrections (DOC) to develop an annual report detailing issues related to contraband cellphone use in Oklahoma prisons.

The full Senate has passed legislation that would require any new tax credits to have a maximum sunset of 10 years and a measurable goal that can be used as a benchmark for success.  

Senate Bill 1280, authored by Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, addresses the issues found by the Incentive Evaluation Commission when they analyzed the state’s tax credits. The commission was formed by the legislature in 2015 to objectively evaluate Oklahoma’s economic incentives.

The Senate has unanimously approved legislation to ensure nonviolent offenders in Oklahoma’s prison system are prepared to live independent, productive lives once released.  Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, said he authored Senate Bill 1298 to ensure inmates are completing all the necessary education, training and counseling recommended during their incarceration in order to successfully reintegrate into society.