Gov. Stitt signs financial literacy education bill

Gov Signs Financial Literacy Education Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 16th) – Legislation adding a financial literacy course to high school graduation requirements has been signed into law.

House Bill 2158 was authored by Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who said empowering students to take control of their finances starts with education.

"Requiring students to master financial literacy before graduating isn't just about balancing budgets," Lowe said. "It's about laying a good foundation as they begin the next chapter of their lives by equipping them with the tools they need to navigate financial decisions thoughtfully."

Gov. Stitt signs bill to build Capitol Arch to honor Oklahoma National Guard veterans

Original Concept Sketch for the Oklahoma 45th National Guard Veteran's Arch.

Capitol Arch Legislation Signed by Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 16th) - Governor Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed into law legislation that will fund the building of an arch at the Oklahoma Capitol to serve as an honorary symbol of the services performed by the Oklahoma National Guard.

House Bill 4012 is authored by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore.

"This arch was part of the original design for the state Capitol, and I believe it will add to the beauty of our complex," McBride said. "In addition, it will pay tribute to the legacy of Oklahoma National Guard members and their service and protection of the citizens of our great state."

New law signed to restore voter rights for people granted a pardon or commutation to time served

Bill signed into law restoring voter rights for people granted a pardon or commutation to time served

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 16th) – HB 1629 was signed into law earlier this week. It restores voter rights for people convicted of a felony who have received a commutation or a pardon to time served. It also restores voter rights for those who have had their sentence discharged or reclassified as a misdemeanor to time served.

Garfield County judge indicted -- for drive-by shooting

Well, this certainly was not a press release I ever expected to see in my inbox! I was slightly disappointed, however, to find that the judge used a .40 caliber Glock, and not the .45/.410 combo Taurus Judge (that would have been too ironic). 

Garfield County Judge Lovell indicted for drive-by shooting

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 9, 2024) – The Multi-County Grand Jury today indicted Garfield County Associate District Judge Brian Lovell on charges related to a February 2023 drive-by shooting near the town of Bison.

The indictment alleges that on Feb. 12, 2023, Lovell fired a gun at the residence of his brother-in-law in Bison, Oklahoma. Two days after the shooting, Lovell reported that a firearm was stolen from his vehicle.

Small: Evidence of a two-tiered justice system

Evidence of a two-tiered justice system

By Jonathan Small

Since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its controversial 5-4 decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma in 2020, it has reduced public safety in Oklahoma.

Oklahomans get a reminder of that sad reality this month as the child rapist who prompted the case is set to be free—something that would never have happened in the Oklahoma court system.

Jimcy McGirt was tried in an Oklahoma state court and found guilty in 1997 of first-degree rape by instrumentation, lewd molestation, and forcible sodomy. His victim was four years old. The crime was so extreme he was sentenced to 500 years in prison and life in prison without parole. 

Brecheen demands answers from CDC about the destruction of life in IVF industry

Congressman Josh Brecheen Demands Answers from CDC About the Destruction of Life in the IVF Industry

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen led a letter to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) demanding answers about the destruction of precious life in the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) industry. 

Stitt signs bill aimed to fight illegal immigration crisis

For all of his bold words on illegal immigration, Gov. Stitt seems oddly timid in approaching the legislation that the Legislature sent to him on addressing the issue.

GOVERNOR STITT SIGNS BILL TO DEFEND OKLAHOMANS FROM BIDEN’S OPEN BORDER POLICIES, LAUNCHES TASK FORCE TO FIND LEGAL PATHWAYS FOR WORKERS

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 30, 2024) - Today, in response to the Biden administration’s failure to secure the southern border and stop the influx of illegal migration into our country, Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 4156.

“I am disappointed this bill is necessary. Since President Biden took office in 2021, more than 10 million people have poured over the southern border,” said Gov. Stitt. “Countless individuals from across the globe, including thousands of Chinese nationals as well as people affiliated with terror organizations, have illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. Oklahomans are concerned by who could be lying in wait for an opportunity to bring harm to our country.”

Wow: Pro Tem Treat replaces Senate Appropriations chair in final month of session

Well, this was very unexpected. Treat canned Senate budget chairman Roger Thompson in the final month of the legislative session, approaching the height of budget negotiations...

Pro Tem Treat Announces Senate Appropriations Chairman Change

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today announced a change to his appropriations chairman.

Pro Tem Treat has selected Senator Chuck Hall, R-Perry, to replace Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, as his appropriations chairman.

Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, will now serve as appropriations vice chair.

Drug bust in Muskogee County finds 32k illegal marijuana plants, illegal immigrants

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the arrests may have been just around the corner from me the other day...

Drummond announces 32,000 illegal marijuana plants seized in law enforcement operation in Muskogee County

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 1, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today that a series of busts in Muskogee County last week resulted in the seizure of approximately 32,000 unlawful marijuana plants, 5,000 pounds of untraceable processed pot, and six firearms. The inspections of several marijuana grow operations and dispensaries were a collaborative effort of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse.

Senate approves bill to fund Arkansas River Levee improvements

Senate approves bill to fund Arkansas River Levee improvements

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 25th) – House Bill 3288, by Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, received approval from the full Senate Wednesday. The measure provides $50 million in funding for repairs and improvements to the Arkansas River Levee Systems, which are currently at high risk of failure.

House passes bill to combat organized retail theft

House Approves Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 25th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today approved legislation to reduce criminal activity in Oklahoma.

Senate Bill 1450, authored by Rep. John George, R-Newalla, lowers the felony threshold for theft from $1,000 to $500, defines organized retail crime, and sets penalties based on stolen property value.

Small: Budget plans includes worthwhile items

Budget plans includes worthwhile items

By Jonathan Small

The Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate have both unveiled their state budget plans for the pending fiscal year. Each side has included goals that merit praise.

The House budget plan includes a quarter-point reduction in the state’s personal income tax, which would reduce our top rate from 4.75 percent to 4.5 percent. Because the personal income tax is a penalty on work and investment, the tax depresses economic growth. The lower the rate, the better the job creation and opportunity for all Oklahomans. While the best rate would be zero, any move in that direction is welcome.