Agenda full as Oklahoma Legislature nears halfway mark

Agenda full as Oklahoma Legislature nears halfway mark
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma lawmakers can claim at least one accomplishment nearly halfway through this year’s legislative session.
They passed legislation that finally brings the state into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act. The act imposes tougher requirements for proof of legal residency to get state driver’s licenses.
But much more is on the agenda before the Legislature is required to adjourn May 26. That includes raising teacher pay, modifying guidelines for the judiciary and criminal justice, abortion, and ways to bring in more money.
The Oklahoma House and Senate have approved separate plans to raise state public school teacher salaries for the first time since 2008, although neither measure has a funding mechanism.
Both chambers have also approved measures that modify criminal justice laws to address the state’s growing prison population.