Capitol Conversations With Sen. Bill Coleman

The Senate is gearing up to hold a series of interim studies beginning later this summer. Through these studies, my colleagues and I will take a closer look at a wide range of policy proposals and bring in subject-matter experts to provide insight. This input is invaluable as we work to refine legislation for... Read More.

Drummond lauds Oklahoma Supreme Court decision on House Bill 1775

OKLAHOMA CITY  – Attorney General Gentner Drummond praised the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling that embraced a reasonable interpretation of a state law combatting racism and sexism in Oklahoma education. In its ruling, the Supreme Court agreed with the Attorney General’s Office that House Bill 1775 does not reach college classrooms, but rather that it... Read More.
https://fnbok.bank/

Luttrell, Rader comment on passage of carbon capture bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aimed at establishing clear guidelines for carbon capture and storage in Oklahoma has received final legislative approval and will take effect later this year.Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, co-authored Senate Bill 269 with Sen. Dave Rader to ensure the state maintains regulatory control over carbon sequestration efforts.... Read More.

Capitol Conversations By Sen. Bill Coleman

The Senate adjourned this year’s legislative session at 12:25 a.m. on May 30. We adjourned Sine Die, a term signaling final adjournment, after a long week of addressing remaining policy proposals, confirming dozens of the governor’s appointees to serve in state government and voting to override most of the governor’s vetoes. Overall, I believe it... Read More.

Service Animal Protection Bill Becomes Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1178 became law after Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, successfully led an override of the governor’s veto. The bill strengthens Oklahoma’s laws regarding service animals, ensuring greater protection for individuals with disabilities. The new law clarifies that only animals trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities qualify as... Read More.
https://www.stolhand-wells.com/

Veto overridden of bill to allow state funding for the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons

OKLAHOMA CITY – The veto of a bill that would allow state funding for the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, HB 1137, was overridden by the House and the Senate. The bill’s author, Rep. Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa, celebrated the veto override.“Today, the Oklahoma Legislature demonstrated its unwavering commitment to justice and... Read More.

Leader Munson bill to increase compensation for wrongfully convicted Oklahomans becomes law

OKLAHOMA CITY – HB 2235 by House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, was signed into law. The bill increases compensation for wrongfully convicted Oklahomans based on the number of years they were wrongfully incarcerated. “This is a big win and step in the right direction for reforming Oklahoma’s criminal justice system,” Leader Munson said.... Read More.

Hamilton’s Bill Raising Age of Consent Becomes Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, issued the following statement after House Bill 1003 became law this week.The measure implements additional protections for Oklahoma youth by raising the age of consent from 16 to 18.“Raising the age of consent to 18 is a crucial step in closing dangerous loopholes that have allowed predators to... Read More.
https://www.noc.edu/

Senate approves bill to establish national monument honoring Greenwood District

WASHINGTON -The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bill that would designate a national monument in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District, the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.The Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. If passed by the House and signed into law by... Read More.

House passes major tax and spending bill ahead of Memorial Day; Senate faces tough road ahead

WASHINGTON -House Republicans pulled off what many had considered unlikely—passing a sweeping tax and spending package with narrow support and significant behind-the-scenes negotiation. Now, as the bill moves to the Senate, questions remain about what elements will survive and whether it can meet the July 4 deadline favored by the President..In an interview on DC... Read More.

Legislative Leaders Comment on Passage of Budget Bill

 OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and appropriations chairmen from both chambers Thursday released the following statements after the $12.59 billion state budget bill for Fiscal Year 2026 passed off the Senate floor.This budget delivers a $121 million increase for public education, addresses the funding shortfall at... Read More.