Oklahoma Legislature

OKPOP has until Nov. 15 to raise $18 million to get a matching state grant.

The measure is headed to the state House after the full Senate approved it on Tuesday with a party-line vote of 36-8.

All three bills passed out of the Senate Technology and Telecommunications Committee by a 7-0 vote and are available for consideration by the full Senate.

Democratic lawmaker Rep. Andy Fugate is suing Gov. Kevin Stitt over an executive order mandating state employees return to the office.

Defendants aren’t necessarily told fines and costs, which are specific to each criminal case, before they agree to pay the total amount.

House Speaker-elect Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, wants input from Oklahomans on how their state government could be more efficient. The House launched an online portal this week in hopes of collecting that feedback.

He said his legislation would give prosecutors discretion, and they could use it to “target those people who are really criminals.”

Recommendations from the speakers included investing in treatment courts and services, improving jail data collection, implementing universal intake screening and increasing diversion services.

The annual luncheon, organized by the Tulsa Regional Chamber, covered a range of topics.

Oklahoma lawmakers return to the state capitol for a special session this week. The goal: confirm Governor Kevin Stitt’s nomination for the newest member of the Board of Regents for Agricultural and Mechanical colleges.