Sand Springs to provide free meals to all students during school closure

Article updated as of 8:57 p.m. on 3/18/20 to reflect time change.

Sand Springs Public Schools will provide FREE meals to children 18 years old and younger during the school closure, due to COVID-19. Meals will be available from March 23 to April 3, 2020, Monday through Friday, at the following sites:

• Limestone Technology Academy / 4201 S. Walnut Creek Dr.

• Clyde Boyd Middle School / 305 W. 35th St.

• Garfield STEAM Academy / 701 N. Roosevelt Ave.

• Central Ninth Grade Center / 14 W. 4th

• Charles Page High School / 500 N. Adams Rd

• Early Childhood Education Center / 1701 E. Park Rd

Meals will be served as “grab and go” outside at the front entrance of each school except at Charles Page High School where meals will be served on the east side of the building by the parking lot doors.

• Children must be present to receive a meal.

• Breakfast and lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Children may pick up a “grab and go” lunch AND breakfast at the same time.

Garfield STEAM Academy holds 4th-grade production of Yodehoo!

Submitted by Kelli Shockley.

On Thursday, February 27, 2020, the fourth graders at Garfield STEAM Academy, led by their music teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Stewart, performed a production of Yodeehoo! for the  students, faculty and parents. One of the play's composers, Greg Davis, a 1978 CPHS graduate, was on hand to watch as Garfield's fourth graders performed this humorous tale that teaches us not to judge others before we get a chance to know them. Every year, Mrs. Stewart chooses a play for the fourth graders to perform. Yodeehoo! is a favorite among the fourth grade teachers. This is the fourth time the fourth graders have performed this hilarious production over the past 15 years. The students worked hard to master all their lines, delivered in "hillbilly" accents, and all the songs that teach us to be careful about making assumptions and jumping to conclusions about people. The fourth graders, along with Mrs. Stewart did an outstanding job as they brought this production to life.   

Sand Springs Mayor Jim Spoon declares State of Emergency

The following Mayor Proclamation was executed by City of Sand Springs Mayor Jim Spoon, Tuesday, March 17th.

“WHEREAS, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to be a global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the President of the United States of America has declared an infectious disease National Emergency Declaration to combat COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Oklahoma has declared a State of Emergency for all 77 counties in Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, health professional and researchers have determined COVID-19 is spread by human contact and interaction; and

WHEREAS, practicing methods such as social distancing is believed to stop the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the spread of COVID-19 is a disaster affecting life, health, and safety of Sand Springs residents and non-residents alike; and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned conditions constitute a threat to the safety and welfare of Sand Springs, and create an emergency situation within the meaning of Section 683.3, Oklahoma Emergency Act of 2003, as amended;

NOW, THEREFORE, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CITY CHARTER AND STATE LAW, I, JAMES 0. SPOON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAND SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE: 

SECTION ONE: A state of emergency exists within the corporate limits of the City of Sand Springs, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

SECTION TWO: This proclamation shall become effective 12:01 AM Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

SECTION THREE: This state of emergency shall continue until 12:01 AM May 11, 2020, or terminated earlier by further proclamation.

PROCLAIMED THIS 17TH DAY OF MARCH, 2020.

James O. Spoon - Mayor”

Oklahoma Public Schools to continue providing student meals despite closure

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on two requested waivers allowing meal service to continue during school closures. Meals will be available at no cost to low-income children and are not required to be served in a group setting to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19. 

“When schools close, our first concern is for the safety and well-being of our children. We know that some kids will not have access to nutritious meals if they do not attend school,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “The approval of these waivers provides flexibility so Oklahoma children get wholesome meals while safeguarding their health.” 

Last week, OSDE‘s Child Nutrition Programs applied for four waivers from the USDA Food and Nutrition Services. During the upcoming school closure, schools can leverage their participation in one of the USDA’s summer meal programs. 

The two waivers approved Saturday, March 14: 

• Will allow for an alternative or “grab and go” meal service to limit interaction and proximity, reducing the risk of coronavirus exposure; this flexibility would allow possible meal deliveries away from school 

• Waive the requirement that school meal operations must be served at a school site during unanticipated school closure. This will allow food service staff to prepare the alternative or “grab and go” meals at school sites. 

The waivers are good through June 30 or until the federally declared public health emergency expires, whichever is earlier. They only apply to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program’s Seamless Summer Option (SSO) or the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). 

OSDE is awaiting approval on two other waivers. One would allow schools in areas not designated as high need to cover meals to students under the Emergency School Closure provision of the SFSP or SSO. The other would allow sponsors to provide reimbursable meals pending availability of meal pattern components. 

City of Sand Springs cancels Herbal Affair, closes Community Center and Museum

The City of Sand Springs announces revised operations in response to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tulsa Health Department and other agency advisories regarding the spread of the Coronavirus-COVID-19 virus. These revisions will take place immediately within the City’s operations.

To monitor real-time changes to the City’s plans, please follow any of the City’s Facebook pages including: City of Sand Springs; Sand Springs Police Department; Sand Springs Fire Department; Sand Springs Parks; Keystone Ancient Forest; Sand Springs Animal Welfare; Sand Springs Herbal Affair, Sand Springs Pogue Airport and the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum.

Generally, and unless previously arranged, all general business operations of the City of Sand
Springs will be conducted via phone and/or email to the greatest extent possible. Walk-in visits by vendors or the public will not be seen without an appointment. A detailed listing of operational revisions by department can be found further below.

Perhaps two of the most popular activities and sites to be impacted include the Case Community Center and the Sand Springs Herbal Affair. The Case Community Center will close to the public for general use, including rentals and meetings. The City’s Parks Department is prepared to work with existing rentals and uses, providing several options moving forward. For questions, please call the Parks Department at (918) 246-2561.

The Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival is cancelled. For the first time in 31 years this outdoor gathering, which attracts more than 25,000 visitors to downtown Sand Springs, will not be held. City staff are working with vendors to accommodate their plans to attend in 2021.

The regular meeting of the Sand Springs City Council and Sand Springs Municipal Trust Authority is still planned to occur on March 23, 2020 at the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Complex.

Below is a more detailed listing of impacts on the various City Departments and their operations:

Police/Fire:
• People with emergency situations should call 911 and an officer will respond. People with non-emergency situations should call (918) 245-8777 and an officer will call them back to take a report over the phone.

Municipal Court:
• Public court hearings are temporarily postponed pursuant to an order, which will be issued by the Municipal Court Judge. Mailings will be sent out to those on the docket. Court fines and payments should be made online or by phone.

Parks:
• Keystone Ancient forest is OPEN at this time, per schedule on website & Facebook.
• Case Center will be closed to the public.
• Museum will be closed to the public.
• Youth sports program operational plans are still being discussed at this time.
• Public parks are OPEN for public use with gatherings over 50 people discouraged. The restrooms WILL BE CLOSED at this time.
• Senior Citizens operations are closed, however meal provider Sodexo will continue to operate from the facility and offer carry-out and drive-thru meal options to their clients
• Long-range planning events like the “Movie in the Park” and fireworks display will be addressed later.

Customer Service:
• Payments to the City should be made online; via the payment kiosk located on the South side of the Sand Springs Municipal Building (100 E. Broadway) or at the night drop box also located on the South side of the building.
• Requests for new utility services may be established using instructions listed on the City’s website.
• Water service disconnects will be temporarily suspended for late payment

Community Development/Planning/Neighborhood Services:
• All applications for permits or licenses should be sent using forms found on the City’s website and delivered via email and can be discussed by phone.
• Payments can be made by mail or phone.
• Plan sets may be dropped off at the Community Development/Planning Department located at 110 E. Broadway.
• No approval of Special Events utilizing public property will be approved at this time.

Human Resources:
• All interviews for City positions will be held via phone with no vendor appointments at this time.

Animal Welfare:
• No public adoption events, with animal viewing by appointment only. Please call (918) 246-2543 for assistance.

New Construction Homes Coming to Sand Springs with Stone Villa II by Capital Homes

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Submitted.

(Sand Springs, OK) - Sand Springs house hunters can now reserve home sites with local home builder Capital Homes at Stone Villa II.

“We are very excited to be building in the Sand Springs community again,” Capital Homes Vice President of Sales Michael Sorrell said. “With Stone Villa II, we want to bring value through a wide range of high quality homes at a more affordable price.”

Located off of 51st Street West between Highway 97 and 129th East Avenue, the subdivision is near to retail and restaurants in the Prattville area, and within walking distance to Angus Valley Elementary. This new community will feature both single-story and two-story homes ranging from 1,400 to 2,308 sq. ft. with 3-5 bedrooms and 2-3.5 bathrooms. Homes will begin under $200k.

Groundbreaking on the model home has begun, with construction on the first four homes to follow throughout the month of March. The development will consist of two phases, with a total of 87 homes. Home sites are now available for reservation.

Capital Homes invites the public to schedule a preview appointment by contacting Amanda Connolly at amanda@capitalhomes.com or call 918-630-9633.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic Prompts City, Citizen Preparedness

With the recent publicity about the COVID-19 virus, how prepared should a family, a company, or even a government entity be to deal with it?

Sand Springs Fire Chief Mike Wood doesn’t advocate panic over what could be a potentially troubling outbreak, but he is urging preparation and prevention. Planning for a pandemic is critical when essential City services are involved.

The City of Sand Springs is heightening awareness among departments and employees to assure essential services continue should a significant outbreak occur.

Wood has been monitoring COVID-19 conditions, also more widely known as the Coronavirus, since January. On Wednesday, March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) classified COVID-19 as a pandemic due to the number of cases being reported worldwide.

The complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully known. Reported illnesses have ranged from very mild (including some with no reported symptoms) to severe, including illness resulting in death. While information so far suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild, a report out of China suggests serious illness occurs in 16% of cases. Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions - like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example - seem to be at higher risk of developing a serious COVID-19 illness, Wood said.

The best defense against contracting the Coronavirus is proper hand washing. Many public facilities are posting signs reminding people to wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom. People should cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. And a person’s hands should be kept away from his or her face whenever possible.

“People who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms should go home and stay at home away from others as much as possible until symptoms subside. If mild to moderate symptoms exist, public health officials are urging the public not to just “show up” at a medical facility or call 911, they ask instead for the person to reach out to their health care provider or local health department for guidance.” Wood said.

Many City employee functions are deemed essential to providing services to the public. Safety personnel such as police and firefighters are obvious examples. However, there are also many other essential support services such as sanitation workers, and water and sewer plant personnel who also oversee essential services, Wood noted.

To protect employees and the public, the City emphasis will be given to hand hygiene – including installation of sanitizing dispensers in key areas of public contact. Additionally, disinfecting efforts will be stepped up and some limitations for access to public buildings may become necessary.

Wood added he will continue to educate both City employees and the community about COVID-19 developments, using information from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), and county health departments, all these entities have additional information available regarding the pandemic.

To view more information on the COVID-19 virus, go to the Tulsa Health Department’s website at www.tulsa-health.org. The CDC website also has very helpful information at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Our emergency phone notification system is a critical tool that we use to make sure you are notified of critical information in the event of a public health crisis, disaster or other major event. If you live in the City of Sand Springs corporate limits, please take time to register on the link below.

https://ok-sandsprings.regroup.com/signup

A few common sense measures such as maintaining a “social distance” of three to six feet between people is being encouraged.

“There are other internal measures we can implement to protect our workforce at the City while providing essential services to citizens,” Wood said. “We will continue to watch where the COVID-19 pandemic goes in the coming months, and will quickly take appropriate actions if concerning conditions develop locally.”

Bill to protect working Oklahomans passes Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY – Under current law, Oklahomans with state occupational licenses or certifications who are delinquent on their income taxes face possible nonrenewal. To ensure these individuals can afford to pay their back taxes Senator Paul Scott, R-Duncan, authored Senate Bill 1816, which passed out of the Senate Wednesday.

“I understand how threatening one’s livelihood was seen as a possible incentive for people to pay their income taxes.  However, it just isn’t realistic and doesn’t account for all the major life events or economic issues that affect citizens,” Scott said. “If something has happened that has kept someone from being able to pay their taxes, taking away their occupational license or certificate won’t help the situation.  If they lose their job, they lose their ability to continue working in their field of expertise, which forces them to take a lower paying job or even multiple jobs. This law needs to be repealed.”

SB 1816 repeals the section of law providing for licensing entities to submit identifying information on a licensee to the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) to facilitate income tax compliance. The repeal would eliminate the procedure whereby the OTC notifies the relevant licensing entity of a taxpayer’s noncompliance, and after such notification is provided, the licensing entity must refuse to renew the taxpayer’s license.

Scott is working with the OTC to get recommendations of other ways to collect delinquent income taxes without revoking occupational licenses.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Editor’s Note: SB1816 passed the Senate by a 36-10 vote. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted against the measure.

Read SB1816’s full text here.

Senate approves bill to enable Oklahoma to import lower cost prescription drugs from Canada

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to help Oklahomans strapped by the ever-increasing costs of prescription drugs has cleared the full Senate. State Senator Rob Standridge, R-Norman, is principal author of Senate Bill 940, creating the Prescription Drug Safety and Cost Reduction Pilot Program Act. The bill was approved on Thursday.

Standridge said the bill will begin the process for Oklahoma to create a state prescription importation program to purchase lower cost prescription drugs from Canada, saving money for consumers and taxpayers. In the last five years, the average cost of prescription drug treatment jumped by 57.8 percent, while Oklahomans’ annual income only rose 2.6 percent. Standridge said the use of Canadian prescription imports to save on drug costs has been championed by President Donald Trump.

“Americans can pay twice as much compared to what people in other countries pay for the same name brand drugs,” Standridge said. “These drugs are safe but cost much less. With one in four Oklahomans reporting they’d skipped a prescription drug because of the cost, it’s clear this relief is greatly needed.”

If the measure becomes law, SB 940 will direct the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to apply to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a prescription drug importation pilot program for the state Medicaid program to import pharmaceutical drugs from one or more countries approved by the FDA. The program will import the top 20 prescription drugs in the state that have a large cost difference between those available in the U.S. compared to those in Canada. Six months after the application is submitted, licensed retail pharmacies can begin participating in the program.

“The pharmaceutical market in this country is already global. The U.S. imports more than 40 percent of its finished products and 80 percent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients used in medications, and the FDA imported drugs from other countries in response to U.S. drug shortages,” Standridge said. “This simply gives us the opportunity to take advantage of these less expensive, but equally safe and effective prescription drugs.”

SB 940 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Editor’s Note: SB940 passed the Senate by a 41-4 vote. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted in favor.

Click here to read the full bill.

Senate supports bill requiring more info for unexplained infant deaths

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Senate has voted in favor of legislation requiring standardized investigations following the sudden, unexplained death of infants in Oklahoma. Senator Stephanie Bice is principal author of Senate Bill 1893, which was approved unanimously on Wednesday.

Bice, R-Oklahoma City, said the bill was requested by Ali Dodd, an Edmond constituent whose baby died almost five years ago at a state-licensed day care center due to an unsafe sleep environment. The medical examiner listed the cause of death as unknown/undetermined. No information about the specific circumstances or contributing factors were documented.

“Her baby was only 11 weeks old and was left swaddled, unbuckled and unrestrained in a car seat for two hours on the floor behind a closed door, yet none of those risks were documented,” Bice said. “Oklahoma’s infant mortality rate is the third worst of any state in the country. Doing thorough investigations and documenting the findings can help us be pro-active with policies and laws that can save lives.”

SB 1893 directs the medical examiner to conduct a sudden unexplained infant death investigation (SUIDI) within 48 hours of the baby’s death. Information collected would include known medical histories, how the infant was found, how they are placed and other pertinent information. 

Dodd said her main motivation in working with Bice to pass SB 1893 is to prevent other families from experiencing the loss and pain her own has endured.

“Between 70 and 75 percent of infant deaths in Oklahoma are listed as unknown or undetermined,” Dodd said. “Unknown and undetermined can’t help us save lives. Standardized death investigations will help us identify risk factors and do a better job of preventing infant deaths in the first place.” 

SB 1893 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Editor’s Note: SB1893 passed unanimously 46-0, with District 37 Senator Ikley-Freeman voting in favor.

Oklahoma Senate approves sweeping licensing reforms

OKLAHOMA CITY – In an effort to continue growing the state’s economy and address the teacher shortage, the Senate approved two reciprocal licensing reforms Wednesday. Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the author of the measures to recognize the out-of-state occupational licenses and teaching certificates of qualified individuals moving to Oklahoma.

“We cannot grow our economy without getting rid of the barriers that are deterring professionals from moving to the state. Qualified professionals who are licensed, accredited or certified in other states shouldn’t have to prove their competency by taking repetitive exams that are both expensive and a waste of their time,” Pugh said. “As long as they are law-abiding citizens who hold an out-of-state license or certificate that is in good standing in their profession, we want them to know that we look forward to welcoming them and their expertise to Oklahoma.”

SB 1891 creates the “Universal Occupational License Recognition Act”. It directs occupational boards and commissions to issue an occupational license in the relevant profession to anyone who takes up residency in Oklahoma and holds an occupational license or certificate that has been in good standing in another state for at least one year. Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, is the principal House author.

SB 1125 will allow the State Board of Education to issue a teaching certificate to anyone who holds a valid out-of-state teaching certificate, with no other requirements except a criminal history record check. The teaching certificate will only be for those subject areas and grade levels most closely aligned to the subject areas and grade levels recognized on the out-of-state certificate. The bill will go into effect with the governor’s signature allowing districts to begin accepting teacher applications for the upcoming school year. House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, is the principal House author.

The bills will next be considered in the House.

Editor’s Note: SB1891 passed 36 to 9. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted against the measure. SB1125 passed unanimously, 46 to 0. Ikley-Freeman voted in favor.

Click here to read the full text of SB1125.

Click here to read the full text of SB1891.

Senate advances bill strengthening penalties for selling nonconsensual intimate images and videos

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate has voted to strengthen penalties against those who sell intimate images or videos without the subject’s knowledge or consent. Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, said Senate Bill 1462 will protect victims from continual embarrassment and other negative impacts from the public sharing of such private pictures and videos.

“Surprisingly, this deplorable behavior is fairly common where ex-spouses or lovers sell private videos to multiple adult websites for money.  What was done with an expectation of privacy, turns into a horrifying experience for victims that is not only embarrassing but can cost them their job or negatively impact other aspects of their lives,” David said. “The current misdemeanor doesn’t seem to deter these predators so hopefully making this a felony and then requiring repeat offenders to register as sex offenders will stop them. No one should benefit financially from the pain and embarrassment of others.”

The bill was requested by a constituent whose ex-spouse sold private videos of the couple to more than 150 adult websites.  Being a member of the military, the videos were considered conduct unbecoming an officer and nearly led to the individual losing her job. She was forced to bring in numerous character witnesses to fight on her behalf to keep her job.  The ex-spouse has had numerous misdemeanor charges brought against him but continues selling the videos.

SB 1462 creates a felony for individuals attempting to gain financial advantage or gain anything of value as a result of the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. Offenders will face up to four years in prison and up to 10 years imprisonment for second and subsequent convictions. Second convictions will also require registration as a sex offender. The bill removes the state’s discretion to file a misdemeanor charge on anyone who commits the offense. Provisions of the Sex Offenders Registration Act will apply to repeat offenders but will not apply to anyone while incarcerated in a medium or maximum security prison. 

The bill now goes to the House for further consideration.

Editor’s Note: SB1462 passed unanimously with 45 in favor, 0 opposed, and 2 excused. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted in favor.

Senate passes resolution calling for an Article V Convention of States

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, honored the legacy of former United States Senator Tom Coburn Wednesday with the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 41, which calls for an Article V Convention of States to amend the U.S. Constitution. Coburn is a staunch advocate for a convention and has said it is the only way to halt the overreach of power by the federal government.

SJR 41 would call for Constitutional amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and members of Congress.

“There are two ways amendments to the Constitution are proposed – through a two-thirds majority of Congress or a two-thirds majority of the states,” Standridge said. “Our founders provided this right as a means to correct any imbalance of power between the states and the federal government, and to attempt to solve problems that Congress could not or would not address.”

Standridge said the only way to reign in the federal government is through a convention of states, and he outlined the changes needed to restore power to the states and the people in SJR 41.

“Dr. Coburn has worked with Oklahoma legislators and citizens to show that an amendments convention could solve some of our nation’s most critical problems,” Standridge said. “Since Congress is out of control, it is up to us to limit their power, enact term limits and keep the nation from further debt by passing a balanced budget mandate.”

The resolution now heads to the House of Representatives for approval. Rep. Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, is the principal House author.

Editor’s Note: Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted against the measure. Read the full resolution here. Standridge authored a similar bill (SJR4) in 2016 that also passed both houses.

SJR41 adds a section limiting the scope of the Convention of States to cover only the issues named in the resolution. SJR4 would have allowed amendments to be proposed for issues not named in the bill.

Similar bills have been passed by the legislatures in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. Article V requires a two-thirds majority of states to call for a convention.

Oklahoma Senate approves Unborn Person Wrongful Death Act

*Editor’s Note: The following is a press release from the Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division. Sandite Pride has not independently verified the claims made in this article. Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, representing Sand Springs, voted against this measure.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Senate approved the Unborn Person Wrongful Death Act Thursday to address the pain and suffering of family members of babies whose lives are ended through abortion. Senator David Bullard, R-Durant, is the author of Senate Bill 1728, which modifies provisions relating to awarding damages resulting from wrongful death in cases of abortions performed under fraudulent circumstances. 

The bill authorizes parents and grandparents to recover damages relating to mental pain, anguish and pecuniary loss and holds the physician who performs the abortion fraudulently solely liable for the wrongful death.

Bullard said the bill has been a long time coming and thanked his colleagues for supporting the rights of Oklahoma’s families and remembering the innocent lives lost.

“With the passage of Senate Bill 1728, the Senate has taken a bold step in guaranteeing Oklahoma families their constitutional right to seek recourse through legal civil action to protect their families from wrongful death. Our federal and state constitutions as well as codified statutes guarantee every Oklahoman the right to civil recourse of wrongful death,” Bullard said. “This bill will finally add the forgotten family members to this guaranteed protection and bring justice for the multitude of wronged families across the state. I want to thank my colleagues for their support in voting for this overdue protection that our citizens have long been deprived.”

The bill outlines under which circumstances a wrongful suit may be filed. It also states that if some or all of the provisions of the measure are permanently or temporarily restrained by a court order, the remaining provisions will be enforced.

During his debate, Bullard cited that the Justice Foundation has found that up to 69 percent of abortions in the U.S. are performed without legal consent. Their findings show that these mothers are persuaded to go through with abortions through illegal coercion including being lied to about the age or health of their babies or about the safety of the actual procedure. Many mothers are drugged prior to actually agreeing to the procedure thinking they are only getting examined but wake up to realize the procedure is complete.

Last month, Bullard welcomed two victims of illegal coercion that led to the deaths of their unborn children and left one unable to have any more children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 623,000 abortions were performed in 2016. There were nearly 200 abortions for every 1,000 live births that year.   

SB 1728, which passed 37-9, will now be sent to the House for further consideration.

Junior Achievement of Oklahoma Receives $50,000 from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma

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William Cloud, President Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Bob Peters, Grand Master of Masons in Oklahoma, Brian Jackson, Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, Jo Wise, Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, John Logan, Executive Director Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma.

The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma presented a $50,000 donation to Junior Achievement of Oklahoma Wednesday.

“These dollars will continue support for our efforts teaching the most important life lessons of budgeting, financial investments, philanthropy, and personal finances through Junior Achievement capstone programs like JA Finance Park-Mobile that provide the outreach necessary to serve rural Oklahoma students,” said JA Development Manager Brian Jackson in a statement.

Through hands-on classroom activities and site-based experiences, JA Finance Park students build a foundation for making intelligent, lifelong personal finance decisions. The program includes hands-on in-school activities that culminate with a visit to the JA Finance Park.

The JA Finance Park-Mobile will now include a new philanthropy kiosk named for the Masonic Charity Foundation. The Park-Mobile is dedicated to educating 7.000 Oklahoma middle and high school students in the basics of financial literacy, budgeting, investing, philanthropy, and managing risk, all while reinforcing the value of education and how it affects one’s future.

“The Masonic Fraternity is proud to support financial literacy education programs such as those offered by Junior Achievement,” says Masonic Grand Master Bob Peters. “The financial knowledge gained in this program will empower students to make good financial decisions as they begin their adult lives.”

JA Finance Park takes reality-based learning to a new level by placing students into authentic, tangible, real-world scenarios where they take control of their decisions. JA Finance Park will bring together teachers, community and corporate volunteers, and local businesses to prepare students for adult life.

Senator Ikley-Freeman authors bill to help honeybee population

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Finance Committee has passed Senate Bill 1388, which would incentivize urban gardeners across the state to raise honeybees by giving tax exempt status to any bee product sold. The measure is authored by Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa.

Ikley-Freeman said a food desert in her district forced her to look at alternative ways for constituents to access fresh produce. This examination led her to a pollinating force: honeybees.

“Since much of Senate District 37 is in a food desert, many of my constituents have solved this issue by becoming urban gardeners,” Ikley-Freeman said. “There are several great extension programs available that provide folks with seeds to plant their own gardens, but we are unfortunately missing a key factor for successful gardening, which is pollination.”

Ikley-Freeman said that while many people are attempting to grow their own produce, a lack of pollination can make it a fruitless pursuit. For example, it could lead to zucchini plants that never grow a zucchini, she said. 

“Not only will raising bees increase the success of local gardens, but it will also give Oklahomans an opportunity to make their own honey, candy, soaps and lotions, and then sell those products tax free at their local farmers market,” Ikley-Freeman said.

A producer that sells agricultural products directly from their farm, orchard, garden or dairy is already exempt from sales tax. SB 1388 simply adds bee products to the tax-exempt list.

“I’m hopeful this legislation will encourage people across the state to look into beekeeping,” Ikley-Freeman said. “Something as simple as a honeybee could give many Oklahomans a second stream of income.”

The measure now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for a vote. 

Senate passes bill to make selling private photos or videos a felony

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Monday, the Senate Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to strengthen the penalty against individuals who sell intimate photos or videos without their partners’ consent. Senate Bill 1462, by Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, creates a felony for individuals attempting to gain financial advantage or gain anything of value as a result of the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images.

“There have been situations in our state where an exspouse or former partner has sold intimate pictures or videos taken prior to their divorce or breakup without the consent of the other person. This is a disgusting misuse of intimate trust but it can also seriously damage people’s reputation and even get them in trouble at work or fired,” David said. “These unsuspecting victims deserve protection from this violation of their privacy.”

The newly created felony will be punishable by up to four years imprisonment and up to ten years imprisonment for second and subsequent convictions with a second conviction requiring registration as a sex offender. The state will not have the discretion to file a misdemeanor charge on anyone who commits the newly created felony. The provisions of the Sex Offenders Registration Act will apply to anyone who receives a second or subsequent conviction but will not apply to the individual while incarcerated in a medium or maximum security prison. 

SB 1462 now goes before the full Senate.

Senate passes legislation requiring children to wear seat belts

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate prioritized child safety on Monday with the passage of Senate Bill 1303.

Authored by Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, the measure would require any child under the age of 17 to wear a seat belt while riding in the back seat of a vehicle. Current Oklahoma law only requires children under the age of eight and passengers in the front seat to buckle up. 

“Oklahoma is the only state in the entire country that doesn’t require seat belts for kids over the age of eight, and it’s no coincidence that vehicle fatalities are the number one cause of death for children eight and older here in Oklahoma,” Pederson said. “The bottom line is, children are being hurt and dying simply because we don’t require them to wear a seat belt.”

AAA reports Oklahoma ranks 50th in the nation in protecting children in car crashes.

Pederson said he decided to run the measure after speaking with Drummond Family, Career and Community Leaders of America members Danica Jordan and Destiny Hudson. Both girls lobbied for stricter seat belt requirements after experiencing firsthand the lifesaving difference a seat belt can make.

“I’m glad Danica and Destiny brought these troubling statistics to my attention,” Pederson said. “We know seat belts save lives, and it’s past time for our children to buckle up. If we want to be a Top 10 state, we need to take action to protect the safety of our children.”

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, is the House author for the bill. 

Senate Education Committee Approves Teacher Retention Act

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to encourage and retain Oklahoma’s top educators has cleared its first legislative hurdle. Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, is the author of Senate Bill 1127, the Teacher Retention Act of 2020.  The bill was approved by the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.

The measure creates a process for teachers who complete their National Board Certification and meet other additional requirements to receive annual bonuses of $1,500 beginning in the 2020-21 school year.  Under the legislation, depending on available revenue, that amount could be increased in subsequent years until it reaches a maximum of $5,000.

“In both 2018 and 2019, we approved much-needed pay raises for Oklahoma educators,” said Standridge, R-Norman. “Senate Bill 1127 gives us another way to incentivize and reward educators who go above and beyond what’s required of them to enhance the educational experience of their students.  Rewarding those efforts will help us retain our best and brightest teachers.”

If approved, beginning July 1, 2020, the State Board of Education would provide annual bonuses to a teacher who has completed each of the following:

• National Board certification and is teaching full time in a public school.

• Received a district rating of “superior” or “highly effective” under the Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System during the previous year.

• Is serving as a mentor teacher.

• Has been recommended for the bonus by their superintendent and principal with approval by the school board.

The measure next moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

Sand Springs Deputy Fire Chief Justin Hall Selected For Leadership Program

Sand Springs, OK - City of Sand Springs Deputy Fire Chief Justin Hall has been selected into 2020 Fire Service Executive Development Institute. The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) announced that Chief Hall successfully competed with new fire chiefs and chief officers from across the country and Canada to become a member of the 2020 cohort program.

Along with being accepted into the program Chief Hall has been awarded a scholarship which covers many of the expenses associated with attending the program.

The Fire Service Executive Development Institute is a yearlong leadership-development program created and implemented by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have successful and productive tenures. The members of the cohort will meet in March 2020 for their first five-day session in addition to two other sessions scheduled six months apart. The group will communicate between sessions using an online community.

This is the eighth year that the Motorola Solutions Foundation has provided the IAFC with a grant to fund the program. “The Motorola Solutions Foundation is proud to support the training and development of emerging leaders in fire and emergency service to ensure they have the tools needed to best serve the community”, said Monica Mueller, executive director Motorola Solutions Foundation.

Deputy Chief Hall began in the fire service 25 years ago as a volunteer. In 2001, he became a paid fire fighter for the Catoosa Fire Department. In 2005, he joined the Sand Springs Fire Department where he served as both vice-president and president of the union, and was selected to serve as the deputy fire chief in 2011. Chief Hall holds an Associates of Arts Degree from Rogers State College, and an Associates of Science Degree in Fire & Emergency Services from Tulsa Community College. He is currently working to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University.

“I have encouraged Justin to seek out training and professional development to enhance his skills as a chief officer,” said Fire Chief Mike Wood. “Justin presented the FSEDI opportunity to me and we both agreed that his participation would be invaluable for himself and the department as well. We appreciate that he was selected for this great program.”

“Congratulations to this year’s cohort of emerging fire and emergency service leaders," said Chief Gary Ludwig, IAFC president and chairperson of the board. “The IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Program has become the premier career- and leadership-development program in our profession thanks to the generous support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. Many officers from the previous programs have been successful in achieving fire chief positions and are effectively leading their departments.”