Oklahoma News Proposals Would Restrict School Library Content and Limit Student Privacy at School; How You Can Weigh In: The Education Department is considering new rules restricting school library content and requiring school staff to inform parents of major changes to a student's identity at school. [Oklahoma Watch] AG Drummond: Turnpike authority actions suggest unlawful misconduct: Attorney General Gentner Drummond on Wednesday requested an investigative audit be launched into the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority after months of lawsuits and questions about its attempt to launch a $5 billion toll road expansion. [The Oklahoman] - Investigative audit of Oklahoma Turnpike Authority requested by state AG [Tulsa World]
State's general revenue receipts set records; Rainy Day Fund likely to grow: Unexpectedly strong oil and gas tax collections continued to push Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund receipts higher in February, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services said Wednesday. General revenue is the state government's primary operating fund. OMES said general revenue for February totaled $501.4 million, 25% more than expected and 13.3% above February 2022's collections. [Tulsa World] State Government News Teen vaping once again focus of legislation at Oklahoma Capitol: Teen vaping is once again the focus of legislation at the Oklahoma Capitol. The House has advanced a bill that would not only require education for minors caught vaping but levy a fine if they fail to enroll in such a program. [KOCO Oklahoma City] 'That isn't how this building works': Senate Ed Chair comments on House Speaker's proposal: Oklahoma lawmakers are out of the Capitol for spring break, and the standstill on education policies continues on. It was a short but busy week at 2300 N Lincoln Blvd. A handful of Senate Education Chair, Adam Pugh's bills passed his chamber. [OKC Fox 25] Podcast: House Speaker Charles McCall's Time and Place Censure Distinction: Oklahoma state Rep. Mauree Turner has been stripped of committee assignments by the GOP House leadership, which alleges Turner impeded a law enforcement investigation at the Capitol. [Long Story Short / Oklahoma Watch] Federal Government News EPA proposes new limits for forever chemicals and sets aside money for Oklahoma to address them: The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new rule to set legally enforceable limits for PFAS, also called "forever chemicals." PFAS is short for polyfluoroalkyl substances—human made chemicals we use in non-stick cookware and waterproof clothes. They're called forever chemicals because they don't break down over time. Instead they build up in the environment and in our bodies, where their effects are still unclear. [KOSU] Health News OSU Center for Rural Health awarded $3 million grant: A $3 million federal grant awarded to the OSU Center for Rural Health in Tulsa will help fund scholarships, telemedicine vehicles and community programs in an effort to improve health care for rural and underserved Oklahomans, officials said. [Tulsa World] Criminal Justice News Oklahoma County jail in stalemate with city, will run out of money June 1, interim CEO predicts: Oklahoma County's jail will run out of money on June 1 — in part, because Oklahoma City isn't paying its bill. The bill in question is one for $492,000 that the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority, which oversees the jail's operations, wants the city to pay for housing arrestees brought into the jail on municipal complaints during the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. [The Oklahoman] Tulsa district attorney's daughter files for records expungement: Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzwieler's daughter Jennifer is seeking to have her criminal records expunged after being found not guilty of domestic assault. [KJRH] Education News Area school districts consider school meal changes if USDA proposals pass: Although pancakes and waffles are not leaving school breakfast menus any time soon, proposed changes to the National School Meal Program's nutritional regulations may make some other cafeteria staples a thing of the past. [Tulsa World] General News Trans Oklahomans find community through music amid heightened anti-queer rhetoric in legislature: The Transgender Action Choir only a few months old and includes members of all ages. And amid a cacophony of lawmakers debating the validity and morality of their identities at the Capitol, this rehearsal space is where they can find solace and community. [KOSU] Oklahoma Local News - Proposed TIF changes would support downtown OKC housing [Journal Record]
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