Sen. Daniels applauds ruling upholding ban on transgender procedures under age 18

Daniels Applauds Tenth Circuit Ruling Upholding SB613

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 8th) – The Tenth Circuit has upheld Oklahoma’s law prohibiting gender transition procedures on children under the age of 18.

SB613, authored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and Representative Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, was enacted in 2023. It prohibits medications designed to delay or suppress puberty and surgical procedures that alter or remove physical or anatomical characteristics or features that are typical for the individual’s biological sex. 

Small: A big win for children with special needs

A big win for children with special needs

By Jonathan Small

Since its creation in 2010, the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities (LNH) program has provided a lifeline to families whose children have special needs and cannot receive appropriate educational services in their local district.

Under longstanding Oklahoma law, local school districts receive additional state funds for each child with special needs. But that doesn’t always mean the extra money is used effectively. In the worst instances, public schools have effectively pocketed the extra cash without providing real benefit to the child with special needs.

That’s why the LNH program allows parents to use state funds allocated for their child’s education to pay for private-school tuition. The scholarships range from $4,196 to $22,236, based on a child’s diagnosis.

AFP-OK applauds House vote to end 6% mandatory gas and grocery markup

AFP-OK Cheers House Vote to End Mandatory Gas & Grocery Markup

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (April 22nd) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) thanked members of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee today for their unanimous vote in favor of legislation to remove a long-hidden price markup on gas, groceries, and other essentials that make everyday life more expensive for Oklahomans. 

Pro Tem-designee Paxton names key Senate leadership positions

Pro Tem Designee Paxton Names Key Leadership Positions

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 12th) – Senate Pro Tem Designee Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today has named key members of his leadership team after being tapped as the Senate’s next leader.

Pro Tem Designee Paxton has appointed Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, as the Senate Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, as Appropriations Chairman and Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, as Vice Chairman of Appropriations.

State Sen. Daniels, State Rep. Lepak file resolution in support of Israel

Sen. Daniels, Rep. Lepak file resolution in support of Israel

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 14th) – Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, have filed a resolution to affirm support of Israel and to condemn Hamas. The resolution can be considered by the Oklahoma Legislature when it convenes in February. The resolution expresses an unwavering commitment to the welfare, security and survival of the State of Israel.  It also calls on state law enforcement agencies to be vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans from crime and discrimination and calls on the federal government to aid Israel in its defense against Hamas and all other terrorist organizations.

“Even though we cannot adopt this resolution until February, we think it important in this season of Hanukkah to let our fellow Oklahomans of the Jewish faith and Israeli citizens in our state know that we stand with them in support of the Nation State of Israel and the Jewish people,” Daniels said.

Lepak added, "Hamas is a terrorist organization, and what they did on October 7 is undeniably evil.  Israel has the right, and should, rid itself of that threat. There is no equivocating on this point."

Federal judge upholds Oklahoma's ban on gender transition procedures for minors

A federal judge for the District of Northern Oklahoma has upheld Senate Bill 613, a measure passed during the 2023 legislative session that bans "gender transition" procedures for children under 18 years of age. Pat McGuigan at the Oklahoma City Sentinel has more on the story here; below are comments from Gov. Kevin Stitt, State Sen. David Bullard, and State Rep. Kevin West.

State GOP leaders denounce OK Supreme Court ruling striking down anti-abortion laws

Oklahoma's liberal Supreme Court continues to do what it has done for years -- in a 6-3 decision, justices overturned two 2022 laws restricting abortion. It's past time for judicial reform -- read Column: OK Supreme Court abortion ruling points to the need for judicial reform from April.

Below are comments from Gov. Kevin Stitt, Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, and State Sens. David Bullard and Julie Daniels, and the Oklahoma Republican Party (Chairman State Sen. Nathan Dahm, Vice Chair Wayne Hill, and National Committeewoman Pam Pollard):

Rep. Olsen warns: pro-abortion bill makes late-session reappearance

 Pro-Abortion Bill SB 834 transforms into Pro-Abortion SB 368

By State Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland)

Before the reversal of Roe v Wade, virtually every Republican voted for some kind of abortion limitations, and the argument was "If it saves even one baby, it's worth it."  Now, among a few of the more liberal Republicans , the refrain has changed to "If we sacrifice a few, we can save many."

In Senate Bill 834, this session has seen a strong battle on whether we need to loosen up and compromise our abortion laws and allow the brutal murder of some portion of our babies.  Ostensibly, this would give us some protection against a state question that could legalize abortion on demand, wide open.  This line of thought advocates that if we allowed the slaughter of perhaps 200 babies per year, this would save the larger number that would be killed in wide open abortion on demand.  The extermination of the approximately 200 babies would have been allowed on the basis of the mother being a victim of rape or incest.

As we have argued in the past, these terrible crimes are not the fault of the baby.  The baby's essential humanity and right to life is not contingent upon the quality of her parents.  The baby is not guilty of any crime meriting the death penalty.

The baby has a right to life!

Legislators, OCPA praise signing of ban on "gender transition" procedures for children

Sen. Daniels, Rep. Hasenbeck issue statements after Gov. Stitt signs SB 613, prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2nd) – Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, issued the following statements after Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 613 into law, banning gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies for children under the age of 18.

Rep. Olsen: Fallacies abound in Pro-Abortion Bill – Senate Bill 834

Fallacies abound in Pro-Abortion Bill – Senate Bill 834

By State Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland)

Senate Bill 834 is the pro-abortion bill that Oklahomans For Life Chairman Tony Lauinger is pushing hard for, but is probably dead for this session.  There are numerous fallacies associated with this bill.  Here are just a few.

Rep. Olsen: The wrong kind of history is being made in the Pro-Life movement

The wrong kind of history is being made in the Pro-Life movement

By State Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland)

Something unprecedented is happening in the Pro-Life movement.

What do I mean?  Am I speaking of the overturning of Roe v. Wade last summer?  That was wonderful news, but no, that's not what I am referring to.

I am actually speaking about some very bad news.

First, let me give the background here.  Last year, the Oklahoma Legislature passed two outstanding bills to protect innocent, unborn life.  HB 4327 addressed civil law.  It was much like the Texas law on abortion that allowed civil lawsuits.  Our law was even better, because it went all the way back to conception, the beginning of life.

The other bill we passed addressed criminal law.  SB 612 made abortion a felony, with punishments up to 10 years in prison, and a fine up to $100,000.

These two bills combined make us the strongest state in the union to defend innocent, unborn life.  This is where we always wanted to be.  It is a dream come true!

So, what is the bad news then?  The bad news is that there is an organization that wants to weaken, water down, and partially dismantle our strongly pro-life laws.  Senate Bill 834 is a pro-choice bill that would add several exceptions to our laws against abortion, repeal our law against self-induced abortion, and protect contraceptives that act as abortifacients.  This is a significant loosening of our current law.

State Senate passes bill banning "gender transition" procedures for minors

Good news:

Senate approves bill prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 15th) – The full Senate has approved a measure prohibiting gender transition procedures for children under the age of 18.  Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, is the author of Senate Bill 613, which bans the use of any medications or surgical procedures for the purpose of gender transition.  Behavioral and mental health counseling and medications for depression and anxiety are not included.

Missouri transgender clinic scandal adds urgency to Oklahoma child-protection effort

MISSOURI SCANDAL ADDS URGENCY TO OKLAHOMA CHILD-PROTECTION EFFORT

(Ray Carter | February 10, 2023) News that a Missouri children’s transgender clinic has been accused of unethical activity and is under investigation by law enforcement officials has added urgency to Oklahoma efforts to keep children from being subjected to sex-reassignment surgeries, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones, lawmakers say.

OK Senate Republicans vote to re-legalize and expand abortion in "limited" (for now) circumstances

Told you this would happen.

This morning, Senate Republicans on the Health & Human Services Committee voted for three measures related to the topic of abortion, one of which re-legalizes and expands abortion in "limited" (for now) circumstances.

This comes less than 24 hours after the pro-life Rose Day at the State Capitol, and 48 hours after abortion abolitionists visited legislators. 

Political chameleons. Shameful.

Op-ed: Is School Choice a conservative idea - or a progressive long-game?

The following op-ed was submitted by Carrie Bertrand. Carrie is a conservative political activist, a founding board member of the Constitutional Home Educators Alliance, and homeschooled two children for eighteen years.

Is School Choice a conservative idea or a progressive long-game?

How could any thinking person oppose “school choice?” – or so goes the familiar argument. 

The debate continues this year, like last, in the Republican-majority state legislative session just begun, as school choice – also known as school vouchers, and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) – stirs intense conflict. The Left opposes school vouchers because they take money from public school funding; true conservatives don’t like vouchers because they expand government and threaten the autonomy of private and home education.

Sens. Daniels and Jett file universal school choice legislation

As with the legislation from last year (Treat's SB 1647), this sounds good... but the devil can be in the details -- especially as it relates to protecting homeschooling freedoms from government interference. I'll be watching this bill and the entire school choice debate in Oklahoma with interest, and a wary eye.

Senators file education freedom bills for Oklahoma families

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, have filed universal school choice legislation to benefit children in all corners of the state. Daniels’ Education Freedom Act, Senate Bill 822, provides parents the option of tapping into a portion of their child’s education dollars to pay for a variety of education services, including tuition.

State Senate GOP leaders leery of Stitt's call for tax cuts

Senate Leaders Respond to Gov. Stitt’s Continued Call for Tax Cuts

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 27, 2022) – Leadership in the state Senate Republican Caucus today released the following statements after Gov. Kevin Stitt continued his call for tax cuts.

“Philosophically, I am for lower taxes,” said Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat. “Last year, I championed tax cuts and the members in the Senate were able to send responsible tax cuts and inflation relief to the governor’s desk. I’m proud to be part of the leadership in the state of Oklahoma, who has contributed to our current record savings, made critical investments into essential services, while living within our means. As we enter a recession, we must remember just a few short years ago we were scrambling with a $1.3 billion shortfall. We must be mindful and do tax cuts the right way. That is why I have appointed a tax policy working group. The members of this group are making serious strides to a long-term, sustainable plan to responsibly cut and reform taxes in our state.”  

Quinn receives endorsements from current and former Bartlesville-area legislators

State Senator Marty Quinn has been endorsed in his campaign for Congress by three current or former legislators from the Bartlesville area.

Quinn is one of 14 candidates for the 2nd Congressional District seat. Washington County, with its county seat of Bartlesville, is a brand-new addition to the District following redistricting, and will play a crucial role this primary in the election of the next congressman.

Gov. Stitt signs bill allowing lawsuits against those performing or abetting abortions, starting at conception

While the headlines might scream that this bill bans abortion, it really doesn't. It's another smoke-and-mirrors piece of legislation that actually falls short of abolishing abortion in Oklahoma.

Legislature approves bill allowing for civil lawsuits against those performing or abetting abortions

While the headlines might scream that this bill bans abortion, it really doesn't. It's another smoke-and-mirrors piece of legislation that falls short of abolishing abortion in Oklahoma. It has plenty of exceptions (one being "an abortion performed at the behest of federal agencies, contractors, or employees that are carrying out duties under federal law, if a prohibition on that abortion would violate the doctrines of preemption or intergovernmental immunity"... which sounds really bizarre). It furthermore abdicates the express duty of the state government to uphold justice and defend life, and exempts those who seek out murderers-for-hire.

One bright spot is that it does recognize life as beginning at fertilization, rather than something like a heartbeat or pain.

House Approves Abortion Civil Liability Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Oklahoma House of Representatives approved House Bill 4327 as amended by the Oklahoma Senate.

HB4327, authored by Rep. Wendi Stearman, R-Collinsville, in the House and Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, in the Senate, provides civil liability for anyone performing or abetting an abortion in Oklahoma.