Oklahoma reaches 1,098 active cases of COVID-19; Sand Springs with 2 active cases

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As of Friday’s media advisory from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), there are now 7,848 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in the state. 359 Oklahomans have died and 6,391 have recovered, leaving 1,098 active cases. 1,103 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 154 are currently hospitalized.

In Sand Springs there have been 43 total cases with 2 deaths and 39 recoveries. Tulsa County has recorded 1,443 total cases with 1,008 recoveries and 62 deaths.

The OSDH has processed 238,366 negative tests so far. A complete list of testing sites can be found at this link.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 2,016,027 cases nationwide with 113,914 deaths. There have been 21,744 new cases and 947 deaths in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 38th in total cases (42nd per capita), and 34th in deaths (35th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 7,410,510 cases worldwide with 418,294 deaths. There have been 128,399 new cases in the past 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 772,416 and Russia with 511,423.

OSDH resumes publishing city-level data, Sand Springs has 2 active cases of COVID-19

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As of today, the Oklahoma State Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard is publishing city and zip-code level data on active and recovered COVID-19 cases. OSDH will also return to the reporting of nursing home and long-term care facility data in the daily Governor’s executive order report. Moving forward, the agency will report by facility, providing an aggregated number of staff and residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.

“We appreciate the efforts and counsel of Attorney General Hunter to enable OSDH to continue reporting the most comprehensive and transparent COVID-19 data that our agency is dedicated to providing Oklahomans,” said OSDH Interim Commissioner Lance Frye.

“The State has been committed to making data-driven decisions to address the presence of COVID-19. I applaud and welcome the return of city and zip code-level COVID-19 reporting and the publishing of COVID-19’s impact on each long term care and nursing home facility,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “I appreciate the collaboration of Commissioner Frye and Attorney General Hunter to interpret recent changes in law and to deliver a quick resolution in the best interest of public health and Oklahoma’s economy.”

Today, the Tulsa Health Department is offering free specimen collection for COVID-19 testing during the Unity in the Community food distribution event at the 36th Street North Event Center from 4-7 p.m. Testing will be set up next door in the parking lot of the Greater Union Baptist Church, 955 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74106. No appointment is necessary. Individuals can walk up, bike or drive-thru. Call the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355 with questions. Additional testing information can be found here.

COVID-19 testing sites are open in multiple cities in Oklahoma as a result of a cross-county, city and state health system partnership. Visit this page for updated dates and locations.

In the city of Sand Springs there have been 39 total cases with two deaths and 35 recoveries, leaving two active cases. Tulsa County has totaled 1,109 cases with 59 deaths and 877 recoveries, leaving 173 active cases.

There have been 6,907 cases in Oklahoma since the pandemic began, with 344 deaths and 5,781 recoveries. 782 cases are still active.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 1,862,656 cases nationwide with 108,064 deaths. There have been 20,555 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.

The World Health Organization is reporting 6,535,354 cases worldwide with 387,155 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 584,016 and Russia with 449,834.

State Election Board: Oklahoma Financial Institutions to Offer Free Absentee Voting Services

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(Oklahoma City) – The Secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board joined representatives of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, Oklahoma Credit Union Association, and Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma today to announce that financial institutions across the state plan to offer free absentee voting services to all Oklahoma voters.

Participating banks and credit unions will offer one or more of the following services to voters:   

  • Free ID copy (lobby and/or drive-thru)

  • Free absentee ballot notarization (lobby and/or drive-thru)

Voters can find a list of participating banks and credit unions at elections.ok.gov. Services and hours may vary by location.

“Banks and credit unions are in almost every community in Oklahoma. They’re our neighbors and community partners and they realize the importance of democracy. That’s why we’re excited to work with these financial institutions to ensure that every voter—both customers and non-customers alike—have free and convenient absentee services available to them,” said Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board.

Craig Buford, President and CEO of the Community Bankers Association agrees.

“The Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma is proud of the hard work and diligence of the Oklahoma Legislature and the Oklahoma Election Board to streamline the absentee ballot process while maintaining its integrity. Community Financial Institutions are not just the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy, but leaders in their communities. This partnership was a natural fit as we all work together to protect one of our most cherished rights, the right to vote.”

“Community banks across Oklahoma are excited for the opportunity to make absentee voting easier for all Oklahomans,” said Adrian Beverage, Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President for Government Relations for the Oklahoma Bankers.

According to Nate Webb, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Credit Union Association, “Voting is one of the greatest privileges we enjoy as Americans. Oklahoma credit unions are pleased to help our fellow Oklahomans participate in the process.”

While participation by banks and credit unions is voluntary, associationfficers said they have had a positive response of support from financial institutions across the state.

Voters can apply for absentee ballots online using the OK Voter Portal at elections.ok.gov/OVP.html. Applications can also be downloaded from the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov.

The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Tuesday (5 p.m.) before Election Day. Absentee ballots must be received no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information about absentee voting in Oklahoma, visit our website at elections.ok.gov. Voters with specific questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

Attorney General Hunter advises Health Department to continue releasing city-level data

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today advised the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) that releasing the data about COVID-19 infections does not violate state or federal law, as long as individuals are not identifiable.

After consultation with the attorney general, the OSDH will resume releasing local infection data and deaths. Demographic data, such as age and race, will only be released in aggregate.

“Releasing the total numbers of each locality, county and state-wide demographic data threads the needle of providing up-to-date information to the public while protecting the privacy of Oklahomans,” Attorney General Hunter said. “This data is important for citizens to have at their disposal to make informed decisions. I appreciate OSDH Interim Commissioner Lance Frye and Secretary of Health Jerome Loughridge, for bringing this matter to the attention of my office for review.”

The attorney general advised the interim health commissioner and secretary of health that while state law prohibits the department of health from disclosing personal health information, it may nonetheless release epidemiological information for statistical purposes in such a way that no person can be identified. 

Officials were concerned that releasing detailed demographic information could inadvertently identify someone who is infected with or died from COVID-19, which would violate state laws on medical record confidentiality.

“I am pleased we found a way to provide this data that upholds the law and protects Oklahomans,” Loughridge said. “We thank the attorney general for helping us get to this conclusion.”

Previously, the numbers were being released under the Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act, which allowed the governor to temporarily suspend state laws that could hinder the state’s ability to respond to a health emergency or increase the health threat to the population. The emergency declaration under that act expired Monday.

“It is incumbent upon us as state leaders to protect sensitive health information,” Frye said. “I encourage Oklahomans to use the information to make informed decisions in dealing with the Covid 19 pandemic.”

As of Thursday’s situation update, which has not yet restored city-level data, there are 6,907 confirmed positive cases statewide. 344 Oklahomans have died, and 5,781 have recovered, leaving 782 active cases. 1,014 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 148 people are currently hospitalized.

The Tulsa Health Department is offering free specimen collection for COVID-19 testing during the Unity in the Community food distribution event at the 36th Street North Event Center on Friday, June 5 from 4-7 p.m. Testing will be set up next door in the parking lot of the Greater Union Baptist Church, 955 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74106. No appointment is necessary. Individuals can walk up, bike or drive-thru. Call the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355 with questions. Additional testing information can be found here.

A full list of testing sites can be found at this link. There have been 204,815 negative tests so far.

In Tulsa County specifically, there have been 1,109 total cases with 59 deaths and 877 recoveries, leaving 173 active cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 1,842,101 total cases nationwide with 107,029 deaths. There have been 14,676 cases reported in the past 24 hours, and 827 new deaths have been linked to the virus.

The World Health Organization is reporting 6,416,828 cases worldwide with 382,867 deaths and an increase of 93,246 cases in the past 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 555,383 and Russia with 441,108.

State Department of Education releases school reopening framework

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State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 3, 2020) – The Oklahoma State Department of Education has published a framework for Oklahoma school districts as they plan for the 2020-21 school year. Return to Learn Oklahoma: A Framework for Reopening Schools includes a host of considerations for how districts can plan for a variety of contingencies that may impact the upcoming school year amid continued incidence of COVID-19.

“Educators know students will experience greater learning losses this year, given that the ‘summer slide’ has been compounded by the unconventional ending of the spring term,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.

“As they plan for the new school year, our districts are now focused on how to recapture learning and ensure the safety and health of students, staff and families. The details of how that is determined will vary widely, based on the extent to which COVID-19 is impacting local and school communities and what processes are feasible and practical for districts. It is our hope that Return to Learn Oklahoma will be a valuable tool as educators work to make decisions that are in the best interest of their students.” 

The Return to Learn framework is built on four categories – School Operations, Academics & Growth, Whole Child & Family Supports and School Personnel. Each includes a checklist of actions and considerations districts can review to produce optimal safety and learning outcomes, given the challenges that may arise from COVID-19. Underpinning the information is guidance from health officials including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Oklahoma State Department of Health and others, with an emphasis on districts hewing to the CDC’s recommendation that reopening protocols be layered to mitigate risk in ways that are feasible, reasonable and acceptable in local contexts.

OSDH removes city-level COVID-19 data, Oklahoma down to 754 active cases

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The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced Monday that its COVID-19 data tracker, located at coronavirus.health.ok.gov, will continue reporting active and recovered COVID-19 cases by county only, as permitted by State law, and the agency will no longer be able to publish COVID-19 data by city, zip code, or by long-term care and nursing home facility due to the State’s Catastrophic Emergency Declaration expiring on May 31, 2020. 

OSDH and the office of Governor Kevin Stitt are actively exploring additional legal opinions and solutions to ensure the public, the medical community, and elected leaders can access relevant COVID-19 data that will allow for quick and effective decision-making while Oklahoma awaits a treatment or vaccine to mute the novel virus. 

“OSDH will continue to publish daily the most recent active and recovered COVID-19 cases by county,” said OSDH Communications Director Kristin Davis. “The State’s infrastructure is in a much stronger position for continuing to address the presence of the novel coronavirus, and the core purpose of the emergency declaration is no longer needed. At the same time, Governor Kevin Stitt and Commissioner Lance Frye continue their shared commitment to transparency and availability of critical COVID-19 data. They have tasked the State’s legal experts to explore other options for providing critical health data that would support all stakeholders’ decision making during the presence of COVID-19, while also safeguarding Oklahomans’ protected health information.”   

The Legislature first granted the Governor’s request for a Catastrophic Emergency Health declaration on April 7, and the declaration was later extended until the end of May. Under the declaration, the Governor was able to redirect state agency resources and state employee efforts to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and was able to activate the Oklahoma National Guard. During this period, the Governor also waived statutory requirements to allow for more granular reporting of COVID-19 data to support rapid decision making at local levels on the response to COVID-19. 

Since the Catastrophic Emergency Declaration went into effect, the number of Oklahomans in the hospital for COVID-19 has declined by roughly 65%, the weekly rate of deaths related to COVID-19 has declined by 56%, and the percentage of positive cases has declined to an all-time low of 3.7%. 

While some data adjustments will be made, OSDH will continue to issue the daily media advisory with cumulative statewide COVID-19 data as well as publishing the following reports: 

As of Tuesday’s Situation Update, there are 6,692 confirmed positive cases in Oklahoma, with 5,599 recoveries and 339 deaths, leaving 754 active cases. There have been five additional deaths linked to the virus, and all occurred between the dates of May 11 and May 30. 124 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, and 994 have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.

There have been 197,965 negative tests statewide since the pandemic began. A complete list of testing sites can be found at this link.

In Tulsa County there have been 1,057 total cases with 839 recoveries and 57 deaths, leaving 161 active cases.

Johns Hopkins is reporting 1,811,360 cases nationwide with 458,231 recoveries and 105,165 deaths, leaving 1,247,964 active cases. Oklahoma is 38th in total cases (42nd per capita) and 34th in deaths (35th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 6,194,533 cases worldwide with 376,320 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 514,849 and Russia with 423,741.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections to allow visitation beginning next weekend

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Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is set to resume inmate visitation next weekend.

Visitation will be highly structured to accommodate social distancing. Visiting sessions will be two hours long and offered multiple days a week. More information will soon be available on visitation schedules.

All visitors must abide by the following rules and any other rules posted inside the visitation room:

  • Remain in their vehicle until it is their time to enter

  • Wear a facemask provided by the facility while on facility grounds

  • Complete health-screening questionnaire and have temperature measured prior to entering visitation room

  • Visitors presenting with COVID-19 symptoms will be required to leave facility grounds

  • Maintain, at all times, at least 6 feet social distancing

Facility personnel will immediately end any session where a visitor is not adhering to these or other posted rules. The safety of our inmates and staff is our first priority.

The facility will ensure visiting rooms and visitor’s restrooms are cleaned and disinfected before each session. Facilities will provide hand sanitizer stations at visitation checkpoints and inside visitor bathrooms.

Visitors are only allowed to bring inside the facility an identification card, car key, and baby care items (if a young child is present). Visitors are not allowed to bring money inside the visitation room. Visitors are not allowed use of vending machines at this time.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections will cease visitation privileges if the state realizes a significant increase in COVID-19 cases or if the health or safety of staff or inmates is jeopardized.   

New COVID-19 case reported in Sand Springs, Oklahoma reaches 5,960 cases

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After a week of zero active cases, the COVID-19 outbreak has returned to Sand Springs, Oklahoma. The city has totaled 37 cases since the pandemic began, with 34 recoveries and two deaths. There is now one active case.

The state of Oklahoma has totaled 5,960 cases overall, with 4,645 recoveries and 311 deaths. There are 1,004 active cases statewide, with 174 individuals currently hospitalized. 932 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.

Four additional deaths have been linked to the virus. None occurred in the past 24 hours and the others died between May 13 and May 21.

  • One in Oklahoma County, a male in the 65 and older age group.

  • Three in Tulsa County, one male in the 65 and older age group, one female in the 65 and older age group and one male in the 50-64 age group.

A full list of COVID-19 testing sites can be found at this link. There have been 153,804 negative tests in the state.

In recognition of Memorial Day, all Oklahoma State Department of Health offices and county health departments will be closed on Monday, and a media advisory will not be released with new statistics.

In the most recent OSDH Weekly Report, for May 15 to May 21, there were 718 new confirmed cases, 701 recovered cases, and 20 deaths for a net loss of active cases.

While the average age of cases was 50 years, with a range of 0 to 102, the average age of the deceased is 75. The youngest Oklahoman to die from the virus was 22.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 1,595,885 cases nationwide with 96,002 deaths. Oklahoma is 38th in the nation in total cases, and 44th per capita. The state is 34th in deaths.

The World Health Organization is reporting 5,105,881 cases worldwide with 333,446 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Russia with 335,882 and Brazil with 310,087.

Unborn Person Wrongful Death Act signed into law

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(*Editor’s Note: District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan voted in favor of the bill, while District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman voted against).

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation was signed into law Thursday to hold physicians who perform fraudulent abortions solely liable for the wrongful death. Senate Bill 1728, by Sen. David Bullard, creates the Unborn Person Wrongful Death Act and modifies provisions related to awarding damages resulting from such wrongful deaths. 

The Durant Republican said the bill will allow parents and grandparents of unborn children to seek damages against a physician if consent is gained through fraudulent means.  If the woman is coerced, inebriated, given falsified information, or if the physician does not disclose the physical and/or psychological harms that will be caused by the abortion, the physician may be sued. 

“An overwhelming amount of data indicates these are the tactics used by the abortion industry.  Once these fraudulent schemes are exposed and no longer available, thousands of unborn babies will be saved every year,” Bullard said.  “When women and families choose to use this power to make Oklahoma an abortion desert, countless innocent lives will be saved.”  

The bill specifies that physicians cannot waive liability prior to performing an abortion. Recoverable damages may not include the cost of the abortion. The bill also removes the exclusion of legal abortions and acts committed during diagnostic testing or treatment from deaths, which may constitute recoverable damages.

In addition, the bill also protects physicians who choose life over an abortion. Doctors who do everything a reasonably prudent doctor would do to save the life of the mother and child will be protected from civil liabilities. 

Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, is the House author of the measure, which will become law November 1, 2020.

“We’ve gotten to the point in this country where a woman is only believed if her voice lines up with a specific political ideology,” said Gann. “This legislation restores the voice of millions of women and gives them the right to fight back against an industry that brutalizes them for profit.

According to the Justice Foundation, up to 69 percent of abortions in the U.S. are performed without legal consent and are coerced. They’ve found that 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 women are drugged prior to actually agreeing to the procedure thinking they are only getting examined, but wake up to realize the procedure is complete.

The CDC’s latest statistics show that there were more than 623,000 abortions performed in 2016, or nearly 200 abortions for every 1,000 live births.

Gov. Stitt signs nation's first anti-red flag law

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(*Editor’s Note: House District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan voted in favor of the bill. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman voted against the bill).

OKLAHOMA CITY – The nation’s first anti-red flag gun law is now on the books in Oklahoma to strengthen and protect citizens’ Second Amendment rights. Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, authored the measure, which was signed into law by the governor on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 1081, also known as the Anti-Red Flag Act, prohibits the state or any city, county or political subdivision from enacting red flag laws. It also prohibits the acceptance of any grants or funding to enact red flag laws.

“As other states have expanded infringements on the Second Amendment and other rights protected in our U.S. Constitution through their ‘red flag’ laws, I’m thankful we have a governor who has committed to protecting and defending our rights by signing Senate Bill 1081, the Anti-Red Flag Act, into law,” Dahm said. “Whether it is passing constitutional carry or opposing these stealthy attempts at denying our due process, I’m honored to be continually leading the charge to defend the rights of Oklahomans and am pleased to see us be the first in the nation to pass this type of law.”

Red flag laws have been passed in more than a dozen states across the country and permit police or family members to temporarily remove firearms from at-risk people who may present a violent threat to themselves or others.

Dahm said these types of laws are a serious abuse of constitutional rights, and he’s concerned the federal government may try to offer grants to states or municipalities to create such laws. The Anti-Red Flag Act prohibits this from happening in Oklahoma. 

State Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, is the House author of the bill and a 22-year military veteran.

“During each of my nine deployments I kept in the forefront of my mind the list of freedoms for which I was fighting,” Steagall said. “Near the top of that list is the right to keep and bear arms guaranteed to American citizens by the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Red flag laws would circumvent our laws, stripping American citizens of their rights to due process under the law. As a veteran and an American, I could never let that happen.”

The Anti-Red Flag Act went into immediate effect upon the governor’s signature.

Riley Boatwright Act is signed into law

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(*Editor’s Note: House District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan and District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman both voted in favor of the measure).

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation requiring school districts across the state to provide emergency medical services at athletic events and school activities was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Named the Riley Boatwright Act in memory of a Lexington, Okla., middle school athlete who died from injuries suffered in a football game in 2019, Senate Bill 1198 directs all Oklahoma school district boards of education to coordinate with emergency medical service providers to develop a plan to provide emergency medical services at athletic events or activities held at school facilities.

The measure requires the plan to be reviewed and updated annually and placed on file with the school district and emergency medical services provider.

“Requiring an emergency medical plan for school athletic events and activities could be the difference between life and death in a serious injury situation,” said Senate author Rob Standridge, R-Norman. “There should never be a question if an ambulance or doctor will make it in time to tend to an injury. This is a commonsense law that has the ability to save lives.”

The bill passed with bipartisan majorities in both the Senate and the House.

State Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, was the House author of the bill.

“Working with Riley’s family to craft this legislation that will hopefully save the lives of other young people was some of the hardest work I’ve had to do since my time in the legislature,” Conley said. “The legislation itself sailed smoothly through the process, and I’m thankful for the support it received from my fellow lawmakers and the governor. But knowing the family’s grief at losing their precious son made this an emotional issue that will long live in my memory.”

School boards must form their emergency plan prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

Gov. Stitt signs bill legalizing curbside pickup and home delivery of alcohol

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(*Editor’s note: both House District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan and District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman voted in favor of the bill).

OKLAHOMA CITY – A convenience to Oklahoma consumers born out of the pandemic will be allowed to remain in place.  The measure, by Sen Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, and Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, allows curbside sales or home deliveries of beer, wine and spirits to continue.  Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1928 into law Thursday. 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE) allowed restaurants, grocery and liquor stores to serve customers through curbside service and delivery.  I’ve talked to many citizens who really appreciated the convenience and didn’t want to see it end. This measure will allow that service to continue,” Thompson said.  “It’s another important step in continuing to modernize Oklahoma’s liquor laws, offering more choices to consumers.”

Under SB 1928, delivery or curbside service of beer, wine or spirits would have to be provided by the establishment holding the license—third party companies cannot deliver those products.  Restaurants, grocery and convenience stores can only provide curbside sales or home delivery of beer or wine.  Liquor stores can provide that service for beer, wine and spirits.

“We found during the COVID-19 pandemic that this practice worked well and posed no additional public safety problems for law enforcement or anyone else in the general public,” Wallace said. “This will allow this ease of commerce to continue in the future, and it’s a welcome addition to the services we allow consumers and our small business owners.”

Oklahoma to honor out-of-state teaching certificates under new law

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(*Editor’s Note: District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan and District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman both voted in favor of the bill).

OKLAHOMA CITY – This week, the State Board of Education must begin authorizing out-of-state teaching certificates after Senate Bill 1125 was signed into law Monday.  The bill, by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, will help increase the number of teachers in the state by recognizing valid out-of-state teaching certificates, with no other requirements except a criminal history record check. 

“This is an exciting opportunity for Oklahoma to help get more certified teachers in the classroom this fall and help shrink classroom sizes,” Pugh said.  “Before we were requiring out-of-state teachers to jump through too many hoops to teach in our state. Under this new law, they won’t have to get recertified, take competency exams or any of the other unnecessary requirements that were keeping them from returning to the classroom.  Instead, Oklahoma will honor and respect their knowledge and expertise welcoming them with open arms.”

Pugh said he filed SB 1125 to follow his 2019 SB 670, which provided reciprocal licensing for military personnel and their spouses. Teacher licensing is under its own title of law requiring a separate bill.

Under SB 1125, the teaching certificate issued by the State Board of Education will only be for those subject areas and grade levels most closely aligned to those recognized on the out-of-state teaching certificate.  New teachers will be required to take competency exams for any other subjects or grade levels they decide to teach. Qualifying out-of-state teachers must have both a current Oklahoma and national criminal history record check on file. 

House Speaker Charles McCall is the House principal author of the measure.

Nonconsensual selling of intimate images/video to become felony

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kim David is the author of legislation to protect victims from their intimate images and videos being sold by former partners without their knowledge or consent. Such actions will become a felony under Senate Bill 1462, which the Porter Republican filed after learning of a constituent’s struggles to protect her image and reputation from someone she trusted at one point, who is now her ex-spouse. 

“Anyone with a moral compass would never think to stoop so low, but unfortunately we have some sick individuals in our society. They thrive off humiliating their current or former partners any way they can, and when they get paid to do it, it’s even more enticing,” David said. “My constituent’s ex-husband sold private videos of her to over 150 adult websites profiting from her humiliation and nearly costing her her job in the military. Even after having numerous misdemeanor charges brought against him, he continues selling the videos. This is disgusting, and we need to protect people from having their private moments used against them during or after a relationship.”

Under SB 1462, attempting to gain financial advantage or gain anything of value as a result of the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images will become a felony. First time offenders will face up to four years in prison while repeat offenders will face up to ten years imprisonment and be required to register as a sex offender. The bill remove’s the state’s discretion to file a misdemeanor charge on anyone who commits the offense. Provisions of the Sex Offenders Registration Act will not apply to anyone while incarcerated in a medium or maximum security prison. 

Rep. Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, is the principal House author of the bill that will go into effect November 1, 2020.

Legislation to address workplace violence in hospitals/health care facilities signed into law

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(*Editor’s Note: District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan voted in favor of the bill, which passed the House 74-26. District 37 Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman voted against the bill, which passed the Senate 43-4).

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation strengthening laws dealing with violence against people who work in hospitals and health care facilities has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 1290, the Medical Care Provider Protection Act, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, and Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, was approved by the governor on Tuesday.

Weaver said despite a lifelong career in law enforcement, he was shocked to learn how often health care workers are the victims of workplace violence.  He thanked the governor and fellow members for approving legislation aimed at keeping them safer, especially now.

“Our health care workers and other employees in these facilities are on the frontline during this pandemic.  I think the current situation just highlights how important it is to do all we can to ensure their safety while on the job” Weaver said.  “In Oklahoma City hospitals alone, between five and 10 assaults are reported every day, but it’s a problem that impacts health care workers throughout the state.  I’m grateful for the governor and the members of both chambers for their support of this legislation.”

Provisions included in SB 1290 would:

  • Raise awareness through uniformed signage in medical settings, which will read:  WARNING:  ASSAULTING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WHO IS ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER OFFICIAL DUTIES IS A SERIOUS CRIME.

  • Require the annual reporting of all assaults on health care workers to the State Health Department. The data would be nonidentifiable.

  • Create an inclusive listing of specific health care workers that the bill covers.

  • Increase the penalty for aggravated assault and battery on a medical care provider from the current range of up to one year to a minimum of two years and a maximum of five.

Roe has 37 years of health care experience and is currently a nurse practitioner in Pauls Valley, where she has worked on the front lines during the state’s COVID-19 response.

“In my career as a nurse and nurse practitioner, I have seen and experienced firsthand the violence that often faces our health care workers,” Roe said. “Violent behavior from patients or visitors is a problem far too many medical professionals have been a victim of, and it unfortunately has caused many talented health care workers to pursue other careers. An estimated 75% of all workplace violence occurs in health care. I’m hopeful that the actions taken by the Legislature through this bill will cut down on this violent behavior and help keep our medical professionals safe.”

Sand Springs hits zero active cases of COVID-19 after 34 recoveries

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The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 5,398 overall with 288 deaths and 4,008 recoveries, leaving 1,102 active cases statewide. The city of Sand Springs now has zero active confirmed cases. There have been 36 total cases with 34 recoveries and two deaths. Case totals only count confirmed diagnoses, and do not account for individuals who are asymptomatic.

In the city of Tulsa, there are 548 total cases with 23 deaths and 445 recoveries, leaving 80 active cases. In Tulsa County there are 787 cases, 37 deaths, and 650 recoveries, leaving 100 active cases.

885 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic, and 180 individuals are currently hospitalized. No deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours.

On Sunday, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) reported 78 new positive COVID cases, for a total of 5,310 positives, and today the agency is reporting 88 new positive COVID-19 cases for a total of 5,398 positives.

Of today’s new positive cases, 64% were in Texas County, where the agency is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), businesses and the community on a robust testing and tracing strategy to contain and minimize further spread of COVID-19 throughout this region.

The OSDH, CDC, Texas County Health Department (TCHD) and Seaboard Foods have teamed up to increase understanding of COVID-19 spread in the community. The team is working to determine the impact of the novel coronavirus on the population and find solutions to reduce the level of COVID-19 throughout Guymon, the county and surrounding areas.

Since March, OSDH and TCHD proactively collaborated with Seaboard Foods, the largest employer in the area, to develop and implement quarantine and isolation guidelines and contact tracing for all individuals with positive results in Texas County. OSDH also deployed at the company’s request broader testing at Seaboard Foods’ plant operations while providing guidance to Seaboard Foods in implementing the CDC’s guidelines for sanitation and preparation for safely returning to operations.

For several weeks, TCHD has offered COVID-19 drive-thru testing centers at strategic locations in Texas County. Additional testing supplies were provided to local hospitals and medical providers to support testing in the general public, with or without symptoms of COVID-19.

“Our goal is to provide expanded COVID-19 testing while supporting contact tracing efforts to contain and mitigate the spread in Guymon and surrounding communities,” said Oklahoma State Health Department Regional Director Terri Salisbury. “We appreciate the partnership of Seaboard Foods and its strong focus on the health of plant employees and their families.”

On Sunday, May 10, OSDH sent a team of nurses at the request of the company to support testing efforts for Seaboard plant employees to know their COVID-19 status and help bring peace of mind. Seaboard Foods partnered with Oklahoma State University to produce face shields for employees as an additional form of personal protective equipment.

“We appreciate the collaboration to work with the community to find solutions that will help minimize and reduce the level of the virus,” said Seaboard Foods Senior Director of Communications David Eaheart

Through a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma and The Caring Foundation, OSDH is deploying Caring Vans providing free COVID-19 testing to underserved communities in Oklahoma City, increasing testing accessibility. COVID-19 testing is open to everyone 16 and older; people do not need to exhibit symptoms to be tested. 

This week, a Caring Van will be at the Latino Community Development Agency (lcdaok.com) Monday through Thursday, May 18-21, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Agency is located at 420 SW 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73109. Testing at the Caring Van will be open to everyone 16 and older, and people do not need to be exhibiting symptoms to be tested.

COVID-19 testing sites are open in multiple cities in Oklahoma as a result of a cross-county, city and state health system partnership. Visit this page for updated dates and locations. There have been 117,807 negative tests statewide.

The CDC is reporting 1,480,349 cases nationwide with 89,407 deaths, an increase of 13,284 cases and 698 deaths in the past 24 hours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting 4,628,903 cases worldwide with 312,009 deaths. There have been 100,078 new cases in the past 24 hours.

The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Russia with 290,678, The United Kingdom with 243,699, Brazil with 233,142, and Spain with 231,350.

Oklahoma COVID-19 cases rise to 4,962 with 3,660 recoveries and 284 deaths

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The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 4,962 with 3,660 recoveries, leaving 1,018 active cases. There have been 284 deaths statewide with 858 cumulative hospitalizations and 217 current hospitalizations. The city of Sand Springs has totaled 36 cases with 33 recoveries and two deaths, leaving one active case.

There have been six additional deaths in Oklahoma, with three occurring in the past 24 hours, and three occurring between May 4th and May 11th.

  • Two in Oklahoma County, a male in the 65 and older age group and a female in the 65 and older age group. 

  • Two in Cleveland County, both males in the 65 and older age group. 

  • One in Comanche County, a male in the 50-64 age group. 

  • One in Washington County, a female in the 65 and older age group.  

The state has processed 106,943 negative tests thus far. A complete list of testing sites can be found at this link. One out of every 797 Oklahomans have been been diagnosed with the virus.

“Over the past week, OSDH has deployed several systems of support into Texas County and the surrounding areas to address a heightened presence of COVID-19. The largest employer in the county, Seaboard Foods, has been a good partner with state agencies by allowing OSDH to test all processing plant employees," said Health Commissioner Gary Cox.

"We are also partnering on guidance and solutions to ensure the company continues doing everything possible to protect its workers. Over the next few days, we expect spikes in our reporting of positive cases due to the significant number of tests processed for Texas County, which is reflective of our increased testing efforts.”

The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 1,384,930 cases nationwide with 83,947 deaths, an increase of 20,869 cases and 1,701 deaths in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma is 37th in total cases (43rd per capita) and 31st in deaths (32nd per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 4,258,666 cases worldwide with 294,190 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Russia with 252,245, The United Kingdom with 229,709, and Spain with 228,691.

Governor Stitt vetoes four bills, including FY 2021 Budget - Legislature overrides vetoes

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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed four bills on Wednesday, but was met with a bipartisan override on each measure. Stitt vetoed House Bill 2741, HB 2742, HB 2743, and Senate Bill 1922. The House voted 94-4, 95-5, 97-3, and 79-20, respectively, to override the vetoes. The Senate voted 34-12, 34-11, 44-2, and 35-11, respectively.

Governor Kevin Stitt issued the following statement after vetoing the Oklahoma Legislature’s proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Budget (Senate Bill 1922):

“This budget was created behind closed doors, without meaningful input or consultation from the Executive Branch.

This proposed budget does not reflect the values of Oklahoma or the clear directive voters gave elected officials at the ballot box of living within our means and making hard decisions when times get tough. Instead, Senate Bill 1922 reflects misguided policies that conservative republicans have spent the past decade reversing. It is propped up with one-time funds that will not be available for Fiscal Year 2022.

As Governor, I was elected to manage the Executive Branch, which includes managing expenses and right-sizing agencies. This budget is going to back the state into a financial corner, which leaves us with very few options in FY 2022 – we will either have to raise taxes or implement draconian cuts. As Governor I am here to protect the taxpayer – not harm them.”

According to a statement released from the Governor’s office, “House Bill 2741 and House Bill 2742 would reduce the percentage of revenue appropriated in FY 2021 to the Teachers’ Retirement System, Oklahoma Firefighters’ Pension and Retirement Fund, Police Pension and Retirement System, and Law Enforcement Retirement Fund and increase revenue appropriated to the 1017 Education Fund.”

“We have made great progress shoring up our retirement systems in the last few years, and now is not the time to undo that progress,” said Gov. Stitt. “These bills would take tens of millions of dollars away from teachers, law enforcement officers, and firefighters to fund district costs, and it would bring our funding ratio back down to where it was in 2014. While I understand the importance of a balanced budget, it is fiscally irresponsible to do so at the expense of the solvency of these pension systems. I will not play a part in harming Oklahoma’s dedicated teachers and emergency responders.” 

According to Stitt, “House Bill 2743 would take $180,000,000 away from the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety (ROADS) Fund. This has the potential to cause significant delays in many of the critical infrastructure projects supported by the ROADS Fund, which would jeopardize the progress made by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Eight Year Plan.”

“As Governor, my goal is for Oklahoma to become a Top Ten State. This includes becoming Top Ten in infrastructure, specifically in roads and bridges,” continued Gov. Stitt. “House Bill 2743 would force ODOT to unnecessarily take on additional debt through the use of bonds. Because of the State’s dedication to the ODOT plan, we are now up to 13th in bridges and improving our roads. I understand and agree with the use of bonds in limited circumstances. However, I cannot support the use of bonds to plug budget holes.”

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement on behalf of the Senate Democratic Caucus after the Legislature voted to override the vetoes.

“Senate Democrats voted against the override of Governor Stitt’s veto of SB 1922, the General Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2021. We disagree with the Governor’s stated justification for the veto, which is that he believes the budget should include more cuts. We remain concerned the budget as passed by the Legislature already includes too many cuts to core services, including education, health care, and public safety. We are unable to support implementing a budget that does not invest in these priorities, which are a critical foundation of Oklahoma’s economy.

“Most Senate Democrats also opposed votes to override the governor’s vetoes of HB 2741 and HB 2742, bills to divert funds from the Teacher’s Retirement System and Fire Fighter and Police pensions. While we agree funding is needed to prevent cuts to education, we do not believe taking funds intended for public pensions is the way to do it. Retired public employees, who dedicated their careers to serving Oklahomans, have gone over a decade without a cost of living increase (COLA). Instead of reverting back to old practices of diverting funds from the retirement systems, the Legislature should pass a COLA for these retirees this session.

“Senate Democrats did support an override of the Governor’s veto of HB 2743, which transfers $180 million from the ROADS Fund to public education. We do not believe this is a sustainable funding source for our public schools; however, we were able to support this override because the funding is backfilled by bonds the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is authorized to issue.”

Representative Jadine Nollan, who represents the district including Sand Springs, made the following statement on social media.

“These vetoes, if sustained, would have led to a $370 million cut to common education in Oklahoma for FY-21. This would have been a 12.05% cut. Late last night, the House of Representatives and Senate overrode all of those vetoes to protect education and our core services. This was not a vote against the Governor, but a vote to bring stability for our state’s citizens. Thank you to the bipartisan group of legislators who voted 94-4, 95-5, 97-3 and 79-20 in favor of overriding these vetos.”

Oklahoma Droneport Project Pilot Program passes the House, headed to governor’s desk

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OKLAHOMA CITY –  A measure creating the Oklahoma Droneport Project Pilot Program to further state investment in innovative technologies gained approval from the House of Representatives on Tuesday and now moves to Governor Stitt’s desk for his signature.

Contingent upon availability of funds, Senate Bill 1688 would house the droneport program under the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and would allow for coordination between the commission, community leaders and economic developers across the state to create jobs in the emerging Unmanned Aerial Systems industry.

“The possibilities for the Droneport Project Pilot Program and the future technologies it could bring to our state are very exciting,” Bergstrom said. “It has the possibility to inject dollars in our local communities, stimulate the economy and create countless jobs for graduates seeking a career in this progressive field.”

Bergstrom noted programs could be created and/or managed by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), or the White House, and could include:

  • Autonomous vehicles and taxi services in cities;

  • Drone delivery in limited areas;

  • Unmanned ground cargo delivery projects;

  • NASA Grand Challenge designation to test electric aircrafts;

  • Drone designation programs; and

  • Unmanned cargo trucks on closed Oklahoma roads with USDOT

Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, is the House author for the measure.

“The Oklahoma Droneport Project Pilot Program has the potential to position our state as an emerging leader in cutting-edge drone technologies,” McCall said. “The aerospace industry is already one of Oklahoma’s top economic engines, and further investment in the aeronautics industry could truly put our state on the map as a destination for future business and industry in this field.”

Senate approves legislation allowing restaurants, grocery, convenience and liquor stores to continue curbside sales/deliveries of alcohol

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given approval to a bill that will enable Oklahomans to continue to take advantage of curbside sales or home deliveries of beer, wine and spirits.  Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, is principal author of Senate Bill 1928.  The measure was approved Wednesday with bipartisan support.

“As businesses were closed or operating under restricted procedures because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE) allowed restaurants, grocery and convenience stores and liquor stores to serve customers through curbside service and delivery.  It’s a convenience people have really appreciated,” Thompson said.  “This legislation will allow businesses to continue to offer that service even after the pandemic.  If someone is at home and would like to have a meal and a bottle of wine available for curbside service or delivered to their home, they’ll be able to do that.”

Under Thompson’s legislation, the delivery or curbside service of beer, wine or spirits would have to be provided by the establishment holding the license—third party companies cannot deliver those products.  Restaurants, grocery and convenience stores can only provide curbside sales or home delivery of beer or wine.  Liquor stores can provide that service for beer, wine and spirits.

Once the House of Representatives approves SB 1928, it will move to the governor for his consideration.

“I thank my fellow members for their support on this legislation,” Thompson said.  “I think this is a major boost for the people of Oklahoma as we continue to modernize our liquor laws.”