Rep. Mark McCullough Will Not Seek Re-election

OKLAHOMA CITY –State Rep. Mark McCullough (R-Sapulpa, District 30) announced his intention to not seek re-election in 2016 and to retire from the House of Representatives after serving out the remainder of his current term. District 30 includes the communities of Sapulpa, Glenpool, Kiefer, Mounds, Liberty, Oak Ridge and Bixby.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the area where I grew up and where my family is from. I am very humbled that my friends and neighbors saw fit to allow me to serve them in the Legislature these ten years. I am grateful.” McCullough said.

McCullough entered the Legislature in 2006, winning a highly competitive election, and again in 2008 in another very competitive election year. He faced token opposition in 2010 and ran unopposed in the last two elections. 

Reflecting on his motivation for running for office, and now choosing to leave after his current term is up, McCullough stated: “The Lord put it on my heart to run for office, and now I believe He’s telling me its ok to step away. There will always be another battle to fight at the Capitol, and I’ve fought my share – and maybe a few more,” he added with a grin. “I’ve tried to be a good steward with my time in office, and now it’s time for the people of District 30 to begin the process of choosing who that new steward should be.”

When asked to comment about the impending legislative session and what he might do after leaving office he stated: “It’s definitely the budget. We are really in the hole this year, and I imagine most of my time will be spent on that.” I’m going to work until the bell, though, that’s how my parents taught me. After next November? Just keep practicing law and be a husband and dad. My family was very patient to share me with the state for a while and now I just want to try and spend more time with them.”

McCullough has been in solo law practice in Sapulpa for nine years where he focuses on Probate and Estate Planning. He is assisted in his practice by his highly effective legal secretary, office manager, and wife of 17 years, Charlotte McCullough. His son Everett is in sixth grade at Sapulpa Middle School and his son Clayton is in fourth grade at Freedom Elementary.

While in the Legislature, Rep. McCullough was involved in several major policy initiatives including pension reform, lawsuit reform, criminal justice reform, improvements in Medicaid and perhaps most significantly, worker’s compensation reform.

McCullough was an early – and sometimes lonely – voice in the Legislature for comprehensive worker’s compensation reform, ultimately being asked to serve on the House legislative team responsible for writing and guiding the final reform bill through in 2013.

When asked to reflect on that experience, he said, “Years back, I’d get asked to speak at worker’s comp conferences as the ‘other guy.’ I’d speak on the huge problems facing our system and the possibility of switching to a modern administrative system. I remember having the trial lawyers in the back of the room snicker loudly and otherwise express a lot of hostility.” He continued: “Well, a few of us never quit studying and preparing, so we had all the elements ready to go “off the shelf” when leadership decided to run the bill. And now we finally have a model administrative system based on best practices. A system that I believe is serving our workers much better than the old adversarial one, and is sending insurance premium rates through the floor, which helps businesses stay competitive – just like we thought it would.” 

In addition to policy work, McCullough has also served as Chairman of Judiciary Appropriations and Budget Committee for the last several years where he is responsible for evaluating and meeting the budget needs for several state entities including the Courts, the District Attorneys and the Attorney General’s office. He also serves on the full Appropriations and Budget Committee, and as such is on the Budget Team, where he has focused the bulk of his time and efforts in the Legislature the last few years. 

“The budget is a jealous and fickle mistress.” McCullough said. “It takes a ton of time and you don’t know which way it’s going to toss you at any given moment during session. You have to keep a lot of Alka Seltzer handy. The yearly budget is a big, very real, fight between competing priorities – with well represented advocates. One positive aspect of earning a spot on the Budget Team has been the opportunity to strongly advocate – year after year  – for the Common Education budget: either for a bigger slice of the pie or a lesser cut if times were tough. When it comes to the eight schools districts in District 30, it has always been an easy choice of what to fight for.”

Finally, Rep. McCullough has had a career long focus on the importance of preserving the traditional, nuclear family. “I just sensed early on that this was something that the Lord wanted me to focus on, and the message is this: The family is desperately important, especially to the well being of children. All the research tells us, the Scriptures tell us and common sense tells us that kids do better with mom and dad. We shouldn’t vilify single parents, we should help them, but we should do everything we can to keep couples healthily, happily married.”

McCullough held numerous studies on this issue of family fragmentation and its negative effects on society, its costs to government and how to prevent it. He also held press conferences raising awareness of the issue and ran several bills aimed at chipping away at the problem. One major success came two years ago when, working with Rep. Jason Nelson and many others, a bill passed bringing the first substantive change in Oklahoma’s divorce laws since the late 1950s. The bill required a statewide, pre-divorce class that included topics such as substance abuse, co-parenting, domestic violence and potential reconciliation. The bill was based on Tulsa District Court’s highly successful model.

McCullough went on to state that this accomplishment, like every major achievement in the Legislature, was a team effort, requiring seriousness of purpose and a focus on eternal principals. “If you hang around me down at the Capitol very long, you’ll hear a few saying bounce around the office with some regularity: 1) There is no “I” in Team, 2) I take the job seriously… but I hope I don’t take myself too seriously, and 3) If its not about God, what are we doing here?” He concluded: “I’m not the best Christian sometimes. Just ask the people that have to work with me. We all need Christ’s grace. But I do sincerely attempt to seek the Lord in all that I do in this job, while trying to weave Biblical principles into every bill and every transaction over which I have influence. And I pray in some small way, that has made a difference.”

School Security Measures Signed by Fallin

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed four bills into law designed to improve school security and keep Oklahoma children safe. She was joined at a public bill signing by Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb, who served as chairman of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security, other commissioners, and legislative leaders.

“The state of Oklahoma has a duty to do everything we can to keep our children safe,” Fallin said. “The bills signed into law today will ensure that schools are well prepared for emergencies of all kinds. They’ll also help to provide more training and better coordination between law enforcement and education professionals. These measures could help to save lives. My thanks go out to Lieutenant Governor Lamb, the Legislature, and all the members of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security who worked to develop this legislation and send it to my desk.” 

The bills signed today by Fallin included:

• SB 256, requiring school districts to conduct lockdown drills in addition to fire, intruder, and tornado emergency drill
• SB 257, directing the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security to designate a division within the agency as the Oklahoma School Security Institute. The Institute would act as a central hub of information and resources related to school security and risk assessments to campuses. Objectives and goals of the Institute include: maximization of school security and training; implementation of safety drills and facilitation of information related to school safety.
• SB 258, creating an annual deadline of Nov. 1 for institutions of higher learning to provide reports to emergency responders and agencies with details of updated plans for protecting students, faculty and visitors from disasters and emergencies.
• SB 259, requiring school authorities to immediately report to
  
  law enforcement if a firearm is discovered on a student that is not a minor or an adult that isn’t authorized to possess a firearm on school property. Also, the bill dictates the weapon in question to be delivered to law enforcement.

“I thank the Governor for her signatures on these bills which stemmed from the recommendations from the Oklahoma Commission on School Security,” Lamb said.  “I thank the members of the commission that came from all across Oklahoma and sacrificed their time and provided expertise.  The primary goal of any government is to protect its people.  These bills will do just that.”

OU expert to discuss origins of violent behavior at Sooner SUCCESS public seminar

OKLAHOMA CITY -- (From seminar website) "Childhood Experiences Correlated to Adult Murderers: Are killers conditioned and created or are there just bad seeds destined to cause suffering?   

"These are among the many questions we all share given the recent media featured events involving school shootings, bullying, or violence.  

"Many of these questions influence much of our public policy, communities and families daily. We, like you, are determined to find answers and begin to address through our local communities, the increasing incident of violence among children.  

"With this we invite you to join us March 19^th, from 11-1:00pm for our next SUCCESSforlife event with opening remarks by Rep. Jason Nelson as we begin to address these poignant unanswered questions."

Click here to learn more and register for the seminar

Dorman Bill to Increase School Safety Advances

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL – Oklahoma schools could increase school safety and security by expanding the use of fingerprint background checks of adults who regularly interact with students, according to one state lawmaker.

House Bill 2228, by state Rep. Joe Dorman, would allow schools to authorize fingerprint background checks on anyone interacting with students in school-sponsored activities, including volunteers. Currently, schools cannot conduct these checks unless specifically authorized by state law.

The legislation was approved by the House Public Safety Committee and now advances to the House Calendar Committee.

“I have consulted with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and local school administrators on the need for this legislation,” said Dorman, D-Rush Springs. “I feel we need to better protect our students from pedophiles and other criminals who are slipping through the cracks by providing false identities to schools.”

Last year, House lawmakers approved a similar bill, but it did not make it to the governor’s desk. This modified bill address concerns expressed last year by lawmakers in opposition, Dorman said.

State Sen. Kyle Loveless, who will carry the legislation in the Senate, said that parents who entrust their kids to public schools expect their children to be in a safe environment.

“At the legislature, not only are we responsible for providing our students with the highest quality of education, but we must also look out for their safety while at school,” said Loveless, R-Oklahoma City. “This bill will help ensure that those working with and around our students are not criminals or people who would put our youth’s safety in danger. I’m hopeful that this bill makes its way through the legislative process quickly so schools can start instituting this important safety measure.”

OSBI provided information showing individuals have applied for employment at schools in previous years by providing falsified identities in order to seek a job. Those applying for jobs must submit to this type of background check, but schools are not currently allowed to apply this type of background check to volunteers due to federal prohibitions requiring authorization by the state. Oklahoma law does not provide this option, but House Bill 2228 corrects that, Dorman said.

“House Bill 2228, nicknamed the Protect Against Pedophiles Act, is not a mandate, but voluntary,” Dorman said. “The use of this type of background check will be up to the discretion of the local school administration and costs associated with the background check will be assumed by the school district if they decide there is a need to do background checks of this nature.”

Thursday, Feb. 28 is the final day for committee approval of House bills.

Members of Oklahoma Commission on School Security Announced

Oklahoma City—Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, House Speaker T.W. Shannon, Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage and House Democratic Leader Scott Inman announced last week the members of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security.

Lt. Governor Lamb, a former United States Secret Service Agent, will serve as chair of the commission and looks forward to the work set to be accomplished.   

“Partnering with legislative leaders to create the Oklahoma Commission on School Security was a much-needed, proactive decision,” said Lt. Governor Lamb.  “Our children deserve safe and secure learning environments and this commission is committed to doing just that.  Each commission member brings experience from their respective field that will generate ideas and solutions to enhance school security.”

Members of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security include local school personnel, law enforcement, parents and health care professionals, and are as follows:

1. Roger Webb – Headmaster, Oklahoma Christian School/former President, University of Central Oklahoma/former Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
2. Maj. Gen. Lee Baxter (retired) –State Board of Education Member
3. Dr. Ryan Brown – Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Oklahoma
4. Lyn Watson – Oklahoma City School Board, District 1
5. Randy Holley – Superintendent, Shattuck Public Schools
6. Dr. Gary Quinn – Superintendent, Bartlesville Public Schools
7. Kevin Burr – Superintendent, Sapulpa Public Schools
8. Mike McClaren – Superintendent, Claremore Public Schools
9. Dr. Trice Butler – Principal, Wilburton Middle School
10. Dr. Sharon Brady – Assistant Director of Special Education, Lawton Public Schools
11. Tammy Will – Teacher, Morrison Public Schools
12. Dr. Eleanor Goetzinger – Behavior Specialist, Oklahoma City Public Schools
13. Jerry McConnell – Director of Facility Operations, Moore Norman Technology Center
14. David Prater – Oklahoma County District Attorney
15. Kim Carter – Director, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security
16. Brandon Clabes – Midwest City, Chief of Police
17. Captain Tim Dorsey – Captain, Edmond Police Department
18. Darry Stacy – Cleveland County Commissioner, District 2
19. Gary Rudick – Chief of Police, Tulsa Public Schools Campus Police
20. Major James Blocker – Director of EMS, Oklahoma City Fire Department
21. Gary Armbruster – Principal Architect, MA+ Architecture
22. Phil Armstrong – Assistant Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Tulsa

“There is nothing more important than doing everything in our power to keep Oklahoma's kids safe,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman.  “I am tremendously thankful for these subject matter experts—they are generously giving of their time to help us build safer schools and address the fundamental problems that could potentially put our kids in harm’s way.  I appreciate their service.”

"Our children are our highest priority," said House Speaker T.W. Shannon.  "I applaud these men and women for volunteering their time and expertise to help safeguard the future of Oklahoma. My hope is they will strike the right balance between public safety and personal liberty."

 “We must have a serious, fact-driven discussion about the safety of our schools,” said Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage.  “The formation of the non-partisan Oklahoma Commission on School Safety is an important first step.  I applaud those who have stepped up to serve our state in this capacity, and I look forward to the findings of the commission.”

"As a parent, I never want to second-guess the safety of my children while they are at school," said House Democratic Leader Scott Inman.  "The Oklahoma Commission on School Security's work will be timely and necessary if we want to proactively create learning environments where our children feel safe, secure, and fearless throughout their education.  I look forward to the commission's findings and know these experts will provide us with a meaningful road map to ensuring our schools are secure."

Commission members will hold various meetings, the first set to convene at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 419-C, on January 22 at 1:30 p.m.  Meeting agendas will include speaker testimony and discussion on the various factors related to school security including but not limited to public safety, mental health, training, engineering and local control.  The commission plans on providing suggestions and legislative recommendations regarding school security for the 2013 legislative session.

Oklahomans across the state are encouraged to submit their ideas for study in the commission by calling the Lt. Governor’s office at 405-521-2161.

Lamb, Legislative Leaders Announce Commission on School Security

Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and House Speaker-elect T.W. Shannon Thursday announced the formation of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security.

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb

“In light of recent events, the time has come for us to assess the current school security system in Oklahoma,” said Lt. Governor Todd Lamb. “The Oklahoma Commission on School Security will provide an avenue for some of Oklahoma’s finest to collaborate towards a common goal. With the right knowledge and resources, we can effectively provide a safer school climate for our most precious commodity.”

Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage and House Democratic Leader Scott Inman have agreed to work with Republican Leadership to form a non-partisan commission. The purpose of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security will be to study a number of school security factors and to provide suggestions and possible legislative recommendations for the 2013 legislative session. Some initial issues to be discussed within the commission’s study will include current school safety measures, local control and local empowerment and mental health.

“The events of the previous week have deeply impacted us all,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman. “This is a time to grieve for the families in Newtown, to hug our kids a little bit tighter, and a time to ask ourselves how we can respond appropriately. I am encouraged by the non-partisan, thoughtful approach shown my colleagues in legislative leadership. Together, we believe Lt. Governor Lamb, as an expert in physical security from his time defending the President of the United States, is particularly equipped to lead our Oklahoma Commission on School Security – I am thankful for his leadership and willingness to serve.”

Speaker-Elect T.W. Shannon

“What took place in Newtown is unfathomable and disturbing,” said House Speaker-elect T.W. Shannon. “Our schools have too often become soft targets for those who have no regard for the precious lives of our children and those who we trust to educate and care for them. As a father and Speaker-elect, there is no higher priority than the safety of our children. Now is the time for us to review the safety needs of our public and private schools. The purpose of this commission is to put forth ideas that will address the safety needs of both our metropolitan and rural school districts.”

“What took place in Newtown almost a week ago, an act of pure evil, is still so hard for all of us as Americans to understand,” said Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage. “As legislative leaders in Oklahoma, we feel the right thing to do is come together in a non-partisan way to look at how we might be able to create safer classrooms for our kids. We must address the physical security of our school facilities, as well as very challenging mental health issues. I look forward to the recommendations of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security.”

Rep. Scott Inman, Democrat Leader

“In light of the tragic events in Connecticut last week I welcome the opportunity for us all to come together in a bipartisan manner and discuss ways in which we can best protect the children of Oklahoma,” said House Democratic Leader Scott Inman. “I appreciate the willingness of the Speaker-Elect to solicit input and consider solutions that are not simply knee-jerk reactions to the tragic events of Sandy Hook Elementary School. I look forward to working in the days ahead with the Speaker-Elect on this important issue.”

Lt. Governor Lamb began the initial steps in increasing school security when he was in the Oklahoma State Senate and the principal author of the Oklahoma School Security Act. The act, Senate Bill 1941, required schools to practice lockdowns two times a year. The measure additionally defined electronic communication as a form of bullying. The Oklahoma School Security Act also created a place on regional Homeland Security Advisory boards for school administrators.

As a former United States Secret Service Agent, Lt. Governor Lamb will bring his law enforcement experience and serve as chair of the commission, working with legislative leaders to appoint commission members in the coming weeks. Various backgrounds will be represented on the commission to include homeland security, local police, local school personnel, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and mental health.

State Offers Security Seminars for School Officials, Law Enforcement

OKLAHOMA CITY – In the wake of the tragic shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, Governor Mary Fallin is encouraging school officials and law enforcement officers to take advantage of security training seminars offered by the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security.

“Preparing for the worst is the best way to save lives,” Fallin said. “All of us want to do everything we can to keep Oklahoma’s children and schools safe.  As school administrators evaluate their emergency response plans and campus security, I want to encourage them to take advantage of the resources and seminars offered by the Oklahoma Department of Homeland Security.”

At the seminars, Oklahoma homeland security officials cover a wide variety of topics with school officials, including the importance of developing, updating and exercising an emergency response plan.  Additionally, the training includes instruction for school officials on how to conduct a security survey to help identify and correct any potential security gaps.

The two-day seminars are provided at no cost and held at various locations around the state.  Local law enforcement officials are invited to attend with school officials in order to help coordinate in the event of an emergency.  In the last three years, the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security has trained approximately 400 school officials representing more than 150 school districts across the state.  Security seminars will be held again in 2013.  To sign-up, school officials should contact the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security at (405) 425-7296 or through the agency’s Web site at www.ok.gov/homeland.

“The seminars we offer have helped school officials and law enforcement officers develop policies that maximize school safety. I encourage every school to work with us to evaluate their security protocols and emergency response policies to see how we can create a safer environment for our children,” said Kim Edd Carter, director of the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security.

Additionally, the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security and the Oklahoma Council for Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) have partnered to provide law enforcement officers rapid response training to be utilized in active shooter situations that might occur in schools, theaters, shopping malls, or even churches.

“The goal of this training is to standardize the response efforts across all law enforcement agencies, so that if officers from different departments respond to the same incident, they all know how to quickly come together as a team and end the violence as soon as possible,” Carter said.

Law enforcement agencies wanting to provide the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) courses to their officers should contact CLEET at (405) 239-5100 or through the agency’s Web site at www.ok.gov/cleet.

Steele, Brecheen in support of Pardon, Parole SQ762

OKLAHOMA CITY – Passage of State Question 762 is a major component of Oklahoma’s effort to build a more efficient government with a stronger criminal justice system, the authors of the ballot measure said Wednesday.

SQ 762 would remove the governor from the parole process for nonviolent offenders so that the governor can focus solely on parole matters for violent crimes. Voter approval of the measure would end Oklahoma’s distinction as the only state requiring gubernatorial review of all nonviolent paroles.

House Bill 2131, signed by Gov. Mary Fallin in May 2011, contained a provision removing the governor from the parole process for nonviolent offenders. A subsequent attorney general’s opinion determined a state question would be necessary in order to make that reform, leading to the placement of State Question 762 on this year’s ballot via Senate Joint Resolution 25.

See: Fallin Concerned About Effect of Passage of Pardon, Parole SQ762

SJR 25, authored by Sen. Josh Brecheen, R-Coalgate, and House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, won overwhelming bipartisan support during the 2012 legislative session, passing the Senate 39-1 and the House 86-8. It received more yes votes than the other five resolutions the Legislature approved for placement as state questions on this year’s ballot, making it the most heavily-supported ballot measure of the 53rd Legislature.

Via the campaign Citizens for a Safer Oklahoma, Steele and Brecheen today issued the following statements in response to the governor’s recently-announced opposition to SQ 762:

“This was good policy when the governor signed it into law last year, and it remains so today. All the facts show that a vote for SQ 762 creates a stronger, more effective criminal justice system. No other state requires the governor to review every nonviolent parole because no evidence exists that doing so actually increases public safety. Voters can confidently support this state question knowing that it is a nationally-accepted best practice that can serve as a foundation for further improvements to the parole process. I believe the parole board concerns recently raised by District Attorney Prater are being addressed, and that we should not let that situation prevent this good policy from taking effect.” 

– House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee

“Approving this state question is consistent with our shared desire to improve public safety and create a more effective, efficient government. Focusing the governor’s parole responsibilities solely on violent offenders will save tens of millions of dollars currently lost to nonviolent parole delays that can instead be used for initiatives that truly reduce and prevent crime. Parole board members will still have every offender’s entire criminal history provided to them under this reform, just as they do today. They have ample facts before them to make their decisions, just as voters have ample facts before them showing that this is a proven, smart on crime, fiscally conservative reform that deserves support.” 

– Sen. Josh Brecheen, R-Coalgate

Fallin Concerned About Effect of Passage of Pardon, Parole SQ762

Statement from Governor Fallin regarding SQ 762 issued today:

"As governor, I have been entrusted by the citizens of Oklahoma to serve as a safeguard in the pardon and parole process. I remain supportive of the general concept of removing the governor from the pardon and parole process in order to streamline the procedure for criminals with no history of violence. However, recent events have led me to believe now is not the right time for the governor’s office to be removed from its oversight role of the Pardon and Parole Board.

"It appears State Question 762 would define non-violent offenders only by their current offense and would not mandate the consideration of past violent behavior.  Since taking office, I have denied parole for 437 offenders, who would be considered ‘non-violent’ under the terms of State Question 762, keeping them off our streets and out of our communities.

"In the interest of public safety and the well being of Oklahoma, the governor’s office should continue to provide this oversight until additional reforms and changes can be made at the Pardon and Parole Board. Therefore, I do not support State Question 762. My office will continue to work with the Pardon and Parole Board, the legislature and the legal and law enforcement communities to pursue reforms that will deliver efficiencies while protecting public safety."

– Gov. Mary Fallin

See: Steele, Brecheen in support of Pardon, Parole SQ762

State Supreme Court Orders 14th Multicounty Grand Jury to be Convened

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Scott Pruitt announced Wednesday that the Oklahoma Supreme Court has ordered a new multicounty grand jury be convened.

The multicounty grand jury has jurisdiction to investigate criminal matters in all 77 counties, assisting local law enforcement as well as handling matters of state interest. The grand jurors meet at the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Building to hear testimony for two to three days each month. Testimony before a grand jury is closed to the public. Session dates have yet to be determined.

The 14th Oklahoma Multicounty Grand Jury will again be under the supervision of the Honorable Barbara Swinton, District Judge, Oklahoma County, serving as Presiding Judge.

Leading the multicounty grand jury will once again be Assistant Attorney General Charles S. Rogers, chief of the AG’s Multicounty Grand Jury Unit.

The new multicounty grand jury was requested by Attorney General Scott Pruitt on Sept. 12.

The state’s 13th Oklahoma Multicounty Grand Jury concluded in August with 25 indictments, charging a total of 31 individuals and was assisted by 113 state and local law enforcement agencies.

Multicounty Grand Jury Indicts Former Broken Arrow Superintendent; Vendor

Indictments unsealed Thursday in Tulsa County

Attorney General Scott Pruitt

On Thursday, August 30, Attorney General Scott Pruitt posted the following statement and document links:

“Today’s indictments are the result of many months of investigation into practices by a former employee and a vendor of Broken Arrow Public Schools. I’m very grateful for the sacrifice made by multicounty grand jurors as well as the effort of state prosecutors and investigators in the Attorney General’s Office and the state Auditor’s Office in conducting a thorough investigation,” Attorney General Scott Pruitt said. “It is important that we remain vigilant in holding accountable those entrusted as public servants.” 

James D. Sisney_Indictment 2012.pdf

Windstream Corp Indictment_2012.pdf

Broken Arrow PS Audit FINAL.pdf

AG Announces Inmate Information, Tracking for Crime Survivors, Families and Public

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office is providing inmate tracking information for Oklahomans and victims of crime through the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) program administered by the AG’s Victim Services Unit.

Oklahoma’s VINE program is a free and anonymous service that allows Oklahomans to register and be notified about changes in the status of Oklahoma inmates.

“By providing information on inmate status, we are increasing victim safety,” said Lesley March, chief of the AG’s Victim Services Unit. “Victims are no longer dependent upon the courthouse being open for them to be notified of the release of a potentially dangerous individual. Knowledge many times translates into power, and with victims of violent crimes, it may mean the difference between life and death.”

The service notifies participants with inmates’ current status information such as general release date, escape, returns from escape, death, out to court and unsupervised custody. VINE offers multiple ways to receive notifications.

The service is available 24 hours a day year-round. Operators who answer the toll-free number are available in English and Spanish to assist victims, their families and the public in registering for VINE. 

The program is provided in county jails and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. VINE transfers data every 15 minutes from county jails, and DOC and probation and parole data is processed each evening.

To sign up for the VINE program, Oklahomans can log onto www.vinelink.com or call (877) OK4-VINE. 

Ceremonial Signing Held for Victims’ Rights Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 22, 2012) – A ceremonial signing held today recognizes the passage of an important new law that will allow Oklahomans to obtain lifetime victim protective orders, according to the bill’s author, state Rep. Wade Rousselot (D-Okay).

House Bill 2396, authored by Rousselot, extends the time in which a victim protective order remains in effect from three to five years and allows for a continuous victim protective order under certain conditions.

“Oklahoma, along with the rest of the nation is plagued with domestic violence,” said Rousselot. “The victims of this mental and physical abuse are usually, but not always, women. When a victim fears for their safety because of escalating threats or even instances of violent behavior, they seek a form of protection, just as any of us would. A protective order sets boundaries between the victim and their tormentor. If violated, the tormentor goes to prison.”

Rousselot said in order to renew a protective order, a victim has to face their tormentor in court. Extending the length of time in which the order remains in effect and allowing for a continuous protective order in certain cases, places less of a burden on the victim, he said.

“The continuous protective order ensures the victims who have the most egregious tormentors do not have to face them every five years in court in order to renew the order,” said Rousselot.

AG’s Victim Services Unit Certifies First Faith-Based Program for Adult Survivors of Trafficking

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Attorney General’s Victim Services Unit has certified Oklahoma’s first program to offer services to adult victims of human sex trafficking.

“One of our goals at the Attorney General’s Office is to help create a network of resources for victims of crime and their families,” Attorney General Scott Pruitt said. “Certification is an important step in ensuring that any victims’ program is operating at the highest standards.”

DaySpring Villa of Tulsa will provide the new service along with its women’s and children’s programs. DaySpring Villa is Oklahoma’s only faith-based, certified domestic violence shelter and sexual assault program.

Wilma Lively, DaySpring’s executive director said “We at DaySpring Villa consider it a privilege to be able to offer services to hurting women and their children.”

According to the FBI, human trafficking generates $9.5 billion in yearly revenues worldwide. Sex traffickers often operate sex businesses disguised as modeling studios, health spas, massage parlors or bikini bars.

Last year, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline – (888) 373-7888 – received 102 calls from Oklahoma.

Some warning signs that someone may be a trafficking victim include:

· Not free to leave, or come and go as they wish;
· Under 18;
· Is in the commercial sex industry and has a manager;
· Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only in tips;
· Works excessively long or unusual hours;
· Is not allowed breaks or suffers unusual restrictions at work;
· The workplace has high security measures – opaque windows, boarded up windows, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.

For more information, go online to the Attorney General’s website at www.oag.ok.gov or contact DaySpring Villa at (918) 245-4075. 

Human Trafficking Bill Sent to Governor

Rep. Sally Kern
R-Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 12, 2012) – State senators today approved legislation that would help protect the victims of sex trafficking and sent it to Governor Mary Fallin to be signed into law.

House Bill 2518, by state Rep. Sally Kern, expands the definition of human trafficking to include the act of recruiting, harboring or transporting a minor for the purpose of prostitution. The legislation also prohibits any attempt to claim the minor’s consent as a means of defense.

“This legislation will help district attorneys prosecute individuals involved in exploiting young men and women,” said Kern (R-Oklahoma City). “Sex trafficking is a horrendous crime that has become sadly prevalent in the U.S. Few people realize how widespread it has become because the crime is concealed in so many ways. Sex traffickers use violence, threats, false promises, debt bondage and other forms of control to keep their victims in line. That’s why the legislation has a provision dealing with consent, because no one should defend their crime by saying a child agreed to be exploited”

Oklahoma City police recently intervened when a 15-year-old girl was found prostituting on South Robinson Avenue.

“It is happening here in Oklahoma and we need to do what we can to help stop it,” Kern said. “It breaks my heart to hear of a young girl forced to participate in such a dehumanizing crime.”

House Bill 2518 passed unanimously in both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate.  

Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Day set April 3 at Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY --  The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) is participating in “Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Day” at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, April 3 from 7 a.m. until Noon.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and CAP Day will offer detailed information on preventing and reporting child abuse. Registration begins at 7 a.m. in the Capitol’s second floor rotunda. A course entitled “The Basics for Reporting Child Abuse” will begin at 9 a.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room on the second floor. The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) will present “Advocacy 101” from 9 – 10 a.m. in room 412A on the fourth floor.

At 10:50 a.m., Governor Mary Fallin will present a proclamation and take photos with guests near the Grand Staircase on the south side of the Capitol. An OICA press conference will be held at 11 a.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room, followed by the Outstanding Child Abuse Prevention Awards.

The OKDHS is asking the public to bring diapers for the Capitol Diaper Drive. Diapers cost the average family about $100 per month, and are not covered by SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly “food stamps”) or WIC. Diapers may be taken to the Capitol, or dropped off in the OKDHS Sequoyah Building lobby from 8 a.m until 5 p.m.

For additional information on CAP Day, visit the OICA website at www.oica.org

Governor Fallin Signs Supplemental Funding Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed into law Senate Bill 1959, which provides $92.5 million in emergency supplemental funding for needs in education, public safety, natural disaster relief, and at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. The governor released the following statement:

“Today’s supplemental funding measures will help to ensure the state of Oklahoma is keeping its commitment to our teachers, protecting our citizens by putting more troopers on our state highways, and providing necessary assistance to communities hard-hit by natural disasters. It also provides necessary personnel and equipment upgrades at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, helping to put that agency back on a path to accreditation.

“All of these funding measures are both urgent and necessary. I applaud the Legislature for sending this supplemental bill to my desk quickly, and I am happy to be able to sign it into law.”

SB 1959, authored by Sen. Clark Jolley and Rep. Earl Sears, includes emergency funding provisions for natural disaster assistance to local communities, counties and other qualified entities ($34.1 million); insurance benefits for teachers and support staff ($37.6 million); a trooper academy for the Department of Public Safety ($5 million); personnel and equipment for the State Medical Examiner’s Office ($1 million); and funding for teacher National Board Certification bonuses ($14.8 million).

State Senate Approves Supplemental Funding Measure

The full Senate gave approval last week to a $92.5 million supplemental funding bill to meet specific needs in public safety and education. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the Senate Appropriations Chairman and author of Senate Bill 1959, which was overwhelmingly approved on Thursday.

“This sends a clear message that promises made to Oklahoma teachers will be kept. Those who are qualified for National Board Certification bonuses will get them. Insurance benefits for educators that required funding have been addressed as well,” Jolley said. “We know the state needs more Highway Patrol Troopers on the road—it’s an important public safety issue, and so we’ve included money for a new trooper academy. Resources for Medical Examiner’s office will assist in their efforts to gain national accreditation. We also were very aware of the need to include emergency funds for our communities and counties throughout Oklahoma in the wake of wildfires and storm damage over the past year.”

SB 1959 includes:

• $14.8 million for NBC bonuses
• $37.6 million for insurance benefits for teachers and support staff
• $34.1 million for the State Emergency Fund to reimburse local communities and counties for disaster assistance
• $5 million for the Department of Public Safety for a Trooper Academy 
• $1 million for the State Medical Examiner for personnel and equipment required for national accreditation

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said passage of the supplemental funding bill would help individuals and communities in every part of the state.

“I want to commend Senator Jolley for his work on this legislation,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “I also want to thank our members for their support. The needs were clear, and I’m pleased we were able to come to an agreement allowing us to address them early in the legislative session.”

SB 1959 now moves to the House of Representatives for approval.

Meth Bill Clears a House Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 23, 2012) – Law enforcement officials and pharmacists will have an easier time identifying individuals trying to purchase pseudoephedrine illegally under legislation passed unanimously this week by the Oklahoma House of Representatives, according to the bill’s author.

House Bill 2547, by state Rep. Jadine Nollan, will restrict the issuance of multiple identification numbers on driver’s licenses and other state-issued idenfication cards.

“Currently, a person can have multiple driver’s licenses and state identification cards with different identification numbers, creating an additional cost to the state and making it more difficult for law enforcement, pharmacists and state agencies to validate proper identify of an individual,” said Nollan (R-Sand Springs). “The original idea for this legislation came from Mike Carter, the assistant chief of police in Sand Springs. He was concerned about tracking individuals purchasing pseudoephedrine and properly identifying individuals who tried to buy an illegal quantity of this meth ingredient.”

Nollan said she worked with a local pharmacist, the Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics to get the proper language in the bill.

“I’ve worked really hard to ensure this legislation will aid these agencies, pharmacies and law enforcement in properly identifying potential meth cooks and suppliers,” Nollan said. “I was proud to see it get unanimous support on the House floor.”

Nollan said the legislation will also help reduce identity theft.

House Bill 2547 was approved by a vote of 92-0 and now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.

NOTE: For accompanying video, see http://www.okhouse.tv/iViewVideo.aspx?VideoID=424

Debate on Pseudoephedrine Renewed

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Medical Association, the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, and the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians all announced last Tuesday that they are taking a stance against proposals to make pseudoephedrine a prescription-only drug.

Rep. Ben Sherrer has renewed his push to pass House Bill1235 which would make pseudoephedrine a Schedule III drug. The measure was introduced during the 2011 session at the request of law enforcement that was looking for a way to reduce the number of meth labs in the state of Oklahoma.

House Bill 1235 could receive a hearing during this legislative session. 

Similar efforts last week in the Senate failed to gain the votes needed for passage. Sen. Kim David, R-Wagoner, joined Rep. Sherrer’s effort to make the tablet form of pseudoephedrine only available by prescription by introducing similar legislation this year.