Capitol Week In Review: Senate Passes Bill Making It Easier For Teachers Carry Guns In Classrooms

This week, state lawmakers took aim at those who abuse their spouses and those who abuse medical providers. They also got an earful from hundreds of demonstrators who want to outlaw abortion.

Hundreds of abortion abolitionists descended on the capitol with one goal; ending abortion. Senate Bill 13 would outlaw abortion in all cases except when a mother’s life is in danger. There would be no exception for rape or incest. 

“Rape and incest are horrible things. But you don’t kill a baby because of the crimes of the mother or father. You just don’t do that,” said Senator Joseph Silk (R) Broken Arrow.

The governor and attorney general announced, after five years and two botched executions, the state is ready to resume the death penalty.

“These folks have diligently worked to find the most humane and swift way to resume capital punishment in the state of Oklahoma,” Governor Kevin Stitt said.

A Senate committee unanimously passed two bills aimed at targeting domestic abuse, increasing penalties for abusing a pregnant woman and strangulation.

“The statistics are that a victim of strangulation is 750-times likely to die of a homicide in a future attack,” said Senator Rob Standridge (R) Norman.

A Senate committee also unanimously passed a bill that would increase penalties for those who assault medical care providers. Registered nurse Amy Eberle told lawmakers about one of the times she was attacked by a patient.

“And he pulled his arm back like he was going to hit me, and I thought oh, here it is, and I really started screaming.  And he didn’t though. He started raping me,” said Eberle.

The state Senate passed a bill that would make it easier for teachers to carry guns in the classroom, and a bill that would ban the controversial practice of conversion therapy; trying to convert gay and bisexual people to straight, passes with bipartisan support in a House committee

“But we know that protecting children is not a left wing or right wing issue.  It’s simply what all of us can agree on as proud Oklahomans,” said Allie Shinn Freedom Oklahoma.

Next week lawmakers will focus on spending and tax credits.