Around The Rotunda: House Democrats Criticized

Victim Photo Buttons: A measure to allow families of murder victims to wear photo buttons of their deceased loved ones in courtrooms passed the House, despite what Republicans described as "baffling opposition from most Democrats." The House author of Senate Bill 868, Rep. Sue Tibbs, delivered an impassioned plea for victims and their families. The bill passed 58 to 41, picking up only eight Democrat "yes" votes during a Monday evening House floor session. "Victims' rights were taken away from them the day they took their last breath," said Tibbs (R-Tulsa). "The defendants seem to have all the rights, but all you ever see of the victim are crime scene photos. If the family wants to wear a button it proves that victims were once alive and smiled and laughed. It says to the world that they lived." Though the bill passed by an essentially straight party-line vote, the emergency clause of the bill failed because of opposition from a large number of House Democrats, meaning that the bill can't take effect immediately if signed by the governor. Rep. Rex Duncan, chair of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, said it's not unusual for many Democrat lawmakers to "reveal their true liberal colors when the Legislature holds evening sessions."

Senate Advances Inmate Rehab Measure: The State Senate passed a key plank in the House GOP's legislative agenda on Tuesday, unanimously approving a measure to encourage faith-based groups to take a stronger role in rehabilitating Oklahoma prisoners. "I'm gratified by the overwhelming bipartisan support for this measure," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), author of House Bill 2101. "We should encourage faith-based and community volunteer organizations who want to help prepare inmates for life outside prison walls. With this measure, we're opening up the doors for their participation."

Tuition Lock Bill Passes Senate: Incoming Oklahoma college students could take advantage of a tuition lock proposal next year under a measure advanced by the State Senate this week. House Bill 2103 would create a locked-in tuition rate for in-state college students. The measure passed the Senate with bipartisan support by a vote of 26 to 20 this week. It now returns to the House for consideration.

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