At the capitol

State news

February 20, 2013

At the capitol

Okla. Senate panel approves workers’ comp change

Anonymous Associated Press Wed Feb 20, 2013, 06:00 AM CST

OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill to convert Oklahoma’s Workers’ Compensation Court into an administrative system cleared its first hurdle and is now headed to the full Senate for consideration.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 8-2 Tuesday for the 260-page Administrative Workers’ Compensation Act by Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman. Both no votes came from Democrats, who have raised concerns the changes will result in reduced benefits for injured workers.

Bingman says high workers’ compensation insurance premium costs for businesses in Oklahoma are proving to be a drag on the state’s economy and “the biggest roadblock to a stronger economy.” He cited a recent national study that shows Oklahoma has one of the highest premium rates in the country.

The bill is modeled on Arkansas’ administrative system.

Online: Senate Bill 1062

Text Only | Photo Reprints

State news

McAlester/Pittsburg County Emergency services prepares for severe weather
Tornadoes and severe weather have torn through a large part of Oklahoma today (May 20,2013) and have devastated Moore south of Oklahoma City hitting two schools and Moore's hospital.

Severe weather is possible for Pittsburg County and is under a tornado watch until 10 p.m. this evening.

McAlester/Pittsburg County Director of Emergency Service Trent Myers gives video tips on how to weather the storms.

May 20, 2013 1 Photo 3 Videos
At 81, Oklahoma alumnus finally attends graduation
Harold Newland, 81, participated in commencement at the University of Oklahoma on Friday and got a new copy of the accounting degree he earned nearly 55 years ago. Newland missed graduation after earning the degree and has thought of returning to Norman ever since.

May 16, 2013 1 Photo
Ex-Narconon prez vows to 'tell all'
A former president of Narconon Arrowhead said four deaths at the facility were “beyond anything imaginable.”

May 5, 2013 7 Photos 9 Stories
VIDEO: Girls raft through Okla. floodwaters on inflatable mattress
Some Chickasha, Okla., residents were plagued by Wednesday night's storms, while others saw an opportunity for a unique adventure.

April 22, 2013 1 Photo
Police Chief’s Report
Waurika Police Department was active in the month of March, writing 92 citations, issuing about 50 warnings and making 10 arrests for a variety of violations.

April 17, 2013
VIDEO: Saturday USPS delivery saved, for now
When the United States Postal Service proposed ending Saturday delivery, some in Congress fought to keep it, seeing it as an assault on an American institution.

April 16, 2013 2 Photos
Eyewitness to blood, smoke and panic at Boston Marathon
It sounded like cannons or guns going off. I went toward the explosion, as my friend stepped back. We were 65 feet away - at the most - when two bombs went off at 2:50 p.m. yesterday at the Boston Marathon finish line.

April 16, 2013 2 Photos
President OKs disaster aid for 17 Okla. counties
The White House has approved federal disaster aid for 17 Oklahoma counties hit hard by a winter storm in February.

April 9, 2013
Large hail, tornadoes possible Tuesday in Oklahoma
The National Weather Service says a storm system could bring baseball-sized hail and isolated tornadoes to parts of Oklahoma on Tuesday.

April 9, 2013
President OKs disaster aid for 17 Okla. counties
The White House has approved federal disaster aid for 17 Oklahoma counties hit hard by a winter storm in February.

April 8, 2013
More State news Headlines