Bills impacting police retirement wages, the Women's Bill of Rights, and the youth justice system are progressing through the legislature in Oklahoma. Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed Senate Bill 423, which would have held minors charged with aggravated eluding as youthful offenders. However, the Senate voted to override the veto, allowing the bill to move forward. Another bill vetoed by Governor Stitt was Senate Bill 102, which aimed to increase police retirement funds. Despite the veto, the Senate also voted to override it, ensuring the bill's advancement. The Women's Bill of Rights, which defines the terms woman, female, and mother, is currently awaiting a veto override. Additionally, House Bill 1425 is under consideration, which would permit school districts to transport students off-campus for religious instruction. House Bill 1105 seeks to extend the protest period for initiative petitions. These legislative moves reflect ongoing discussions and debates surrounding various issues in Oklahoma [8610306b].
Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed Sarah Bridge as the district judge for District 23 in Oklahoma. Bridge has a background in advocating for children and families, serving as a guardian ad litem and representing young Oklahomans in deprived juvenile cases. She is focused on family law at the firm of Lenora, Upton & Bridge and has been the president of the Lincoln County Bar Association since 2018. Bridge received her undergraduate degree in 2001 and her juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 2007. She resides in Chandler, Oklahoma with her husband and three children [c0c47e58].
In Nebraska, state lawmakers have voted 44-0 in favor of Legislative Bill 253, which will establish new veteran justice programs across the state starting from July 1, 2025. This legislation is the result of recommendations from the Veterans Justice Commission of the Council on Criminal Justice, chaired by former U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. The bill aims to address the transition from active duty to civilian life, a process that over 200,000 active-duty members undergo each year. Nebraska, with over 200 veterans in its correctional system, will allow criminal courts to consider whether there is clear and convincing evidence that a condition related to military service contributed to a criminal offense. The state court administrator will track the participation and outcomes of veterans in the program. Several other states are also in discussions with the commission, indicating a growing interest in implementing similar programs [57b11074].
Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas has signed House Bill 2536, introducing the Support, Opportunity, Unity, and Legal (SOUL) family legal permanency option for children in foster care aged 16 and older. This groundbreaking legislation allows foster care children to choose a trusted individual to care for them as they transition into adulthood. Kansas is the first state in the country to implement this legal permanency option, demonstrating its commitment to improving the lives of children in the foster care system. Governor Kelly has also signed several other bipartisan bills covering a range of topics, including self-storage facilities, adoption, publishing of administrative regulations, water allocations, business entity filings, criminal penalties for leaving the scene of a vehicular accident, nonparents' visitation rights, the 911 coordinating council, professional employer organizations, and commercial driver's licenses for qualified military drivers [b14292b2].
Kansas State University Salina has launched the Aviation Maintenance Certification Program to address the growing demand for aviation maintenance professionals. The program offers full scholarships and a comprehensive curriculum approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This initiative aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the aviation industry [b14292b2].
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) to protect the rights of Air Force Reserve Senior Airman, Michael J. McCullough, under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). McCullough was employed by OKCPS in January 2022 and was told he could return after being called for military service in February 2022. However, a month into his deployment, OKCPS informed McCullough that his contract for the 2022-2023 school year would not be renewed. Despite available positions, OKCPS refused McCullough's requests for reemployment. The lawsuit seeks lost wages, other employment benefits, and liquidated damages [bd5b3ba8].
Kentucky's attorney general, Russell Coleman, has publicly opposed a Biden Administration rule change that requires foster and adoption care agencies to place LGBTQ+ youth in supportive environments. The rule, called the 'Safe and Appropriate Foster Care Requirements,' would require LGBTQ youth to be placed with foster care providers trained to meet their specific needs related to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Coleman argues that the rules penalize and disfavor religiously-affiliated foster care and adoption agencies, such as Kentucky Baptist-run Sunrise Children's Services. He claims that the rules will make it harder for religious-based organizations and families of faith to care for children. The new federal rules do not require every foster care agency to meet the specific needs of LGBTQ youth, but they do require supportive placements to be made available as an option. Coleman is considering legal action against the rule change [1ccddfae].
Illinois Democratic lawmakers are proposing a bill to change the term 'offender' to 'justice-impacted individual' in the Illinois Crime Reduction Act of 2009. The bill aims to update terminology and add members to the Adult Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board. Republican State Sen. Terri Bryant questions the necessity and cost of such changes. Conservatives criticize the change, claiming it is turning satire into reality and blaming the diversity trend for encouraging political correctness. Some users express concerns that criminals may roam free in the future. The bill is sponsored by Democratic State Reps. Kelly M. Cassidy, Lindsey LaPointe, and State Sens. Robert Peters, Mike Simmons, and Adriane Johnson. They aim to promote equity and effectiveness in the Adult Redeploy Illinois program by diversifying the board and enhancing funding flexibility. Some conservatives mock the change by suggesting that drug dealers will soon be called 'unlicensed pharmacists.' Users express their intention to continue using the term 'offender' and 'illegal alien.' The article does not provide information about the timing of the bill or its current status [337036e8] [dd0dac79].
The use of the phrase 'justice-impacted individual' is being debated in Illinois. The phrase appeared in House Bill 4409, which passed the Democratic-controlled Senate and House. Supporters argue that it removes the stigma of being called an 'offender,' while critics see it as an example of going soft on crime. The article compares the phrase to Orwellian doublethink and argues that it is a pernicious form of language manipulation. The bill references only people in the state's Adult Redeploy Illinois program, which aims to develop community-based alternatives to incarceration. The article suggests that the language change should reflect the desire for reform and change, rather than hiding the crime committed. The author warns that if Governor J.B. Pritzker does not strike the phrase, it could be used against him in future political campaigns [fb542246].
Nebraska state lawmakers voted 44-0 in April to approve Legislative Bill 253 and create new veteran justice programs statewide, beginning July 1, 2025. Former U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, chairman of the Veterans Justice Commission of the Council on Criminal Justice and a former U.S. senator from Nebraska, said he’s proud Nebraska is the first state to adopt recommendations from the 15-member commission. The legislation calls attention to the transition from active duty to civilian life, a transition that more than 200,000 active-duty members make each year. Nebraska has more than 200 veterans in its correctional system. Under Nebraska’s legislation, all criminal courts could consider whether there is “clear and convincing evidence” that a condition related to military service contributed to a criminal offense. Nebraska’s state court administrator will record how many veterans receive, decline or are denied participation in the program and will track the outcomes of those who are approved. At least 10 states are in active talks with the commission, and many are lining up “policy champions” to step up [57b11074].
Oklahoma Sooners added 4-star Parkview (AR) defensive back Omarion Robinson to their 2025 recruiting class. Robinson chose the Sooners over Oregon, LSU, and Arkansas. The Sooners also extended scholarship offers to multiple high school players. In-state prospect Kaydin Jones revealed his top 11 schools, including Oklahoma. Jones is the son of former Oklahoma running back Kejuan Jones. The Sooners also offered scholarships to 4-star Tupelo (MS) defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy and 5-star Gainesville (GA) linebacker Griffin. Oklahoma currently has 21 pledges and the No. 4 recruiting class in the country [f8d5e6fe].
On the sports front, the Kansas City Royals continue their winning streak against the Chicago White Sox with a 2-0 victory. The Kansas City Current remains undefeated after a draw against Gotham FC. The Kansas Jayhawks held their Spring Showcase, giving fans a glimpse of the team's progress. Sporting Kansas City faced a 3-2 defeat against Miami. The Royals also secured wins against the Mets and Astros [b14292b2].
In other news, a shooting took place in Aggieville, and severe storms are expected in the area. The Marshall County Commission Meeting Minutes from April 8 have also been released, providing updates on local government activities [b14292b2].