The last couple of weeks have been eventful ones. We wrapped up work on House bills in committee last week. Just over 230 bills were approved and are awaiting consideration by the full Senate.

 I’d like to give you an update on my Senate and House bills as well as those that I’m coauthoring. Three of my Senate bills have been sent to the Governor for her consideration. The first two if signed into law will go into effect Nov. 1 of this year while SB 1706 will become effective as soon as its signed. 

SB 1277 defines licensed alcohol and drug counselor/mental health (LADC/MH) to mean an LADC who meets the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors requirements related to treatment within the counselor’s scope of practice of mental health disorders regardless if they are co-occurring. The measure modifies the existing requirements for a license to practice as an LADC by expanding the degree requirements to include a master’s degree in other recognized clinical counseling fields and defines required graduate level courses. The measure defines the scope of practice of an LADC to include the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders if the individual meets the specified educational requirements.

SB 1279 adds to the definition of professional service in the Professional Entity Act those services rendered by licensed alcohol and drug counselors and licensed behavioral practitioners pursuant to state law regulating their practice.

SB 1706 creates the Oklahoma Drug-Endangered Children’s Alliance Board for the purpose of encouraging consistency in the implementation of protocols and procedures for responding to drug-endangered children and to secure funding to support the Board’s efforts.

 None of the House bills that I’m serving as Senate author on have made it to the Governor’s desk yet but they are getting close. Next week is the last week for House bills to be heard on the Senate floor. It’s going to be an extremely busy week for me as I have nine House bills to present to my colleagues (House Bills 2251, 2264, 2266, 2381, 2396, 2502, 2836, 3053 and 3079). I’ll discuss these measures in more detail once they’re approved and on their way to the Governor’s office.

 As an OSU alum, I was so proud to honor the Cowgirls basketball team for their outstanding season on Thursday. It’s amazing what this incredible group of young ladies was able to accomplish this year following the tragic deaths of head coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna along with OSU alumni, pilot and former state Senator Olin Branstetter and his wife, Paula. For those of you who don’t keep up with sports, the Cowgirls won the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, which was a first in school history. They also received the RUSSELL ATHLETIC “Together We R” award, which was a big honor for them.  The award is given to teams that have striven to succeed in the face of adversity, overcoming extraordinary circumstances. Their strength and courage is a true inspiration!  

I welcome and appreciate any comments or questions you might have for me.  At the State Senate, I can be reached by writing to Senator Kim David, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 520, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, emailing me at david@oksenate.gov, or by calling (405) 521-5590 and speaking to my assistant Gayla Guinn.