Stateline Headlines

What Do Record Low Natural Gas Prices Mean for States?

Newly abundant and cheap natural gas has slashed home heating bills for many Americans. But in some states, the continued price drop has thinned state budgets and shifted energy production.

Abortion Ultrasound Debate Intensifies

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: The debate in Virginia whether to require every woman seeking an abortion get an ultrasound is flaring up in a half dozen other statehouses.

As Shuttle Program Ends, States Step Up Roles in Space

With NASA focused on deep-space missions, the federal government is increasingly turning to private companies to handle more routine flights. Now, states are competing to lure the space entrepreneurs-and the high-tech jobs they promise-to their new or refashioned launch facilities.

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

Feds belatedly send $67 million in disaster funds to Utah, Colorado, 12 other states

Supreme Court Rejects Texas’ Claim to Oklahoma Water

The unanimous decision rejects a Texas water district’s efforts to tap water on Oklahoma’s side of the border.

Texas Again Leads Nation in Executions; Ohio a Distant Second

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas executed more than twice as many inmates in 2010 as the next-closest state, Ohio, according to a new report. Nationally, states executed 46 prisoners this year, a 12-percent decline from last year.

Democrats Have Edge in Statehouse Races

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Democrats are likely to make gains in state legislative races this year, but it's a toss-up whether the seats they win will be enough to overtake control of a handful of narrowly divided statehouses, a panel of election experts said at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual conference here.

Wind Subsidies Raise a Storm in Heartland States

Wind-energy has been a booming industry in many states the past few years. But the federal tax credits that have helped fuel that growth is likely to disappear in a few months.

Rural States Plug Into Classroom Technology

South Dakota and Oklahoma lead the way in providing students with computer and Internet access, according to a new national survey. But the survey is bad news in one regard: It shows that the United States lags far behind other developed nations in using technology to enrich education.

New Meth Recipe Sidesteps State Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: A new method of making methamphetamine - a highly addictive street drug that has caused law enforcement and public health problems from Oregon to Kentucky - is circumventing tough state laws that had been making headway against production of the drug. The new method uses less of a key ingredient - pseudoephedrine - that states have made much harder to acquire.

New Script for Sudafed?

Anyone in Oregon who wants to buy tablets of Sudafed or Claritin D must have a doctor's prescription to do so. Those who live in Oklahoma must submit to an instant online screening before they can walk out of a pharmacy with those products.The two states are taking aggressive but different approaches to a common and long-standing problem: the production of crystal meth, a highly addictive drug made with a decongestant found in several leading cold and allergy medicines, including Sudafed.Oregon's approach has alarmed the pharmaceuticals industry, which is lobbying hard in other states in favor of Oklahoma's approach - even offering to pay for it. Either way, the purchase of cold medicines by meth makers is likely to become much trickier.

New Department of Corrections director will face the same tough challenges

Oklahoma makes strides in degree completion, but has more work to do, report says

Oklahoma voter registration law survives U.S. Supreme Court decision

Norman man threatens Oklahoma Gov. Fallin's 'child' and local sheriff in emails

Wind continues to grow as alternative energy source in Oklahoma

Support is available for families of Oklahoma troops

Getting a driver's license in Oklahoma is tough

Oklahoma's Department of Corrections ordered to pay employee $175K for 'emotional distress'

State will need help tackling issue of safe rooms in every school

Oklahoma appellate court limits effect of capital gains ruling

Oklahoma education officials seek greater collaboration between universities and industry

Federal disaster declaration expands for Oklahoma

Oklahoma treasurer's unclaimed property division moves to Capitol

Oklahoma officials offer small steps on the road to smarter government

U.S. Supreme Court rejects Oklahoma cold medicine case

Wheat harvest is under way in Oklahoma

Oklahoma governor has plan for pension system changes

Oklahoma tornado devastated immigrant community

Oklahoma governor acts on last bill of session

Despite recent rains, drought remains in much of Oklahoma

Wide range seen in legislative session grading

Insurance claims valued at $250 million so far

More storm victims are identified

Oklahoma lawsuit reform measure tossed out

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt criticizes Oklahoma Supreme Court rulings on abortion

Oklahoma Tops in Disaster Declarations, Ninth in Disaster Grants

Oklahoma ranks behind eight states in the amount of federal money received to help clean up debris and patch public infrastructure since 1998. Who’s number one?

Oklahoma’s Emergency Chief Has Weathered 36 Disasters

The head of Oklahoma’s disaster relief efforts, who will lead the recovery from Monday’s tornado, is the longest-serving state emergency management chief.

Oklahoma’s “Life-Preserving” Law Raises Questions for Doctors

Oklahoma’s new “life-preserving” law guarantees end-of-life treatment to patients if they wish. It was inspired by the Terri Schiavo case in Florida.

Red River Showdown: Texas-Oklahoma Water War Could Reverberate Across US

Where Texas and Oklahoma’s showdown over the Red River Compact has huge implications for how states across the country manage their water. The case centers on questions of state sovereignty and interstate commerce.

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma Feb. 4 Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mary Fallin's (R) 2013 State of the State Address

Oklahoma Among States Limiting Property Taxes

Lowering property taxes is always popular, and results from the November 6 elections show this year was no exemption

High Court Declines Oklahoma “Personhood” Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision to block a ballot measure that would outlaw abortion in the state.

Oklahoma Looks for Ways to Keep Mentally Ill Ex-offenders Out of Prison

The mentally ill account for an ever-greater portion of prison populations. Oklahoma has had success in preventing former inmates with mental problems from being incarcerated again.

Farmers, Frackers and Scarce Water

Hydraulic fracturing by energy drillers may not be the heaviest consumer of water on parched land. But environmentalists and some farmers are starting to worry about it.

Several U.S. States Deemed Best Global Oil and Gas Investments

Oklahoma is the best place on earth to invest in oil and gas development, according to a survey of energy executives. Six other states joined it in the top 10.

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Feb. 7 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mary Fallin (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Lamb, statewide elected officials, Speaker Steele, President Pro Tem Bingman, members of the court, Honorable Senators and Representatives, cabinet members, distinguished gues

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2010

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Feb. 1 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Brad Henry's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Members of the House and Senate, Lt. Governor Askins, President Pro Tempore Coffee, Speaker Benge, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, distinguished Cabinet and elected officials, honored g

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Feb. 2 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Brad Henry's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Members of the House and Senate, Lt. Governor Askins, President Pro Tempore Coffee, Speaker Benge, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, distinguished Cabinet and elected officials, honored g

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Feb. 4 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Brad Henry's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Members of the House and Senate, Lt. Governor Askins, President Pro Tempores Morgan and Coffee, Acting Speaker Blackwell, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, distinguished Cabinet and elected

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2007

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., Feb. 5 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Brad Henry's (D) 2007 state of the state address. On the Move This is a historic time. On the cusp of our state's second century, we gather here, chosen by the people of Oklahoma to chart a course for our future: a course not solely for t

Oklahoma State of the State 2006

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., Feb.6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Brad Henry's 2006 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's Web site and read the address. Members of the House and Senate, Lt. Governor Fallin, President Pro Tem Morgan, Speaker Hiett, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Cou

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2005

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma - Feb 7 - Following is the text of Gov. Brad Henry's 2005 state of the state address: Members of the House and Senate, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, Lt. Governor Fallin, Speaker Hiett, President Pro Tem Hobson, distinguished Cabinet and elected officials, honored gue

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2004

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma - Feb. 2 - Following is the full text of Gov. Brad Henry's (D) 2004 State of the State Address: Members of the House and Senate, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, Lt. Governor Fallin, Speaker Adair, President Pro Tem Hobson, distinguished elected officials, honored guests and my fell

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2003

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma - Feb. 3 - Following is the full text of Gov. Brad Henry's State of the State Address: Members of the Senate and House, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, Lt. Gov. Fallin, distinguished elected officials, honored guests, and my fellow Oklahomans and friends: Two days ago, our natio

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2002

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma - Feb. 4 - Following is the text of Gov. Frank Keating's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Leader Morgan, Leader Dunlap, Members of the House and Senate, Members of Judiciary, Members of the Cabinet, my fellow Oklahomans, this is the final time that we will have

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2001

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma - Feb. 5 - Following is the full text of Gov. Frank Keating's 2001 State of the State Address: Thank you. Gentleman, ladies, hello. Thank you. Thank you. As a postscript to what Lieutenant Governor Fallin said, I think it is very impressive to have that handsome new face on the wall right be

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2000

OKLAHOMA CITY - Feb. 7 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Frank Keating's 2000 State of the State Address: Lieutenant Governor Fallin, President Pro Tempore Taylor, Speaker Benson, Members of the Judiciary, distinguished members of the House and Senate, my wife, and my fellow Oklahomans. Before I begin, I

Oklahoma's Monson Is Political Pioneer

Angela Monson is about to chalk up another couple of firsts. The first female African-American to serve as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Monson soon will be the first woman and first black to hold a leadership position in the Oklahoma State Senate.

Oklahoma Rejects Bonding for Capitol Renovation

As the legislature adjourns, repairs for the Capitol and state office buildings are put off another year.

Oklahoma Sets Pace in Fighting Meth

Led by Oklahoma, at least eight states have new laws making it harder to buy medications containing pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient to making "meth," a highly addictive mind-altering drug. Besides reining in illegal drug use, Oklahoma's model also shows the potential cost benefit to states that curb homegrown production of the drug. An average meth case can cost $350,000, including $54,000 to treat the meth user, $12,000 in child welfare services and $3,500 to clean up the makeshift meth lab.

Governors Push Natural Gas-Powered Vehicles

With oil prices still high, group of 13 governors on Monday (April 30) asked automakers for input on how states might boost demand for natural gas-powered vehicles.

Oklahoma State of the State Address 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma - Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mary Fallin (R) 2012 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Lamb, statewide elected officials, Speaker Steele, President Pro Tem Bingman, members of the court, Honorable Senators and Representatives, cabinet m

Summary of the Oklahoma State of the State Address

Gov. Brad Henry, a Democrat, urged members of Oklahoma's Republican-controlled legislature to avoid painful cuts in state services by tapping into the state's reserves to balance its budget.

Oklahoma Could Become 44th 'Open Carry' State

TODAY'S TAKE: Oklahoma legislators have sent Governor Brad Henry a bill that would make the state the 44th to allow residents to carry firearms openly in public. But the Democratic governor hasn't decided whether he will sign or veto the measure, which comes after open-carry supporters in California staged high-profile protests by carrying guns into Starbucks stores.

In a First, Oklahoma Uses Different Drug in Execution

TODAY'S TAKE: A nationwide shortage of a drug used in lethal injections led Oklahoma on Thursday (December 16) to execute an inmate with a substance more commonly used to euthanize animals instead. It's believed to be the first execution of its kind in U.S. history.

Oklahoma's Ban on Sharia Law Gains Traction in More States

TODAY'S TAKE: In the wake of a controversial ballot measure last year that banned Oklahoma courts from applying Sharia law, at least seven states are considering similar legislation.

'Castle Doctrine' Laws Provoke Heated Debate

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Most states give citizens an explicit right to protect themselves in thier homes. But just how far does that right extend? A number of states are pondering that question.

Ten States Join Effort to Buy Natural Gas Vehicles

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Last fall, the governors of Oklahoma and Colorado announced a plan to get states to buy 5,000 vehicles powered by natural gas. So far, 10 states have joined the effort.

Changes to Unemployment System Could Be in the Offing

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Contained in a tentative congressional deal to extend the federal payroll tax cut are possible changes to the unemployment insurance program in the states.

Business Gets Its Way in Republican Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY - Republicans have complete control of state government for the first time ever in Oklahoma and are using their power to make sweeping changes.

'Bottle Bills' Draw Renewed Interest in Legislatures

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Hoping to increase recycling rates, environmentalists are returning to the old idea of a deposit-and-return system for beverage containers.

State Hiring Freezes Tend to Melt Away

It's easy for a governor to announce a halt to new state employment. It's very difficult to maintain it.

Weekly Wrap: Fed Report Doubts Energy States Will Recover First

Revenues down in gas-producing states; Obama snubs Las Vegas-again; and economist Mark Zandi predicts start of economic expansion.

Natural Gas Growth Adds Strain to State Regulators

To keep pace with a surge of natural gas drilling, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is looking to triple its staff of well inspectors. In many other states, inspection teams remain small while wells go unchecked.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

For a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Ohio through Wyoming.

Battle over water supply

Congress Weighs Stimulus for Schools

TODAY'S TAKE: Budget constraints are forcing many state lawmakers to consider deep cuts to K-12 education, prompting warnings from the Obama administration that teacher layoffs could exceed 100,000 if Congress doesn't offer help. Federal assistance may come in the form of new taxes on hedge funds and large financial institutions.

Real ID Dropouts Leave Security Holes

Defying Uncle Sam, four states have passed laws refusing to comply with federal rules to make driver's licenses more secure, casting further doubt on the future of the 2005 Real ID Act.

Final Convention News From State Delegations

Were Oklahoma's Ron Paul delegates disenfranchised?

Legislatures In Nebraska, Oklahoma, Illinois and Tennessee Close Shop

Nebraska lawmakers recently ended their 1999 session, but not before Gov. Mike Johanns vetoed a bill that would have imposed a two-year moratorium on capital punishment. Oklahoma, Illinois and Tennessee were also scheduled to shut down their legislative sessions by week's end, bringing the tally of statehouse adjournments to 31. To read on, click here.

Obama Decision Denies Keystone XL Permit

TODAY'S TAKE: A controversial oil pipeline project is put on hold as its route through Nebraska remains a subject of fierce debate.

States Expand Fetal Homicide Laws

A wave of new state fetal homicide laws recognizing a fetus "of any gestational age" as a person and potential crime victim has abortion rights advocates worried the statutes could undermine a woman's right to end her pregnancy. Among the 37 states with laws making death of a fetus a separate crime, language giving legal status to a fetus at the earliest stages of pregnancy is proliferating.

Govs, Media - A Love, Hate Relationship

Some governors love talking policy with reporters, and others thirst for the spotlight. But mostly governors want to control what voters read and hear about them.

Workers' Comp Systems Getting Stricter

States are changing the rules for employees claiming benefits as a result of injuries suffered on the job.

States Try to Help Veterans Find Jobs

With U.S forces out of Iraq and combat troops slated to leave Afghanistan in 2013, states are readying for an influx of returning troops who will be looking for work.

Ventura, Other Govs Sing Red Ink Blues

Gov. Jesse Ventura, Minnesotas outspoken chief executive, is feuding with the legislature over his decision to close the governors mansion as a cost-cutting move. But even governors with more sympathetic legislatures are enduring cuts in office salaries and travel expenses in the face of budget crunches.

States Eye License Plate Cameras as Source of Cash

States have used license plate readers to catch car thieves and toll cheats. Now, some are looking at using them to raise revenue by finding - and fining - uninsured drivers. Millions of dollars are at stake, but critics say the idea takes the use of surveillance cameras too far.

States Try New Tactics to Restrict Abortion

State legislatures across the country this year enacted groundbreaking abortion laws prodded, in large part, by national health care reform. Some of the new laws will dramatically change the circumstances women face when trying to end their pregnancies and at least one could lead to a challenge of Roe v. Wade.

Alternatives to Incarceration Prevail in Some States

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Kentucky, Ohio and Oklahoma all approved bipartisan legislation to address overcrowding in their prison systems this year. But in California - the state with a crowding problem so bad it was deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court- Democrats and Republicans could not agree on what to do.

Kansas and Oklahoma Income Tax Cuts Won’t Reach Zero

Kansas may soon finish a large tax cut and Oklahoma is likely to approve a smaller one, but both will be short of some lawmakers’ initial aspirations: ending the income tax entirely.

WORTH NOTING: Lawmaker Loses to a Cockroach

A Kansas lawmaker settles a lawsuit for accosting a cockroach-costumed protester. An Oklahoma official tries to stop Christmas gifts for juveniles in state custody. And the South Dakota Legislature schedules a more work-friendly session. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Health Exchange Head Start Reaps Dollars

Every state must have a health insurance exchange in operation by 2014. A few have received rewards for running ahead of schedule.

WORTH NOTING: What Can You Do With a Knife?

Iowa Lt. Gov. Patty Judge (D) says Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) isn't the only one who knows how to use a knife. It's union vs. union on the Oregon picket lines. And Oklahomans are looking for a new tune. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Push For Ten Commandments To Return To Schools

The Ten Commandments are experiencing a renaissance in states debating bills that would display the Big 10 in schools alongside historical documents. Emphasizing history, not religion, is a strategy that Commandments backers hope will skirt court challenges.

State Support For Ending Cuban Embargo Growing

What do Illinois Gov. George Ryan and Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura have in common with Arkansas chicken producers, Texas rice growers and Utah medical companies? They'd all like to see an end to the 40-year-old U.S. embargo on trade with Cuba.

After Standoff, Illinois Road Construction Continues

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Illinois senators agree to back off in a budget fight that threatened to halt the state's summer road building season … Nevada clears the way for its first and only tollroad … Digital billboards could soon be legal in Missouri and Oregon, and other transportation news.

Weekly Wrap: Govs Seek to Prop Up Budget Reserve Funds

Depleted rainy day funds prompt review; Toyota's temporary sales suspension could impact state revenue; Ohio loses an iconic employer; and new studies released on recession, state stimulus web sites.

Three States Lead in Pre-School Programs

Georgia, New Jersey and Oklahoma outpace the nation in providing high-quality preschool for 3- and 4-year- olds. But most states lag in early education efforts needed to ensure that all students are ready to learn when they arrive in kindergarten, according to a new national study.