The Edmond Sun

Local News

Discussion

January 12, 2009

Legislative watch

Bill would ban fingerprinting for driver’s license

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — State Sen. Randy Brogdon is sponsoring a bill to prohibit the state Department of Public Safety from requiring driver’s license applicants to give their fingerprints.

The bill, dubbed “The Religious Freedom and Privacy Protection Act of 2009,” would prevent the state from collecting or keeping “any biometric data in connection with motor vehicle registration or operation or in connection with driver licensing.”

Biometric data would include fingerprints, palm prints, voice data, iris recognition data, retinal scans and DNA.

It would also apply to Social Security numbers.

Brogdon said he is tired of bureaucracies across the country gradually stripping away freedom and constitutional rights.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Capt. Chris West says the fingerprint requirement is intended to reduce identity theft and is required under a law that took effect in July 2004.

West says the Social Security numbers help in collection of child support.

Brogdon said the measure would not harm child support enforcement. An applicant still would be required to provide a Social Security number, but the bill would not allow the agency to store or share it, he said.

Jeff Wagner, a spokesman for the Department of Human Services’ Child Support Services Division, said state and federal laws mandate that agencies, businesses and individuals provide information to help find missing parents in child support cases.

“The Social Security Act recognizes that Social Security numbers obtained by the Department of Public Safety and shared in connection with driver’s licenses are a powerful tool for locating these individuals,” Wagner said. “Prohibiting the retention of this information will provide one more way for absent parents owing child support to hide from their obligations and the law.”

Bill restricts minors’ access to tanning salons

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A senator has filed a bill placing restrictions on the use of tanning salons by minors in Oklahoma.

Sen. Andrew Rice, an Oklahoma City Democrat, says restrictions are needed because of rising skin cancer rates. He wants Oklahoma to join 29 other states that regulate the use of tanning salons by minors.

His measure would not allow anyone under 13 to use a tanning facility unless the minor got permission from a doctor or the parent stayed at the facility during the tanning.

Those between ages 13 and 15 could not go to a tanning place without a parent, who would have to remain at the facility while the individual tanned.

Those ages 16 and 17 could use a tanning salon only if they had a written statement from a parent and would be required to wear protective eye wear.

House Republicans approve agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge says a legislative agenda approved by the chamber’s Republican majority meets his criteria for achieving pro-growth, conservative policies.

House Republicans approved their agenda for the upcoming legislative session on Monday. GOP House members met privately for almost four hours to hammer it out.

Afterward, Benge declined to provide specifics and said agenda details will be released later this week.

But Benge has said he wants lawmakers to work on legislation that will help achieve energy independence for the nation and create a pro-growth business climate.

The Tulsa Republican has also said he supports programs to improve the state’s health care system as well as advances in education that will help Oklahoma students compete in a global economy.

The Legislature convenes on Feb. 2.

Text Only
Local News
  • jc_babyA.jpg OU Medical Edmond greets 100th baby

    Sometimes it seems as if history repeats itself.
    My Birth Center at OU Medical Center Edmond delivered its 100th baby at 7:42 a.m. Friday, 44 years after the hospital’s first 100th baby was born in 1968. My Birth Center opened in September, becoming the first birth place available in Edmond since 2005.

    February 11, 2012 3 Photos

  • 2-11 Police & fire runs

    February 11, 2012

  • School board candidates release financial reports

    Both candidates running for the Edmond school board District No. 1 seat filed their first of two financial reports with the school administration.

    February 11, 2012

  • 2-11 Edmond Senior Center calendar

    The Edmond Senior Center, 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
    For information about Edmond senior programs, stop by and pick up a monthly calendar, check out the website at edmondseniorcenter.com or call 216-7600.
    Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. and reservations are needed a day in advance by 11 a.m.
    For lunch reservations, call at 330-6293 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    February 10, 2012

  • State schools to receive No Child Left Behind waiver

    State Secretary of Education Phyllis Hudecki announced Thursday Oklahoma is one of 10 states chosen to receive a waiver from No Child Left Behind requirements.

    February 10, 2012

  • Logan Co. Democrats to meet Monday

    The Logan County Democratic Committee will have its monthly meeting on Monday.
    The main order of business will be Get Out the Vote for the April 3 state Senate race. Precinct officers are encouraged to attend. In addition to business and planning items, the group will celebrate Logan County Democrats with birthdays in February. 

    February 10, 2012

  • Eloise Rees.jpg Edmond loses wealth of knowledge with death of resident

    The death of longtime Edmond resident Eloise Rodkey Rees goes with the saying that with every death, you lose a library.

    February 10, 2012 1 Photo

  • Polling places: Where to vote

    February 10, 2012

  • Humphreys seeks Senate seat

    Fearing that the liberties of Oklahomans are slipping away, Republican Chris Humphreys said he hopes to win the state Senate District 20 primary race set for Tuesday.

    February 10, 2012

  • Unwritten contracts hard to prove

    Q: Can an agreement be enforced if it is not in writing?
    A: Although it is generally advisable to put every agreement in writing, most agreements can be enforced without written evidence of the deal. Both oral and written contracts can, in the right circumstances, bind the parties to perform.

    February 10, 2012