A more than 100-year-old law now propping up the state’s sweeping abortion ban contains no clear definition of what it means to preserve the life of a mother.
Oklahoma anti-abortion lawmakers are in a dilemma: Support legislation that could make it easier for some women to get abortions, or risk successful legal challenges and backlash from voters.
People experiencing homelessness must be able to do basic tasks like bathing or eating on their own to get a bed in the state’s only respite center. But many can’t, and the need is growing.
“Really, the heart of this petition is about criminal justice reform,” said Michelle Tilley, campaign manager for Yes on 820. The group has raised over $3 million to support legalizing marijuana in Oklahoma.
Lawmakers filed dozens of bills to expand social services and improve child welfare policies. Advocates said these changes have been desperately needed for years.
The relocated laboratory was forced to outsource some tests and was cited by federal inspectors after contractor Prairie One Solutions took over the facility in late 2020.
Oklahoma officials used millions in federal relief money to cover pandemic-related payroll costs, freeing up other money to move a state lab that has since been plagued with problems.
Care providers in the state have faced a staffing crisis for years due to low pay. It could pose a problem as the state aims to end a 13-year waiting list for developmental disability services.
