Among the bills going into effect July 1 are two intended to help state employees. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn discuss the new laws and how another law is affecting state schools, colleges and universities in Capitol Insider.

Capitol Insider from KGOU

Capitol Insider: New Laws Benefit State Employees

Governor Kevin Stitt has announced he will not issue an emergency order as coronavirus cases in Oklahoma tick upward. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss that story and the appointment of a new attorney general in Capitol Insider.

Capitol Insider: State Leaders Watch As Coronavirus Spikes In Oklahoma

As the state of Oklahoma is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases, a small group of state lawmakers is urging the governor to change the rules regarding vaccinations for health care providers. Details in this week's Capitol Insider.

Capitol Insider: Group Of Lawmakers Requests Changes In Oklahoma Vaccination Requirements

A year ago, Oklahoma voters approved expansion of Medicaid to provide greater access. Now, the process has begun.

Capitol Insider: Medicaid Expansion Proves Popular

Normally, summer is a slow time at the state Capitol, but there was a lot of activity this week, including movement toward the appointment of a new State Attorney General.

Capitol Insider: Attorney General Selection Near

In this week's Capitol Insider, KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley review the close of the 2021 legislative session as Governor Kevin Stitt completed action on the final bills sent to his desk.

Capitol Insider: All Bills Considered

In an Executive Order issued Friday, March 12, Governor Kevin Stitt extended Oklahoma's state of emergency in all 77 counties due to COVID-19, but ended restrictions on events and masking in state government buildings. The Executive Order noted Oklahoma has reported 431,366 novel coronavirus cases, but added that 24% of Oklahomans have received at least one vaccination. The new order will remain in effect for thirty days. The governor also updated the state's guidelines for visitation in long-term care facilities.

Capitol Insider: Governor Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions In Oklahoma

Oklahoma legislators have a busy week ahead with each house needing to address approximately 300 bills by the Thursday, March 11 deadline. Expect some late nights at the Capitol over the next few days. Also soon, Governor Kevin Stitt is expected to provide clarification on regulations concerning the state's ongoing COVID-19 response. His latest executive order is set to expire on March 15. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss that deadline facing the governor's office, and more, in this week's Capitol Insider.

Capitol Insider: Decision Time At Capitol As Deadlines Near

With the first deadline looming for passing or rejecting legislation, the Oklahoma legislature moved quickly to make up for time lost during the recent snowstorm and extreme cold. The highest profile cases gave an indication of the direction the session is heading - toward stronger states rights and less federal control while further restricting abortion, protests and limitations on statements made on social media.

Capitol Insider: Lawmakers Push Legislation To Limit Federal Government

Everyone is eager for schools to offer more in-person classroom instruction, and with vaccinations becoming available for teachers and staff that goal is edging closer to reality. Coronavirus has not only forced schools, teachers, parents and students to adjust, but it has led to a re-examination of the future of education. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister discusses what lies ahead for Oklahoma schools with KGOU's Dick Pryor in Capitol Insider.

Capitol Insider: State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister

In a wide ranging interview shortly after his State of the State address, Governor Kevin Stitt discussed his goals for the 2021 Oklahoma Legislative Session with KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley. In part one of the interview (first broadcast on February 5), Stitt discussed state-tribal relations; in part two he talked about education, economic development, government regulation, the state's coronavirus response, his relationship with the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate and 2021 policy priorities. This interview was conducted on February 4, 2021.

Capitol Insider: Governor Outlines Agenda For Legislative Session

Oklahoma's 2021 legislative session is off and running following Governor Kevin Stitt's annual State of the State address. In his speech, he identified several issues the legislature needs to focus on in the year ahead and most important among them, he said, is the relationship between Oklahoma's government and the sovereign Native American nations within the state. In the first of a two-part Capitol Insider interview on the upcoming legislative session, the governor discussed how questions raised by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the McGirt v. Oklahoma case may be resolved.

Capitol Insider: Governor Kevin Stitt On State-Tribal Relations

Oklahoma's 2021 legislative session officially began on organizational day, January 5, but the 58th Oklahoma Legislature returns to begin the bulk of its work on Monday, February 1. That day, Governor Kevin Stitt will provide his priorities for the year ahead and give lawmakers their first glimpse at the executive budget. While the executive budget is largely a ceremonial document, it lays out the governor's proposed guidelines for spending each year. KGOU will present a live broadcast the State of the State address beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 1. KGOU's Dick Pryor and Shawn Ashley discuss what to expect in this Capitol Insider.

Capitol Insider: Legislators To Hear Governor's Agenda In State Of The State Address

On Thursday, Oklahoma lawmakers completed the rush to pre-file bills and joint resolutions for the upcoming 2021 legislative session. The volume of legislation indicates we can expect an ambitious session when the legislature resumes on February 1. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the work just ahead as ideas move toward becoming laws.

Capitol Insider: Record Amount Of Legislation Pre-Filed For 2021 Legislative Session

As the Spring 2021 school semester is beginning, Governor Kevin Stitt issued new recommendations regarding quarantining of students who have come in contact with a person who may have COVID-19. Under the new guidelines, schools are allowed to lift quarantine requirements if enforcing mandatory mask usage and social distancing unless the person in question shows symptoms of the virus.

Capitol Insider: Stitt Urges Schools To Relax COVID-19 Quarantine Practices

A discussion of the week's news from Oklahoma's State Capitol between KGOU Public Radio's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley, plus interviews with newsmakers.