SUMMARY: Senate Republicans, led by Sen. James Lankford, introduced the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, aiming to prevent neglect of infants who survive abortions. The bill mandates that health care providers must give infants who survive abortions the same care as any other newborn and transport them to a hospital immediately. It also requires reporting of any failures to provide care and sets penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Additionally, the bill allows mothers to take civil action for damages. This bill follows a previous failed attempt in 2019 and differs from the 2002 law, which did not include penalties for care violations.

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SUMMARY: Newly filed bills in Oklahoma focus on teacher pay, school policies, and education reforms. Key proposals include increasing teacher salaries, with new minimum salaries starting at $50,000, and boosting support staff pay. Other bills target banning student cellphones, allowing charter school students to join district sports teams, and removing the cap on the Parental Choice Tax Credit. Additionally, a bill aims to expand free school lunches for families up to 250% of the poverty level. A proposal to reform the Oklahoma State Board of Education appointments would limit the governor’s authority, providing more balance to the board.

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SUMMARY: Twenty-three states, led by Texas, have sued the EPA over a new methane tax rule targeting the U.S. oil and natural gas industry, set to take effect on January 17. The rule was created in accordance with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law by President Biden in 2022. The EPA’s rule aims to reduce methane emissions by taxing the industry based on its emissions. The states argue that the rule exceeds the EPA’s authority and is unlawful. Texas and other states contend it will disproportionately impact them, especially given the state’s significant oil and gas production.

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