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In The Know is a daily synopsis of Oklahoma policy-related news and blogs. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.
Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz spoke at a press conference about missing training and firearm certification records for the reserve deputy who fatally shot Eric Harris. Blue Bell Creameries issued a recall after foodborne illness was tracked to a production line in Broken Arrow.
The Oklahoma City School District released a report that detailed widespread failings in how discipline is administered in middle and high schools, including much higher suspension rates for students of color. The Sierra Club explained why the legislature shouldn’t take away Oklahomans’ right to regulate drilling. The State Senate passed a bill that would make it illegal to use a GPS device to stalk another person.
The Number of the Day is the average stock dividend income claimed on Oklahoma tax returns in 2013. In today’s Policy Note, Center for American Progress examined a proposed rule to make prepaid cards safer, more affordable, and more transparent.
In The News
Two deputies reassigned in wake of fatal shooting by Tulsa county reserve deputy
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office has reassigned two deputies involved in the undercover sting that led to a fatal shooting earlier this month, Sheriff Stanley Glanz said at a Monday morning press conference. Meanwhile, attorneys who represent the family of the man killed in the sting held an afternoon press conference that focused on an alleged void in the qualifications held by the reserve deputy who fired the shot.
Blue Bell Creameries issues recall of all products, Oklahoma facility to remain closed
Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries issued a voluntary recall Monday night for all of its products on the market after two samples of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream tested positive for listeriosis. The company “can’t say with certainty” how the bacteria was introduced to the manufacturing line, Blue Bell’s chief executive Paul Kruse said in a statement.
Oklahoma City school district discipline audit finds widespread discrepancies
The Oklahoma City School District suspends minorities at a much higher rate than white students, inconsistently punishes students for similar offenses and suffers from missing paperwork and rampant record-keeping discrepancies. Those were among the findings in a 19-page district report released Monday that detailed widespread failings in how discipline is administered in middle and high schools.
Don’t take away Oklahomans’ right to regulate drilling (Guest post: Johnson Bridgwater)
It’s undeniable that the fracking boom has had a huge impact on many Oklahoma communities. It’s helped bring jobs and income to some, but the rapid increase in this new method of drilling has a flip side—communities have serious concerns about earthquakes and threats to vital water supplies for cities and towns, not to mention the noise, air pollution, and damage to infrastructure from highly industrial drilling operations.
Read more from the OK Policy Blog
GPS stalking bill heads to conference committee after passing Oklahoma Senate
The Senate passed a bill Monday that would make it illegal to use a GPS device to stalk another person. The bill excludes parents, who have the right to monitor the location of their children, and law enforcement officers, who are allowed to do so if they have a warrant. The measure — already approved in the House — now goes to a conference committee to work out final details, said Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, the Senate author.
Quote of the Day
“He was not properly carrying the weapon. Period. They have produced no training, no records, no certifications and no qualifications for Mr. Bates’ use of a .357.”
Attorney Daniel Smolen, who is representing the family of Eric Harris
Number of the Day
$1,049
Average stock dividend income claimed on Oklahoma tax returns in 2013, 6th lowest in the U.S.
Source: TRAC
See previous Numbers of the Day here.
Policy Note
Making Prepaid Cards Safer, More Transparent, and More Affordable
The CFPB’s proposed rule takes a large step forward by mostly harmonizing these significant, but often invisible, differences across products. For example, the rule extends to all registered prepaid cards consumer protections against unauthorized uses or fraud that currently only apply to some prepaid cards. Greater comparability across cards—coupled with greater transparency of card features and fees—will ultimately yield a more competitive market.
Read more from Center for American Progress
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