Modernization of Child Custody Laws

Reps. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, and Erick Harris, R-Edmond, hosted an interim study examining potential updates to Oklahoma’s child custody laws to better reflect modern family dynamics and support children’s relationships with both parents.

The study included testimony from family law experts and advocates who discussed the state’s current custody framework, which was designed in an era when fathers typically worked outside the home and mothers stayed home to raise children. Although state law requires courts to act in the “best interest of the child,” it does not presume that equal parenting time serves that interest.

“Oklahoma’s custody laws were written for a time that no longer reflects how families live and work,” Tedford said.

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Sen. Mullin Warns of Shutdown Impact

As the Schumer Socialist Breakdown Shutdown continues, Oklahoma Senator Mullin issued a warning to Oklahomans bracing for the November 1st, cliff which is, “set to put many U.S. households at risk of new hardship.”

If Congress fails to pass a government funding bill by Saturday, popular programs that provide nutrition and food assistance, early childhood education, and the Essential Air Service will likely run out of funds. Thousands of federal employees in Oklahoma, including members of the military, are also on track to miss full paychecks this week.

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TFI Offers Halloween Safety Tips

As Halloween festivities kick off, the season is filled with excitement and joy. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety at every step. Taking simple precautions and being mindful of potential hazards can help children and families enjoy the festivities with less worry.

Tulsa Family Connections (TFI) offers the following safety tips to ensure a festive, hazard-free holiday.

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Petition Reforms Clearly Constitutional

Opinion: A case pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court asks a simple question. Is it legal to require that initiative-petition efforts gather signatures from across Oklahoma? The answer is easy: Yes.

Senate Bill 1027, by state Sen. David Bullard and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, made several reforms to Oklahoma’s initiative-petition process, but the most notable required the collection of signatures equal to no more than 11.5 percent of the votes cast in any county during the most recent statewide general election (when seeking to change state law) or 20.8 percent (when seeking to amend the Oklahoma Constitution, which requires more signatures to advance to the ballot).

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Retired Hardware: A Data-Security Priority

This Cybersecurity Awareness month, SK tes, a leading provider of secure IT asset disposition (ITAD) and lifecycle services, is calling on organizations to take a closer look at one of the most overlooked cybersecurity threats: end-of-life IT equipment.

While companies invest heavily in firewalls, endpoint protection, and threat detection, many fail to recognize the hidden risks lurking in their retired hardware. From hard drives to mobile phones, switches and routers, outdated devices often retain sensitive data that can be exploited if not properly managed.

“Managing retired IT equipment isn’t just a logistical task, it’s a cybersecurity imperative,” says Tom Hoof, Group IT Director, “There are many examples of routers resold with corporate credentials still intact, and storage drives containing medical records end up in in second-hand markets. These are evidence of poor or missing processes and systemic risks.”

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