Oklahoma Senate votes to hike penalties for drug possession

(AP) The Oklahoma Senate has approved legislation to increase penalties for drug possession near schools. The Senate voted 35-12 Wednesday to make it a felony to possess certain drugs within 1,000 feet of elementary or secondary schools. The bill’s passage upset proponents of a state question approved by Oklahoma voters in 2016 that made all drug possession crimes a misdemeanor. Former Republican House Speaker Kris Steele described the passage of the bill as “mind-boggling” and questioned why lawmakers would act against a vote of their constituents. The bill now heads to the House.