Legislation by state Rep. Ann Coody that would increase the penalty for criminals who prey on the elderly now awaits the governor's signature.Senate Bill 1600, by state Sen. Ron Justice (R-Chickasha) and Coody, increases the punishment for abuse of the elderly and mentally disabled, allowing a prison sentence of up to two years upon conviction.
"Criminals who physically abuse or defraud the elderly are a plague on our communities and must face consequences as great as the crimes they commit," said Coody, R-Lawton.
Another bill Coody carried in the House also awaits the governor's signature.
Senate Bill 519, by state Sen. Brian Crain (R-Tulsa) and Coody, creates a 15-school pilot program to track the physical fitness rates of students in third through fifth grades during the 2008-2009 school year.
"Childhood obesity is a problem for more and more of our children," Coody said. "Senate Bill 519 will help us learn if our efforts to combat this problem are working."
Coody said her bill will complement another law enacted this year that doubled the amount of class time devoted to physical activity and nutrition programs in public schools.
A 2004 study found that only 37 percent of Oklahoma school children were enrolled in physical education courses, compared to a national rate of 55 percent.
Since 1980, the percentage of Oklahoma children who are overweight has more than doubled, and rates for teenagers have tripled.
Fifteen percent of Oklahoma teenagers are classified as severely overweight or obese, a 300 percent increase in 20 years.
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