In previous years, the legislature has been known to work right up until the midnight deadline on Thursday night in an effort to pass as many bills as possible. And often, proposed legislation dies merely because it wasn’t heard in time. But this year was different.

The Journal Record has announced its list of 2011 Achievers under 40 honorees from across the state after one of its most challenging selection processes since starting the event eight years ago.

I had a rare treat this week at the state capitol. Quietly walking among the school groups and visitors in the fourth-floor rotunda was artist Charles Banks Wilson. I took the opportunity to introduce myself to the 92-year-old, and we talked about his paintings that populate some of the capitol’s most prominent spaces.

Today, I’m offering a Follow Friday list of politicians, reporters, policy groups, and other interesting people that will keep you in the loop with all the action at the Oklahoma State Capitol during the annual legislative session.

Jerrod Shouse, Oklahoma state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, today said small business applauds Gov. Mary Fallin’s recent decision to endorse legislation that would set up health-care exchanges even as the state fights to overturn the federal law requiring them.

The state Senate today unanimously passed legislation that addresses Oklahoma’s $16 billion unfunded pension liability. Sen. Mike Mazzei, author of the bill and chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Pensions, has said the biggest part of that $16 billion comes from the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System (OTRS), which has $10 billion in unfunded liability.

The House today voted to roll back last year’s massive fee increase on vending machines, a move that could help many small businesses survive. Last year, lawmakers voted to triple the fee paid by vending machine operators, increasing it from $50 per machine to $150 apiece. The increase was, in part, a response to last year’s budget shortfall.

Democracy is on display at the Oklahoma state Capitol today. Lots of groups are walking the halls, visiting with legislators about important issues, and learning about the legislative process.

One of the hottest topics of this state legislative session is actually the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.