Oklahoma state Capitol briefs for May 11

Oklahomans will be able to continue to watch Elmo and Lawrence Welk on Oklahoma's Public Broadcasting Service for the next two years. Gov. Mary Fallin on Thursday signed House Bill 2236, which extends the sunset date of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, the statewide broadcaster of national programs such as “Sesame Street” and “The Lawrence Welk Show,” through July 1, 2014. The measure drew opposition from legislators who said OETA is not a core state service and it's time for the state to stop subsidizing the TV system. Supporters said OETA is the only source of local programming that nearly all Oklahomans can receive for free and its daylong programming for children is a terrific learning aid.

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women will present its Guardian Awards to House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, and Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, for sponsoring legislation intended to help women and their families. The awards will be presented during a ceremony at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Blue Room of the state Capitol.