Individuals in Oklahoma serve, on average, nearly 70 percent longer for property crimes and 80 percent longer for drug crimes than the national average. This is mainly due to the state’s “habitual offender” statute that can double and triple sentence lengths, and often increases the maximum term to life. Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, wants to address this issue by modifying convictions for second felony offenses of nonviolent offenders.
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The Senate unanimously approved legislation Thursday to modify the state’s “habitual offender” statute in an effort to decrease Oklahoma’s overcrowded prison system. Senate Bill 287, by Sen. Bill Coleman, modifies convictions for second and subsequent nonviolent, nonsexual felony offenses. The bill requires these offenders to serve no more than the maximum sentence plus one-fourth of the sentence that could have been imposed for a first conviction of the current offense.
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As part of ongoing criminal justice reform, the Senate approved legislation Thursday to reduce incarceration rates of repeat nonviolent offenders. House Bill 2009, authored by Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, and Rep. Garry Mize, R-Guthrie, will reduce the sentences of repeat nonviolent offenders with no history of violent or sexual offenses.
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Senator Bill Coleman released the following statement on the implementation of House Bill 2597, also known as "Constitutional Carry."

Sen. David Bullard authored Senate Bill 609 to provide clarification to local and county law enforcement regarding the transporting of mentally ill patients. The Senate unanimously approved the measure Tuesday.
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The Senate Education Committee approved legislation earlier this week to improve school safety. House Bill 2336, by Sen. David Bullard, would allow a local board of education to adopt a policy to authorize the carrying of a handgun onto school property by school personnel who hold a valid reserve peace officer certification or who possess a valid handgun license.
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Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Greg Treat and House Speaker Charles McCall on Thursday announced the lawmakers who will serve on the bipartisan, bicameral working group on medical marijuana implementation.

The legislative leaders announced the formation of the group last week. The first meeting will be July 25. Meetings will be open to the public. The working group will meet with various stakeholders and will make recommendations on a permanent regulatory framework for the implementation of State Question 788.
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Oklahomans will be treated to exhibits of art, music, dance, and food tastings this Wednesday, May 1, as part of a celebration marking the third annual Hispanic Cultural Day at the state Capitol. The event, which will be held in the fourth floor rotunda, will celebrate Oklahoma’s Hispanic influences that began in the 1500’s and continue today.

State Sen. Mary Boren has filed legislation aimed at putting more resources directly in the classroom for textbooks and other teaching materials. Her legislation also requires funding allocated for instructional materials is used for that purpose.

State Sen. Mary Boren said she’s disappointed with passage of a bill preempting the ability of cities and towns to pass ordinances addressing plastic bags, cups and containers that litter public property and roadways. Senate Bill 1001 was approved by the full Senate on Wednesday. Boren, D-Norman, said the bill takes away the rights of local communities and their citizens to protect their environment and national resources.
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