Sen. Bill Coleman

Maddy summarySB 1543 is a bill that reclassifies 34 existing offenses as Class C2 felonies in Oklahoma, including bribery, gambling violations, and certain property crimes, but its title incorrectly references "driving under the influence." The bill adds these offenses to Oklahoma's felony classification list (Section 20M of Title 21) while repealing multiple sections of law related to "persons under the influence" of alcohol. It does not change DUI penalties or create new DUI-related offenses; instead, it expands felony charges for unrelated crimes like financial exploitation of seniors and public official bribery. The bill's title appears inconsistent with its actual provisions based on the provided text.

Maddy summarySB 667 requires Oklahoma chiropractors to submit license applications and related documents through an online portal, replacing paper-based processes. It modifies licensing requirements, including mandating a $300 non-refundable fee and requiring written notification of application disapproval with specific reasons. The bill updates definitions for terms like "accredited chiropractic college program" and clarifies restrictions on animal chiropractic care (e.g., prohibiting x-rays or medications). It also repeals outdated language about chiropractic claims consultants. This bill directly affects chiropractors seeking initial licensure or renewal in Oklahoma.

Maddy summaryHB 4191 modifies Oklahoma's Small Employer Quality Jobs Act to adjust tax incentives for qualifying businesses. It establishes a "net benefit rate" (capped at 5%) calculated by subtracting state costs (like education and public services) from projected tax revenue generated by new jobs, then pays eligible small employers (under 500 employees) quarterly over seven years based on this rate. To qualify, businesses must commit to creating new jobs - ranging from 5 to 15 jobs or a percentage of current staff - within 12-36 months, depending on their city's population size. The bill requires applications through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and ties incentives directly to verified new-hire wages.

Maddy summarySB 1562 updates Oklahoma's hospice care regulations by requiring hospices to coordinate services with patients' primary physicians and community providers, maintain 24/7 care availability, and provide bereavement support. It specifies penalties for hospices or employees who knowingly solicit patients from other hospices, including fines of $500-$2,000 per violation, and prohibits contracting with providers holding a conditional license within 18 months. The bill also clarifies that advertising and marketing are permitted if not false, misleading, or tied to referral volume. These changes apply directly to all hospice providers licensed in Oklahoma, aiming to improve care coordination and prevent unethical practices.

Maddy summarySB 1238 amends Oklahoma law to elevate certain domestic abuse offenses to a more serious criminal classification (Class B5). Specifically, it adds "second or subsequent conviction for domestic abuse committed in the presence of a child" as a qualifying offense for Class B5, which carries harsher penalties than lower classifications. This change directly affects individuals convicted of repeat domestic violence offenses where children witnessed the abuse. The bill updates statutory references to reflect this modification but does not create new penalties or alter sentencing ranges.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1326) updates Oklahoma's Self-Service Storage Facility Lien Act to allow storage facilities and renters to use electronic delivery and acceptance of rental agreements. It specifies that renters who don't sign a rental agreement within 30 days of receiving it (via email, mail, or in person) will be deemed to have accepted it through payment or continued use of the facility. The bill also clarifies notice requirements for disposing of abandoned property left in storage units for 30+ days, requiring written notice before sale. These changes apply to all self-service storage facilities and their renters in Oklahoma, making rental agreements more flexible while maintaining key lien protections.

Maddy summaryHB 3800 amends Oklahoma's roofing contractor licensing laws to specifically address residential roofing work. It creates new "residential roofing endorsements" for contractors, clarifies definitions like "homeowner" and "residence," and modifies requirements for obtaining and renewing licenses. Key changes include adding disqualifications based on certain criminal histories, adjusting continuing education rules, and removing some appeal processes. These changes directly affect residential roofing contractors, homeowners hiring roofers, and the Construction Industries Board overseeing the licensing system.

Maddy summaryHB 2166 amends a legal definition to explicitly include "general periodical" when describing mail classifications for notices and publications. This change ensures newspapers and similar periodicals are formally covered under the "class" category for mailing requirements. The bill affects government entities and publishers required to send legal notices via mail, clarifying which publications qualify under current statutes. It updates definitions without altering existing obligations or creating new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1325 requires courts to mandate GPS monitoring for defendants charged with specific domestic violence offenses - such as domestic abuse by strangulation, with a deadly weapon, or after a prior conviction - when released on bond. Defendants must pay all costs for the GPS device and monitoring, which the Oklahoma Department of Corrections will administer until the case concludes. Victims may also request limited location monitoring (e.g., alerts if the defendant nears specified locations, excluding their home or workplace), but only after a court finds evidence of the defendant’s intent to commit violence. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, and GPS devices must be removed if the defendant is acquitted, incarcerated, or the case dismissed.

Maddy summaryHB 3796 establishes the "Strengthen Oklahoma Homes" (SOH) Program to help property owners retrofit homes for tornado and hail resistance using federal or other grants. It requires projects to follow local building codes and the IBHS Fortified Homes Program, with random re-inspections, and allows nonprofits to administer grants under state oversight. The program does not create a state entitlement or guarantee funding, relying entirely on federal grants or external sources. It also updates insurance commissioner authority over bulletins and modifies merger filing rules for insurers, but the SOH Program is the primary policy change directly affecting homeowners and nonprofits.