Sen. Darrell Weaver

Maddy summaryHB 1595 increases penalties for assault and battery offenses in Oklahoma, directly affecting individuals convicted of these crimes. It raises the maximum jail time for simple assault from 30 to 90 days and for assault and battery from 90 days to six months. The bill also significantly increases prison sentences for repeat domestic abuse offenders, those who harm pregnant victims, or commit abuse in the presence of a child. Additionally, it mandates that individuals convicted of domestic abuse complete a minimum 52-week certified batterers' intervention program.

Maddy summarySB 497 requires the Forensic Review Board to provide written notice to the district attorney when a person is found not guilty by reason of mental illness or guilty with mental defect. This affects criminal cases involving mental health defenses, ensuring the district attorney receives timely reports from mental health evaluations. The bill amends Oklahoma law to mandate that examiners submit their findings directly to the district attorney within 35 days, alongside the court and defense counsel. This change aims to improve transparency and coordination in cases where mental health is a factor in criminal proceedings.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 497 amends Oklahoma's criminal procedure laws concerning individuals in the justice system who have a mental illness or mental defect. The bill requires the Forensic Review Board to provide specific notice to the district attorney. It outlines the process for examining individuals acquitted due to mental illness or found guilty with a mental defect, including court hearings to determine if they are dangerous to public safety. Based on these determinations, individuals may be discharged, conditionally released, or committed to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Maddy summaryHB 1122 amends Oklahoma's State Athletic Commission Act by updating definitions related to combative sports licensing and events. It clarifies terms like "amateur combative sports practitioner," "closed-circuit telecast," and "professional exhibitions" without changing existing licensing requirements or penalties. The bill directly affects athletes, event organizers, venues, and broadcasters who host or stream combat sports events in Oklahoma. As a procedural amendment focused on terminology, it does not introduce new restrictions or funding mechanisms. The bill was approved by the Governor on May 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1565 requires school employees, healthcare providers, and others who suspect child abuse or neglect to immediately report it to Oklahoma's centralized child abuse hotline. For children under 18, these reports must also be sent in writing to local law enforcement for potential criminal investigation. The bill mandates the Department of Human Services to maintain written records of all referrals and their transmission to law enforcement, while protecting the confidentiality of reporters. It also prohibits retaliation against those who report in good faith and imposes penalties for failing to report or making false reports.

Maddy summarySB 37 would have authorized the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to independently respond to mass casualty events caused by violent crime (defined as incidents injuring ≥3 people, requiring unusual emergency resources, and causing a sudden surge of casualties) without needing a local law enforcement request. It created a "Mass Casualty Revolving Fund" in the state treasury to cover OSBI costs for these investigations, funded by state appropriations, federal grants, or other designated sources. The fund would allow ongoing, unrestricted spending for OSBI's role in coordinating with local agencies during such events. This bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 5, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1591 requires individuals convicted of 25 specific serious crimes in Oklahoma to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. This applies to offenses like first-degree murder, child sex trafficking, domestic violence with weapons, human trafficking, and certain violent assaults. The bill prohibits earned credits or other sentence reductions that would allow offenders to serve less than 85% of their sentence. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, and directly affects those sentenced for the listed crimes under Oklahoma law.

Maddy summaryHB 1594 clarifies that certain assault and battery charges do not apply when death results from the act. The bill amends Oklahoma law to remove language that previously included cases involving death under specific assault/battery definitions. This change directly affects criminal cases where prosecutors might have sought charges under this statute for incidents resulting in death, narrowing the scope of the offense. The amendment specifies this clarification applies to cases where death occurs, not to other assault-related charges.

Maddy summaryHB 1565 amends the Oklahoma Children's Code, primarily affecting how child abuse and neglect referrals are handled by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and school employees. It mandates that DHS immediately report in writing to local law enforcement any referrals alleging abuse or neglect where the perpetrator is not responsible for the child's welfare, and requires DHS to maintain a record of these transmissions. Additionally, the bill directs school employees to report suspected abuse or neglect of students under 18 to both DHS and local law enforcement, while ensuring confidentiality for the reporting employee. These provisions aim to strengthen the reporting and investigation process for child abuse and neglect.

Maddy summarySB 37 defines a "mass casualty event" as an incident causing at least three injuries, requiring more emergency resources than usual, and creating a sudden surge of people needing emergency services. It authorizes the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to respond to such events caused by violent crimes (as defined by Oklahoma law) without needing a request from local police, and to coordinate with local agencies. The bill creates a "Mass Casualty Revolving Fund" in the state treasury, funded by state appropriations, federal grants, or other sources, to cover OSBI's costs for investigating these events. The fund operates as a continuing account not limited by fiscal years, allowing OSBI to use it for related expenses like personnel, equipment, and coordination efforts.