+ − Upcoming Hearing
April 3, 2024 at 10:30am CDT
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Committee:Appropriations
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Location:
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Description:
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Tracked Bills to be Heard:
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Tracked Legislators to be in Attendance:
+ − Contact Information
Email Address: coates@oksenate.gov
Phone: (405) 521-5547
Office Address:
Senator Harry E. Coates
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 531
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
+ − Biography
Senator Harry Coates represents Senate District 28 which covers all or portions of Lincoln, Oklahoma, Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties. He was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in November 2002 and re-elected without opposition in 2006.
During his time in the State Senate, he has authored numerous pieces of major legislation looking out for Oklahomas children and seniors and protecting the rights of families and business owners.
In 2006, he was the Senate author of HB 2840, also known as the
Kelsey Smith-Briggs Child Protection Reform Act
, designed to better protect children from child abuse. The law gives DHS and judges the authority to request investigative resources from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. It also establishes stronger review procedures allowing for greater input by those acting as advocates for a child's safety, health and welfare.
That same year, he also was the Senate author of the
"Stand Your Ground" law
(HB 2615), which broadened the rights of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves. The "Stand Your Ground" bill extended some of the protections provided under the 1980's Oklahoma "Make My Day" law, which gave homeowners the right to use deadly force, if necessary, to protect themselves and their families against intruders. Coates' bill extended that protection to other locations, such as a vehicle in the case of a carjacking and a parent using force to protect their child in the backseat. Coates believes Oklahomans have the right to protect themselves and their property.
In 2010, he got SB 1289 approved and signed into law to better protect Oklahoma's seniors. The bill closed a loophole in state law aimed at restricting dangerous criminals from working in nursing homes, assisted living centers or adult day care centers. Previously, the law didn't address those individuals who pled guilty or no contest, or were given a deferred sentence. SB 1289 closed that loophole to keep dangerous criminals out of nursing homes and assisted living centers and away from our loved ones.
That year, he also successfully carried Senate Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee's and the Republican leadership's Worker's Comp bills (SB 1973, HB 1611, HB 2650 and HB 2652) in the Senate. Together, Sen. Coates and Pro Tem Coffee crafted SB 1973. These major reforms to the state's Worker's Comp system will help make Oklahoma more attractive for business and workers. The new laws will result in reduced costs for employers and an improved and more effective worker's compensation system for injured workers in Oklahoma. It's estimated that the new laws will save Oklahoma businesses at least $60.5 million.
During his time in the Senate, he has been honored by several groups with special achievement and "legislator of the year" awards including the following, among others: