Representative John George

representative

Contact

Capitol Office

2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 504

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Legislative Assistant

Abby Sexton

District

36th District

R

District 36

Hi, I'm John George and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 36th District.

Committees (8)

Public Safety

Vice Chair

House Committee

Appropriations and Budget

A&B Public Safety Subcommittee

Judiciary - Criminal

Tourism

Conference Committee on Judiciary - Criminal

Conference Committee on Public Safety

Vice Chair

Conference Committee on Tourism

Special Conference Committee on HB2775 and HB1935

Biography

Rep. John George was elected to represent District 36 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2022.

George is a career law enforcement officer and long-time Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police president. He served with the Oklahoma City Police Department from 1991-2022; he spent most of his career as a detective.

George served five years in the Oklahoma National Guard with the rank of second lieutenant. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from East Central University in Ada.

His wife, Audrea, is an Oklahoma City police officer. Together, they have two daughters.

R

District 36

Hi, I'm John George and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 36th District.

representative

Contact

Committees (8)

Biography

District

News & Announcements

Apr 25, 2024

House Approves Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

The Oklahoma House of Representatives today approved legislation to reduce criminal activity in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 1450, authored by Rep. John George, R-Newalla, lowers the felony threshold for theft from $1,000 to $500, defines organized retail crime, and sets penalties based on stolen property value. "Oklahoma urgently needs to implement practical legislation based on the recommendations of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force to address alarming crime rates," George said. "Senate Bill 1450, a direct result of the task force's efforts, not only holds violent offenders responsible but also addresses the problem of organized retail theft." George said Oklahoma increased the felony threshold on July 1, 2017, resulting in a substantial overall increase in crime rates. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 81% of business owners have reported a higher rate of violent theft-related offenses compared to previous years. Under the measure, individuals convicted of organized retail theft could reportedly be subject to up to five years in county jail. SB1450, if signed into law, would allow the Attorney General's Office to hire more agents to investigate organized retail crime, improving response time and bringing charges more quickly. The measure passed the House 65—14 and now returns to the Senate, where Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the author.

Apr 17, 2024

Senate Approves House Bill to Increase Public Safety Measures

The Oklahoma Senate approved House Bill 3782 on Tuesday, a measure that makes it more difficult for violent criminals to get released on bail. The measure, authored by Rep. John George, R-Newalla, proposes a rebuttable presumption that no bond release conditions would ensure the safety of the community or any person if the state provides clear and convincing evidence that the person was arrested for a violent offense and released on bond and while out on bond the person was arrested for another violent crime. "This legislation permits judges to detain an individual who is already out on bond for a violent crime but gets arrested for another violent crime without bail," George said. "As a result, we will ensure the safety of our citizens by preventing dangerous criminals from repeatedly victimizing our communities." Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, carried the measure in the Senate. “Oklahoma is a law and order state where public safety is paramount,” Gollihare said. “House Bill 3782 keeps our communities safe and secure by revoking bail privileges for violent criminals who commit additional heinous crimes while out on bond.” HB3782 passed the Senate unanimously and now moves to the Governor's desk for consideration.

Apr 16, 2024

George Passes Bill to Strengthen Penalties for Domestic Violence

Rep. John George, R-Newalla, on Monday, secured passage of a bill to increase penalties for strangulation offenses. Senate Bill 1211 would increase the punishment for assault and battery by strangulation or attempted strangulation against an intimate partner or household member from a maximum of three years to a maximum term of up to 10 years in prison. "Senate Bill 1211 recognizes the gravity of domestic violence and ensures that perpetrators are adequately punished for their crimes," George said. "Strangulation is a heinous crime that demands immediate acknowledgment of its severity. This legislation leaves no room for ambiguity about Oklahoma's stance on such behavior." Under the measure, an individual would be fined up to $20,000 for their first offense rather than having to acquire a second offense. George said this modification ensures that offenders face a severe punishment regardless of the number of times they have committed the offense. Oklahoma's Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board found that more than 100 victims were killed in domestic violence-related homicides in 2022, marking four consecutive years with more than 100 victims. Reflecting efforts to hold domestic abusers accountable, George authored a similar bill in the House. Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, serves as the Senate author for the measure. "Those who have experienced strangulation are at an exponentially higher risk of further abuse or death. Increasing the criminal punishment for strangulation is imperative as we must hold violent offenders accountable and also provide protection for victims who are at risk of further harm," Thompson said. "I appreciate the House for their support of this critical reform and putting it one step closer to becoming law." SB1211 passed the House 86 – 3 and now moves to the Governor's desk for consideration.