Restitution; requiring court to prioritize order for restitution to victims. Effective date.

SB 154 requires Oklahoma courts to prioritize ordering restitution payments to crime victims when sentencing convicted defendants, making it a mandatory consideration during sentencing. This applies to all cases where a defendant is convicted of a crime without a death sentence, directing courts to arrange restitution payments to victims "to the extent feasible" before other sentencing options. The bill amends existing law (22 O.S. § 991a) to explicitly state this priority, without changing the underlying restitution requirements or financial rates (e.g., 12% interest). It directly affects courts, defendants, and crime victims by ensuring restitution is addressed as a key part of sentencing.