Criminal procedure; requiring certain pretrial release hearing; modifying certain bail procedures. Effective date.

SB 967 requires Oklahoma courts to hold a pretrial release hearing immediately after an arrest for most charges. It mandates that defendants receive specific rights at this hearing, including the right to consult with counsel, review evidence, and present their own evidence. The bill shifts bail decisions toward non-monetary conditions (like supervision or electronic monitoring) unless the court finds no such conditions can ensure court appearance or community safety, and creates a presumption of inability to pay bond for those receiving government assistance. Additionally, it requires courts to provide defendants with written and oral notice of court dates, along with phone/text reminders the business day before hearings. This bill directly affects defendants facing pretrial detention decisions in Oklahoma courts.