Judiciary

This bill allows evidence of past domestic violence or abuse to be admitted in criminal trials for current domestic violence charges. Prosecutors must disclose such evidence to defendants at least 15 days before trial, including witness statements or summaries of expected testimony. It defines "domestic violence or abuse" broadly to include psychological, physical, sexual, economic, or emotional acts within qualifying relationships. The law applies specifically to criminal cases involving domestic violence in Oklahoma, effective November 1, 2026.

HB 3262 raises the maximum fee sheriffs can charge for certain services, allowing counties to collect up to a higher amount when providing justice-related assistance. The bill amends existing fee structures by inserting "up to" before "county" and "justice" in relevant sections, effectively increasing the cap on these fees. This directly affects sheriffs' offices and residents who pay these service fees, such as those using court-related support. The change applies to fees for services like processing warrants or providing court security. The bill is currently pending in committee review.

HB 3498 modernizes Oklahoma's corporate law framework by updating and clarifying the Oklahoma General Corporation Act and Oklahoma Limited Liability Company Act. It directly affects all corporations and limited liability companies operating in Oklahoma, including their boards, officers, and shareholders. Key changes include clarifying rules for contracts with beneficial owners, strengthening fiduciary duty standards for controlling shareholders, updating procedures for stock issuance and corporate meetings, and organizing outdated references into a single, accessible code. The bill also adjusts terminology and jurisdictional references to align with current legal practices.

This bill proposes changes to Oklahoma's voting eligibility rules for individuals with criminal convictions. It would modify the current law regarding when felons regain their right to vote after completing their sentences. The amendment seeks to restore specific language that defines the conditions under which convicted felons can vote again. This legislation directly affects people with criminal records who are seeking to restore their voting rights. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further review.

HB 2137 modifies Oklahoma's criminal procedure laws to clarify how courts handle defendants found incompetent to stand trial who may regain competency. It requires courts to hold new hearings if medical staff report potential competency restoration and mandates strict procedures for authorizing involuntary medication (including psychiatric medication) to restore competency, including requiring petitioners to prove necessity with "clear and convincing evidence." The bill ensures defendants receive legal representation, 30-day hearing deadlines, and specific court findings on medical necessity, alternatives, and the defendant's wishes. It directly affects individuals in criminal cases under involuntary competency restoration, ensuring due process while allowing medication administration only when medically justified and legally permissible.