SB 1859 creates a Cyber Crime and Fraud Unit within Oklahoma's State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to enhance investigations into cyber-enabled crimes (like ransomware and digital extortion), financial fraud (including identity theft), and digital evidence handling. The bill establishes a revolving fund with a $3 million appropriation from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal 2026, allowing the unit to operate without annual budget constraints. The unit can only investigate upon requests from local law enforcement, Governor direction, or under existing statutes - explicitly stating it does not expand OSBI's jurisdiction. It will provide technical support, training to law enforcement, and coordinate with federal and tribal partners on cybercrime cases.
SB 633 requires Oklahoma's Office of Juvenile Affairs to implement a centralized management system for juvenile records, integrating with existing child welfare and juvenile justice systems. It authorizes specific schools (including the Oklahoma School for the Blind and Deaf), public school districts, and other personnel already permitted under state law to access certain confidential records and reports. The system must secure data while enabling case-specific tracking and program monitoring. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.
SB 1589 updates Oklahoma's gambling laws by broadly defining "online casino games" to include mobile and wearable devices (like smartphones or smartwatches) that simulate traditional gambling. It clarifies that "representative of value" covers virtual currency systems exchangeable for prizes or cash. The bill expands criminal liability to include not just operators but also geolocation providers, gaming suppliers, platform providers, promoters, and media affiliates involved in such games. Violators face a Class C2 felony charge, fines of $500-$2,000, and imprisonment, effective November 1, 2026.
HB 3970 updates Oklahoma's court reporting rules by allowing electronic recording of proceedings when a court reporter is unavailable, while requiring official transcripts prepared by certified reporters for appeals. It increases base salaries for court reporters to $53,000 annually, adds a $3,000 equipment allowance, and establishes longevity pay of up to $8,000 per year for certified reporters with 20+ years of service. The bill also sets specific formatting standards for transcripts (e.g., page margins, line spacing) and clarifies that only transcripts from official court reporters can be used in future trials or appeals. These changes directly affect court reporters, judges, and legal parties across Oklahoma's district courts, Workers' Compensation Court, and Corporation Commission.
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.
SB 1810 requires Oklahoma human trafficking shelters and service programs to obtain certification from the Attorney General. It authorizes the Attorney General to enter agreements with service providers for victims and expands telephone communication services for victims. The bill also mandates confidentiality for victim information and updates definitions of human trafficking, including "coercion" and "debt bondage." These changes directly affect victims seeking services and the shelters/programs providing them, aiming to standardize and improve support systems.
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.
HB 3040 expands Oklahoma's "zone of safety" protections to include the residences of sex crime victims and additional locations primarily serving minors, such as skating rinks, arcades, and water parks. It prohibits registered sex offenders from loitering within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, parks, or minor-focused venues, or within 1,000 feet of a victim's residence, with violations classified as Class D1 felonies. The bill includes exceptions for custodial parents during school activities (with advance notification to administrators) and for medical treatment or church attendance (with prior notification to facility leaders). These changes aim to strengthen safety measures around vulnerable locations while specifying clear boundaries and limited exemptions under Oklahoma law.
HB 3678 makes it a misdemeanor to use electronic devices (like social media or text messages) to publish personal details - such as names, addresses, or Social Security numbers - of protected individuals with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or harass them. It directly affects peace officers, public officials (including municipal and school board members), election officials, medical care providers, and crime victims. Violators face up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine for a first offense, with harsher penalties for repeat violations. The law excludes medical care provider information unrelated to their professional duties and takes effect on November 1, 2026.
HB 4227 prohibits settlement agreements that conceal details of child sexual abuse claims (as defined in Oklahoma law) or child sexual exploitation, making such clauses void and unenforceable. It also requires that victim identifying information remain confidential. The bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting child sexual abuse crimes: prosecutions can now occur at any time until the victim’s 45th birthday, with exceptions for cases involving DNA evidence, confessions, or specific evidence. This directly affects victims of child sexual abuse, their families, and institutions involved in settlements or prosecutions.
