Criminal Justice

SB 864 modifies Oklahoma's Sex Offenders Registration Act to clarify who must register and strengthen requirements. It requires registration for individuals convicted of specific sex offenses (including child exploitation, sexual assault, and trafficking) who live, work, or attend school in Oklahoma, including those with out-of-state convictions. The bill explicitly prohibits plea agreements that allow offenders to avoid registration and clarifies that deferred convictions still mandate registration. It also states that sealing a criminal record does not remove the obligation to register, applying to both Oklahoma and certain out-of-state convictions.

SB 566 creates a new misdemeanor offense for intentionally assaulting railroad workers or rail personnel in Oklahoma. It directly affects individuals who commit such assaults, imposing penalties of up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill specifies that the assault must be intentional and without justifiable cause, targeting violence against those working in rail operations. The law will take effect on November 1, 2025.