Criminal Justice

SB 871 modifies Oklahoma's law against eluding police officers by updating penalty structures for different offenses. For first-time offenders, it increases the maximum fine for misdemeanor eluding from $2,000 to $5,000 and raises the jail term for second offenses to up to one year. If eluding endangers others, the offense becomes a felony punishable by 1-5 years in state prison; if it causes "great bodily injury" (defined as serious harm like permanent disfigurement or long-term disability), penalties increase to 1-7 years. The bill also clarifies legal language around these offenses and takes effect November 1, 2025. It directly affects drivers convicted of eluding police in Oklahoma.

SB 78 requires individuals convicted of 22 specific serious offenses - including first-degree murder, rape, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, and aggravated assault - to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. This applies to all sentences imposed after the bill's effective date (November 1, 2025). The bill prohibits earned credits or other sentence reductions that would allow parole eligibility before completing 85% of the sentence. It updates statutory references and language in Oklahoma law related to these sentencing requirements.