Criminal Justice

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.

SB 869 reclassifies certain prostitution-related offenses from misdemeanors to felonies under Oklahoma law. It creates new felony penalties for: engaging in prostitution while knowingly infected with HIV (up to 5 years in prison), child prostitution sex trafficking (up to 10 years), and prostitution within 1,000 feet of schools or churches (up to 5 years). The bill also updates penalty structures for repeat offenses and requires community service or health notifications for convictions. This directly affects individuals engaging in these specific acts, with penalties varying based on the circumstances and prior convictions. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

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.