SB 1618 requires Oklahoma judicial districts to use validated risk assessment tools when setting pretrial release conditions for defendants facing misdemeanor or felony charges. These tools must evaluate factors like criminal history, community ties, substance abuse history, flight risk, and danger to others, while also considering the offense's nature and evidence weight. Courts must presume the assessment's accuracy and set release conditions accordingly, but may deviate only if the state provides clear evidence justifying exceptions to secure defendant appearance, protect public safety, or meet specific legal requirements. If deviations occur, courts must document their reasoning on the record.
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.
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.
SB 1216 updates Oklahoma's drug court eligibility rules by clarifying who can participate. It requires offenders to not be charged with drug trafficking under the Trafficking In Illegal Drugs Act, have committed a felony or specific misdemeanor, and demonstrate a substance abuse addiction (through admission, apparent signs, or known history) or have an offense eligible for drug court. The bill mandates an eligibility form explaining the program process, required waivers (including giving up the right to a quick trial), and consequences of failure (such as up to six months in an intermediate facility). This bill takes effect November 1, 2026, and directly affects offenders seeking drug court alternatives in Oklahoma.
SB 2011 expands Oklahoma's Class B5 criminal offense classification by adding 37 specific crimes, including domestic violence against intimate partners, assaults on police officers, stalking, and certain animal cruelty acts. This change affects individuals convicted of these offenses by subjecting them to the more severe penalties associated with Class B5, a higher-level criminal classification. The bill also updates statutory references to ensure consistency in the law. Introduced in the 2026 Oklahoma Legislature, it was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
HB 3980 creates a program to help assistant district attorneys in rural Oklahoma pay back education loans. It provides state-funded repayment assistance of up to $5,000 per year (capped at $50,000 total) for eligible employees who work full-time in designated high-need rural districts. Participants must complete 2,000 hours of service for every $5,000 covered, and must repay the state pro-rata if they leave before meeting this requirement. The program is funded through a new state revolving fund managed by the District Attorneys Council.
HB 3981 creates a program to provide financial incentives to full-time prosecutors working in Oklahoma's designated high-need localities. Eligible prosecutors can receive up to $50,000 over five years, with potential additional $10,000 for each two-year service extension beyond that period, subject to available funding. To qualify, prosecutors must agree to a service obligation; leaving early requires repaying funds proportionally. The program is funded through a new revolving fund in the state treasury, managed by the District Attorneys Council, which determines high-need areas based on factors like population size, remoteness, and recruitment challenges.
HB 4142 amends Oklahoma's criminal code to clarify and expand offenses involving explosives, incendiary devices, and simulated bombs. It adds new felony charges for threatening to use such devices (Section 1767.1, subsection 7), manufacturing/selling them with intent to harm (subsection 4), and possessing them during felonies (subsection 9). The bill also updates definitions, explicitly including "simulated bombs" (devices designed to look like explosives but are inoperable) and clarifying terms like "explosive" and "incendiary device." It excludes harmless juvenile activities involving firecrackers or "stink bombs" from these provisions. The changes take effect on November 1, 2026.
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.
