Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence)

HB 2058 clarifies who can seek protective orders under Oklahoma's Protection from Domestic Abuse Act, expanding eligibility to include victims of domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, rape, and other specified crimes, as well as minors or adults acting on behalf of household members. The bill prohibits charging filing fees, service fees, or attorney fees to the person seeking a protective order, regardless of whether the order is granted. It also adds provisions allowing courts to order defendants to make no contact with animals owned by the household and to issue emergency protective orders without requiring prior criminal complaints for certain victims. The bill modifies court fee structures for defendants convicted of crimes but focuses primarily on removing financial barriers for victims seeking protection.

HB 2924 requires peace officers to immediately notify judges when victims request emergency protective orders for domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or related crimes, and to assist victims in completing petitions. Officers must make "every attempt" to serve the order on the defendant and file the petition with the court the next business day if service isn't possible, with clerks prioritizing service. The bill mandates 14-day hearing deadlines for emergency orders and specifies court clerks must document assigned hearing times. This affects victims of domestic violence and related crimes, as well as law enforcement and court staff handling protective order cases.

HB 2735 modifies Oklahoma's licensing rules for professions by establishing clear criteria for denying licenses based on criminal history. It allows denial only if a conviction "substantially relates" to the job duties and "poses a reasonable threat" to public safety, requiring licensing boards to consider factors like offense severity, time passed, and rehabilitation evidence. The bill explicitly prohibits denial for sealed/expunged records, most convictions older than five years (except for domestic violence, sex offenses, or specific felonies), and vague "good character" claims. Applicants can request pre-licensing determinations about their criminal history within 60-90 days, and boards must provide written notice of denial reasons with appeal options. This directly affects individuals seeking state licenses who have criminal records.

SB 728 requires Oklahoma courts to order Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring for individuals convicted of violating a protective order issued under the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act. This applies specifically to defendants who have been served with a protective order and later violate it, as determined by a court. The bill amends existing law to mandate this monitoring as a condition of sentencing or probation, alongside existing requirements for domestic abuse counseling. It does not change penalties for violations but adds GPS tracking as a new enforcement tool for court-ordered compliance.

HB 2733 requires that defendants arrested in Oklahoma be brought before a magistrate or court for a bail hearing within 72 hours of arrest, replacing the previous standard of "without unnecessary delay." This applies to all arrests, directly affecting arrested individuals, law enforcement officers, and courts by establishing a concrete deadline for initial appearances. Key provisions include mandating release orders within 72 hours for those in custody and requiring courts to consider specific factors - such as domestic violence history, mental health, weapon access, or substance abuse - when setting bond conditions in certain cases. The bill does not change bond eligibility rules but adds time limits and detailed considerations for domestic violence, stalking, and drug-related offenses.