SB 1733 requires Oklahoma school employees (including teachers, coaches, and administrators) to report suspected student sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct to law enforcement within 24 hours. It prohibits school investigations or disciplinary actions before reporting and mandates annual attestation forms confirming staff understanding of these duties. The law applies to all public and charter school staff, with confidentiality protections for reporters. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and declares an emergency for immediate implementation.
SB 2179 requires Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health to create a written individualized service plan for people found not guilty by reason of mental illness (NGRI/MI) within 45 days of their court adjudication. The plan must include treatment details, risk assessments, and service schedules, developed with the individual's input and based on a forensic psychological evaluation. Once approved by the court, the plan becomes part of the court's final order and must be reviewed quarterly for the first year, then semiannually, with updates provided to the court and parties. This bill directly affects NGRI/MI individuals, courts, mental health providers, and the Department of Mental Health by mandating structured treatment planning and oversight.
SB 1715 requires Oklahoma guardians ad litem (court-appointed child advocates in custody cases) to include all domestic violence allegations in their written reports to the court. It mandates the Oklahoma Bar Association to create and update a standard operating manual covering child abuse, domestic violence, and best practices, which all guardians must certify they've read and will follow. The bill also requires court experts (including guardians) to disclose prior relationships, criminal history, professional qualifications, and disciplinary actions to parties before appointment, and prohibits waiving these disclosures. These changes aim to improve the quality, accountability, and safety considerations of child advocacy in custody proceedings.
SB 1612 requires medical professionals (including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and emergency responders) to report specific injuries to law enforcement immediately if they involve gunshot wounds, knife attacks, poisonings, severe burns (covering 5%+ of the body or causing respiratory issues), or suspicious violence that could indicate a crime. Reports must include patient details, injury specifics, and any evidence like video footage from the facility (with non-patient images blurred), and must be made by phone right away with physical records within 72 hours. The bill grants immunity from civil liability for reporters and prohibits public disclosure of reports or retaliation against staff who comply. It also mandates preserving potential evidence (like bullets or damaged clothing) and overrides medical confidentiality rules for these reports.
SB 1702, the Firearm Preservation Act, requires Oklahoma law enforcement agencies to auction firearms they obtain through legal processes (such as court orders, estate settlements, or forfeiture) instead of destroying them. Auctions must be conducted exclusively to eligible buyers who pass required state and federal background checks, with proceeds funding agency operations like training or equipment. The law shields law enforcement from liability if a purchased firearm is later used to cause harm and mandates agencies to maintain detailed auction records for five years. Violations carry fines of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for repeat offenses, with funds deposited into the state’s general revenue fund.
HB 2991 modifies Oklahoma's criminal discovery rules, primarily requiring prosecutors to disclose detailed information about jailhouse informants at least 60 days before trial. This includes the informant's full criminal history, any deals or promises made to them, specific statements made by the defendant, and whether the informant recanted testimony. The bill also mandates that district attorneys maintain centralized records of all cases involving jailhouse informants, with annual de-identified reports to the legislature. These changes directly affect prosecutors, defense attorneys, and courts in criminal trials across Oklahoma.
SB 1878 prohibits Oklahoma courts from accepting bail payments made by charitable bail organizations for defendants. This directly affects defendants who rely on these organizations to secure pretrial release. The bill amends state law to require courts to reject bail payments if they suspect a charitable group paid for it, though it does not change bail amounts or eligibility. The law would take effect on November 1, 2026, if enacted.
HB 3835 allows courts in Oklahoma to seal (expunge) criminal records for individuals convicted of offenses committed as a direct result of being a victim of human trafficking. It specifically targets prostitution-related or other crimes tied to trafficking, requiring courts to consider trafficking victim status using Oklahoma's definition or federal standards. Key provisions include waiving court fees, closing hearings to the public, applying a "preponderance of evidence" standard (not beyond reasonable doubt), and permitting petitions at any time regardless of when the offense occurred. This bill directly affects trafficking victims with criminal records who were coerced into unlawful acts by traffickers.
SB 1569 modifies Oklahoma's reporting requirements for healthcare providers treating sexual assault victims. It broadens an exception allowing providers to not report certain cases where the victim is over 18 and not incapacitated, or when minors are involved without evidence of coercion, exploitation, threat, or intimidation. However, providers must still report if the victim requests it, document injuries, and refer victims to support services. The bill maintains existing requirements for sharing medical records with law enforcement during investigations.
SB 1511 modifies Oklahoma's Sex Offenders Registration Act to restrict employment for registered offenders in child-serving roles. It prohibits registered sex offenders from working with children or on school premises, requires employers to conduct annual registry checks of staff working with children, and mandates that employees sign declarations confirming they are not required to register. Employers and individual offenders must post clear signage if they work in settings where children are present, with violations carrying misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,000 fines. The bill also bans registered offenders from law enforcement, criminal investigation, or security roles requiring CLEET certification. These provisions apply to all businesses, schools, and individuals providing services where children are reasonably expected to be present.
