Criminal Justice (Civil Rights)

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 3127 protects Oklahoma medical marijuana patients and caregivers from discrimination in employment, public assistance, and firearm ownership. It prohibits employers from refusing to hire, firing, or penalizing individuals solely for being a licensed medical marijuana user, and bars denial of Medicaid, SNAP, or firearm rights based on that status. However, the bill mandates a "zero-tolerance" policy for safety-sensitive jobs (like operating vehicles, handling hazardous materials, or direct patient care), allowing employers to enforce drug testing and discipline for marijuana use at work. Employers may still maintain written drug testing policies under state standards, but cannot deny employment based solely on medical marijuana license status or a positive test if the user is licensed and not impaired at work.

SB 1762, the "Oklahoma Protection of Fundamental Rights and Public Policy Act," prohibits female genital mutilation (FGM) as a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $20,000 fine, while banning corporal punishments like stoning, flogging, or amputation as legal sanctions. It extends the statute of limitations for civil claims involving sexual assault or coercive medical procedures (including those related to gender identity) until the victim's 45th birthday and invalidates marriages entered under coercion, force, or for minors under 18. The bill also prohibits discrimination based on gender or religion in family law matters, such as inheritance or custody, and invalidates arbitration agreements that would enforce discriminatory rules. Male circumcision for religious, cultural, or medical reasons remains permitted under the law.