SB 1445 amends Oklahoma law to strengthen penalties for drivers who ignore barricades on flooded highways or construction zones. It makes it unlawful to drive through closed areas, with stricter penalties if a death occurs: causing the death of a minor becomes a felony manslaughter charge (Class A2), while causing the death of an adult becomes a lesser felony (Class B5). The bill directly affects drivers who disregard traffic-control devices during flood closures, imposing fines, jail time, and restitution for property damage or injury. Key provisions include requiring drivers to merge safely in construction zones and prohibiting tampering with traffic devices. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4324 allows Oklahoma district attorneys to request sentence adjustments for certain offenders at any time after sentencing, provided they do not seek to increase confinement or supervision periods. The bill requires district attorneys to seek victim input and provide written notice to victims before filing such requests, and courts must consider rehabilitation progress, changed circumstances, and victim testimony when reviewing adjustments. It specifically applies to offenders serving life without parole for non-violent crimes (after 10+ years), drug-related sentences, and others, while excluding death sentences, life without parole for violent crimes, and sex offender registration cases. The law aims to create a structured process for modifying sentences based on updated information, with victims having a formal role in the review.
HB 3096 gives crime victims in felony cases the right to request a court review of proposed plea agreements before they are finalized. The bill requires prosecutors to notify victims about plea deals and the court date, and if victims request review, the case must go to a district court judge for independent approval or rejection - bypassing special judges. This applies only to felony cases and does not change prosecutors' authority or grant victims legal party status. The law takes effect November 1, 2026, and ensures victims' input is considered without altering existing victim rights.
HB 4114 removes the automatic suspension of driver's licenses for unpaid court debts like fines, fees, and costs (excluding restitution). It requires courts to hold "cost hearings" to determine a person's ability to pay before imposing penalties, and allows hardship waivers for those who cannot afford payments. The bill specifically presumes inability to pay for individuals receiving TANF, SNAP, housing assistance, or earning below 150% of the federal poverty level. Service Oklahoma must stop suspending licenses for these debts and provide notifications about payment options or cost hearings.
HB 3356 updates Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board procedures for inmate release. It requires the Board to consider victim impact statements from sentencing and mandate that inmates pay monetary restitution for economic losses to victims before parole is granted. The bill also adds new conditions: inmates must secure suitable employment or housing, complete education programs (to a set proficiency level or earn a diploma), and may need to finish programs after release. Parole officers must help inmates find jobs or education, and failing to complete required programs can lead to parole revocation. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3321 creates new enforcement tools for unpaid court fines, fees, and costs (not restitution). It allows courts to issue "cost arrest warrants" or "cost cite and release warrants" if people miss payment plans or required hearings, and mandates that courts inform defendants about payment options and cost hearings at sentencing. The bill requires courts to hold "cost hearings" to determine if defendants can pay, considering income, expenses, dependents, and government assistance (like disability benefits, TANF, or HUD housing). People receiving certain federal/state aid or earning below 150% of the poverty level are automatically eligible for debt relief. The bill repeals outdated sections about court cost compliance.
HB 2705 requires Oklahoma law enforcement agencies to inform sexual assault victims about the status of forensic evidence in their case upon the victim's request. Specifically, victims must be told whether DNA was tested, if the DNA profile was entered into the state DNA database (CODIS), and if a match was found with another case. The law does not compel agencies to provide this information without a request and explicitly excludes details that could interfere with ongoing investigations. This law, effective November 1, 2025, directly affects sexual assault victims and law enforcement agencies handling such cases.
HB 2200 increases penalties for stealing or interfering with mail in Oklahoma. It makes unauthorized possession, destruction, or taking of mail (from mailboxes, delivery vehicles, or premises) punishable as a misdemeanor (up to 2 years in jail or $5,000 fine) or, for three or more offenses within 60 days, a felony (2-5 years in prison or $5,000 fine). The bill requires convicted individuals to pay restitution to victims as specified in Oklahoma law. This directly affects people who steal or tamper with mail, including postal items, packages, or delivery vehicles.
HB 2235 creates a new automatic process for sealing eligible arrest records in Oklahoma, directly affecting individuals with clean-slate eligible arrests (e.g., dismissed cases or non-convictions). It requires the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to monthly identify eligible records, notify law enforcement and prosecutors, and automatically seal records after 45 days if no objections are raised (e.g., for unpaid restitution or ongoing criminal activity). The bill mandates annual reports to the legislature on non-sealed cases and prohibits employers/educators from requiring disclosure of sealed records. This focuses on expungement procedures, not compensation for wrongful convictions, as clarified by the codified process in the bill text.
HB 2606 creates a five-year pilot program in Oklahoma counties with over 100,000 residents to provide free domestic violence forensic exams for victims. The program, funded through a state victim compensation fund, covers up to $200 per exam for medical evaluations conducted by trained health professionals (like nurses or physicians who completed a 40-hour course). It directly affects domestic violence victims in qualifying counties who would otherwise pay for these exams, while defining domestic violence broadly to include dating relationships and household members. The bill requires counties to participate and sets clear standards for exam qualifications and fund disbursement.
