Crimes and punishments; modifying punishments for false reporting. Effective date.

SB 156 modifies Oklahoma's false reporting laws by changing penalties based on the crime falsely accused. If someone falsely reports a misdemeanor, it becomes a misdemeanor offense; falsely reporting a felony makes it a felony, with penalties matching the crime alleged. The bill also creates a specific felony for knowingly making false reports about missing children that trigger an AMBER alert, punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. This directly affects individuals who make false reports to law enforcement, particularly regarding crimes or missing children. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.