Restitution; requiring court to prioritize order for restitution to victims. Effective date.

SB 154 requires Oklahoma courts to prioritize ordering restitution payments to crime victims when sentencing defendants convicted of crimes (excluding death penalty cases). The bill amends sentencing guidelines to explicitly state that courts "shall prioritize an order for payments of restitution to the victim to the extent feasible" before considering other sentencing options like community service or fines. It directly affects courts, victims seeking compensation, and defendants required to pay restitution. The key change is a procedural shift in sentencing priorities, ensuring restitution is addressed early in the process without altering existing restitution rates or amounts.