Crimes and punishments; creating felony offense related to child abuse. Effective date.

SB 1540 amends Oklahoma law to create new felony classifications for child abuse, neglect, and related offenses. It defines "child abuse" as willful or malicious harm by anyone responsible for a child's welfare, making it a Class A3 felony punishable by up to life in prison or fines up to $5,000. The bill also establishes "enabling child abuse" and "enabling child neglect" as separate Class A3 and Class B1 felonies, respectively, targeting those who facilitate harm to children. Additionally, it requires life without parole for repeat offenders convicted of first-degree rape, sodomy, or sexual abuse of a child. These provisions directly affect caregivers, parents, and institutions responsible for child safety.