Child abuse; modifying scope and penalty of certain offenses. Effective date.

SB 594 amends Oklahoma law to expand admissible testimony in child abuse cases and elevate penalties for specific offenses. It updates rules allowing statements from children under 16, disabled youth, or incapacitated persons describing abuse, neglect, sexual contact, or witnessing harm to be used in court. The bill also classifies "child abuse" (under §843.5) and "failure to protect a child from abuse" as Class A3 felonies - the highest penalty tier - effective upon enactment. These changes directly affect child abuse victims, their witnesses, and individuals charged with these offenses, streamlining legal proceedings while increasing penalties for perpetrators.