Criminal Justice

HB 2422 modifies Oklahoma's parole rules for certain sex offenders convicted of crimes involving minors under 13. It requires a mental health evaluation to determine if hormonal treatment (medroxyprogesterone acetate) could reduce reoffending risk, making voluntary hormonal treatment a condition for parole eligibility. Parolees must continue this treatment while incarcerated, and failure to comply - along with new offenses - revokes parole eligibility. The bill applies only to offenders convicted on or after its effective date and amends existing parole statutes (57 O.S. §§ 332.21, 512) to implement these requirements.

HB 2735 modifies Oklahoma's licensing rules for professions by establishing clear criteria for denying licenses based on criminal history. It allows denial only if a conviction "substantially relates" to the job duties and "poses a reasonable threat" to public safety, requiring licensing boards to consider factors like offense severity, time passed, and rehabilitation evidence. The bill explicitly prohibits denial for sealed/expunged records, most convictions older than five years (except for domestic violence, sex offenses, or specific felonies), and vague "good character" claims. Applicants can request pre-licensing determinations about their criminal history within 60-90 days, and boards must provide written notice of denial reasons with appeal options. This directly affects individuals seeking state licenses who have criminal records.

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.