HB 2802 amends Oklahoma's licensing laws for professions and occupations to limit when criminal history can block a license. It prohibits denial based on sealed/expunged records, arrests without conviction, or convictions over five years old (unless involving specific violent offenses like domestic abuse or sex offenses). Licensing agencies must now consider factors like the offense's relevance to the job, time passed, rehabilitation efforts, and provide written notice with appeal rights if denying a license. This directly affects applicants with criminal records seeking licenses for jobs like nursing, contracting, or childcare, ensuring decisions are based on specific, relevant criteria rather than vague standards.
HB 1861 amends Oklahoma's prostitution-related offense penalties in Section 1031 of the statutes. It creates a new felony charge for engaging in prostitution while knowingly infected with HIV (Section B), increases penalties for child prostitution (Section C), and escalates violations near schools/churches to felony status with fines up to $7,500 and up to 5 years in prison (Section D). The bill directly affects individuals committing these specific prostitution-related offenses under the defined circumstances. It takes effect November 1, 2025.
SB 551 amends Oklahoma's penalties for child sexual abuse and exploitation, specifically increasing minimum sentences for offenses against children under 12. It sets a mandatory 25-year minimum prison term for perpetrators of child sexual abuse (Section F) or exploitation (Section I) involving children under 12, replacing previous sentencing ranges. The bill also requires mandatory post-prison supervision for certain convictions and expands the age range covered to include all children under 18. These changes directly affect individuals convicted of child sexual abuse/exploitation (including enablers like caregivers) and the state's sentencing framework. The law updates statutory language but does not alter defenses or exemptions like reasonable parental force.
SB 1100 amends Oklahoma's domestic abuse sentencing laws to increase penalties for assaults against intimate partners or family members, including longer prison terms for repeat offenses and specific provisions for cases involving pregnant victims. The bill requires courts to mandate court-ordered assessments and participation in certified batterers' intervention programs (minimum 52 weeks) or alternative programs (minimum 26 weeks) as a condition of suspended or deferred sentences for domestic abuse convictions. Defendants must complete these programs, with three consecutive or seven total unexcused absences serving as evidence for probation revocation. The law directly affects individuals convicted of domestic abuse, courts managing these cases, and certified domestic violence program providers overseeing the required treatment.
SB 381 modifies Oklahoma law to restore firearm rights for certain nonviolent convicted felons who have completed their sentences and maintained a 5-year clean record (no new misdemeanor or felony charges). It specifically allows these individuals to possess non-semi-automatic firearms and apply for handgun carry permits under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act. However, rights are denied for those convicted of offenses like domestic abuse, sexual assault, child endangerment, or stalking. The bill maintains existing prohibitions for felons under supervision, delinquents, and undocumented immigrants possessing firearms.
SB 513 amends Oklahoma's riot control law to grant the Governor emergency authority during declared states of emergency. The Governor may prohibit public assembly, certain weapons (like Molotov cocktails), hazardous materials, alcohol sales, or other activities deemed necessary to protect public safety, but **cannot** ban legal firearm possession or religious activities in places of worship. The bill also establishes legal remedies for individuals whose rights under these exceptions are violated, including the right to seek return of seized firearms. It takes effect November 1, 2025.
SB 887 proposes a 5-year pilot program called the "Secure Pre-Integration Pilot Program" for non-violent offenders in Oklahoma prisons, aiming to reduce prison populations and state costs. The program would require the Department of Corrections to release eligible inmates to family members or community organizations (like churches or nonprofits), which would monitor them and report to the state. Inmates remain under state custody, and the program explicitly does not replace probation or parole. A dedicated revolving fund would cover program costs, including up to 5% for administrative expenses, but the bill failed committee review in February 2025 and has not become law.
SB 864 modifies Oklahoma's Sex Offenders Registration Act to clarify who must register and strengthen requirements. It requires registration for individuals convicted of specific sex offenses (including child exploitation, sexual assault, and trafficking) who live, work, or attend school in Oklahoma, including those with out-of-state convictions. The bill explicitly prohibits plea agreements that allow offenders to avoid registration and clarifies that deferred convictions still mandate registration. It also states that sealing a criminal record does not remove the obligation to register, applying to both Oklahoma and certain out-of-state convictions.
