Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence)

SB 1238 amends Oklahoma law to elevate certain domestic abuse offenses to a more serious criminal classification (Class B5). Specifically, it adds "second or subsequent conviction for domestic abuse committed in the presence of a child" as a qualifying offense for Class B5, which carries harsher penalties than lower classifications. This change directly affects individuals convicted of repeat domestic violence offenses where children witnessed the abuse. The bill updates statutory references to reflect this modification but does not create new penalties or alter sentencing ranges.

SB 881 expands Oklahoma's Class B5 criminal offenses to include 36 specific violations, such as second or subsequent domestic violence convictions, assault on police officers, stalking, sex offender registration violations, and certain animal cruelty crimes. This change directly affects individuals convicted of these offenses, classifying them under a higher penalty tier. The bill also repeals outdated infectious disease statutes (Sections 1192 and 1192.1) and updates related record-keeping requirements. It does not create new sentencing mechanisms but reclassifies existing offenses to align with revised penalty structures.

HB 1595 increases penalties for assault and battery offenses in Oklahoma, with specific enhancements for domestic violence cases. It raises jail terms for basic assault (to 90 days) and assault/battery (to 6 months), while creating felony charges for domestic abuse involving weapons (up to life imprisonment for deadly weapons) or against pregnant women (up to 20 years for injury to the fetus). The bill mandates 52-week certified batterers' intervention programs for domestic violence offenders convicted under these provisions, with strict attendance requirements, and requires courts to order counseling as a condition of probation. This directly affects individuals convicted of domestic violence against intimate partners or family members, as defined by Oklahoma law, and expands sentencing options for prosecutors. The law became effective May 12, 2025, after being signed without the Governor's signature.