Criminal Justice (Courts)

passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 3905: Domestic violence; requiring use of Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring devices; effective date.

HB 3905 would require Oklahoma courts to mandate GPS monitoring devices for individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses as a standard condition of release or probation, unless the court determines it is unnecessary. This directly affects domestic violence offenders under court supervision and the judicial system managing their cases. The key provision establishes GPS tracking as a default measure, with judges retaining discretion to waive it for specific reasons. The policy aims to enhance victim safety by providing real-time location data of offenders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandating GPS monitoring for domestic violence offenders enhances offender supervision and victim safety, directly supporting criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Probation & Parole

Track

in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 3206: Removal; removal of members of the Council on Judicial Complaints for failure to properly discipline any person occupying positions subject to the jurisdiction of the Court on the Judiciary; effective date.

HB 3206 requires the removal of Council on Judicial Complaints members who fail to properly discipline judicial staff or judges (positions under the Court on the Judiciary) accused of serious ethical violations or felony crimes. The Attorney General must investigate complaints and, if reasonable cause exists, file a Supreme Court case to remove the council member. Removal procedures follow existing rules in Oklahoma Statutes Title 51, Sections 95-105. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, directly affecting council members and judicial personnel subject to disciplinary oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens judicial oversight by mandating removal of council members who fail to discipline judges/staff for ethical violations or felonies, enhancing court accountability in criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

signed · Oklahoma · House May 5, 2026

HB 3321: Criminal procedure; financial obligations in criminal cases; Cost Administration Implementation Committee; data collection; submit to Attorney General; effective date; emergency.

HB 3321 creates new enforcement tools for unpaid court fines, fees, and costs (not restitution). It allows courts to issue "cost arrest warrants" or "cost cite and release warrants" if people miss payment plans or required hearings, and mandates that courts inform defendants about payment options and cost hearings at sentencing. The bill requires courts to hold "cost hearings" to determine if defendants can pay, considering income, expenses, dependents, and government assistance (like disability benefits, TANF, or HUD housing). People receiving certain federal/state aid or earning below 150% of the poverty level are automatically eligible for debt relief. The bill repeals outdated sections about court cost compliance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates cost hearings assessing financial capacity before enforcement, reducing incarceration for unpaid fines - aligns with reform principles of equitable enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights

in committee · Oklahoma · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 1664: Court recording; requiring the Supreme Court to establish certain guidelines and standards; providing allowable sources of funding for certain equipment. Effective date.

SB 1664 requires Oklahoma's Supreme Court to establish rules for court audio/video recording systems, including storage, retention, and transcription standards. It mandates that all equipment and system funding come from state appropriations or statewide contracts - not local court funds - and directs the Legislature to provide annual funding for implementation. The bill updates the Oklahoma Court Information System Revolving Fund to allow supplemental use for recording systems while prohibiting it as the sole funding source. These changes affect district courts, court clerks, and court reporters by requiring standardized technology deployment and secure record-keeping.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates state appropriations for court recording systems, directing annual funding from state budget rather than local funds, supporting fiscal allocation for essential court operations.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates court recording standards and funding to enhance transparency and accuracy in judicial proceedings, supporting criminal justice system integrity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

passed · Oklahoma · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2062: Prisons and reformatories; authorizing certain self-reporting to a correctional facility; stating eligibility for certain reimbursement; prohibiting certain earned credit; requiring Department of Corrections to make certain contact. Effective date.

SB 2062 allows low-risk offenders to self-report directly to a correctional facility instead of being transported from county jail, bypassing initial detention and processing. It applies when a sentencing court determines an offender poses low public safety risk based on offense type, criminal history, and community ties. The bill eliminates transportation reimbursement for sheriffs or detention centers in these cases, as the Department of Corrections now handles arrival processing. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStreamlines low-risk offender processing, reduces unnecessary detention, and eliminates transportation costs - aligns with criminal justice reform goals of efficiency and risk-based sentencing.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Sentencing

Track

signed · Oklahoma · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 1325: Protection from Domestic Abuse Act; requiring defendants charged with certain domestic violence offenses to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) device when released on bond. Effective date.

SB 1325 requires courts to mandate GPS monitoring for defendants charged with specific domestic violence offenses - such as domestic abuse by strangulation, with a deadly weapon, or after a prior conviction - when released on bond. Defendants must pay all costs for the GPS device and monitoring, which the Oklahoma Department of Corrections will administer until the case concludes. Victims may also request limited location monitoring (e.g., alerts if the defendant nears specified locations, excluding their home or workplace), but only after a court finds evidence of the defendant’s intent to commit violence. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, and GPS devices must be removed if the defendant is acquitted, incarcerated, or the case dismissed.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires GPS monitoring for domestic violence offenders on bond, enhancing victim safety and offender accountability - aligns with reform goals to reduce recidivism and improve court oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Domestic Violence

signed · Oklahoma · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 1255: Pardons and paroles; requiring medical director of the Department of Corrections to make certain request. Effective date.

SB 1255 requires Oklahoma's Department of Corrections medical director to certify qualifying medical conditions and request the Pardon and Parole Board to place eligible inmates on a special docket for compassionate parole consideration. It directly affects inmates with specific terminal or debilitating conditions like dementia, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or conditions causing near-death (six-month life expectancy), or those unable to perform basic self-care. The bill bypasses the standard two-step parole hearing process for these inmates and mandates that at least three Board members must concur to consider medical parole. The Board must document concurrence in meeting minutes, and parolees may face revocation if their medical condition poses public safety risks.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables compassionate parole for terminally ill/incapacitated inmates, reducing unnecessary incarceration and promoting humane treatment per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires medical certification for compassionate parole, improving access to healthcare outside prison for terminally ill inmates with qualifying conditions.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

signed · Oklahoma · Senate May 14, 2025

SB 731: Oklahoma Evidence Code; modifying certain hearsay exception to include statements by vulnerable adults. Effective date.

SB 731 expands Oklahoma's evidence rules to allow statements from "vulnerable adults" (as defined in state law) to be admitted as evidence in court cases involving abuse, neglect, or sexual contact. The bill specifically permits such statements in juvenile delinquency cases, criminal trials, and related proceedings when the vulnerable adult is a victim or witness to crimes like physical abuse, sexual assault, or domestic violence. These statements can be used without the person testifying in court if they're unavailable or if the court deems the statement non-testimonial. The law applies to cases involving specific crimes listed in Oklahoma statutes, including those against children or vulnerable adults.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands admissibility of vulnerable adult statements in abuse/sexual assault cases, facilitating victim access to justice in criminal proceedings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Juvenile Justice

in committee · Oklahoma · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 1386: Courts; requiring Supreme Court to establish certain pilot project; requiring promulgation of certain rules. Effective date.

SB 1386 requires Oklahoma's Supreme Court and Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to establish statewide policies for recording judicial proceedings, including technical standards for audio/video systems, AI-assisted transcripts, and confidential audio channels. It mandates that recording systems support ADA-compliant closed captioning, secure metadata logging, and accurate transcription, while prohibiting local court funding for required equipment (using state appropriations instead). The bill directly affects all Oklahoma district courts and court reporters by updating recording, storage, and accessibility requirements under the Oklahoma Court Information System (OCIS), with penalties for noncompliance and whistleblower protections.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates state appropriations (not local) for court recording equipment, requiring state budget funding for essential judicial program.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates court recording standards with ADA compliance, enhancing transparency and accessibility in judicial proceedings, supporting fairer criminal justice processes.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates technical standards including AI-assisted transcripts, secure metadata logging, and ADA-compliant closed captioning, enhancing cybersecurity and accessibility in judicial proceedings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Artificial Intelligence

Track

signed · Oklahoma · Senate May 12, 2025

SB 813: Victim protective orders; modifying requirements for filing of certain petitions; requiring certain notice. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 813 updates Oklahoma's emergency protective order process for victims of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, rape, or related crimes. It requires peace officers to immediately provide victims with a petition form, assist in completing it, and contact a judge for emergency approval - then give victims a copy of the petition and a written statement confirming approval. The bill also mandates officers attempt to serve the order on the abuser, and if unable, file the petition with the court the next business day, with court clerks prioritizing service and assigning hearing dates. Additionally, it repeals a previous "Stalking Warning Letter" requirement and clarifies notice procedures to ensure victims receive timely information.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill streamlines victim protective orders for domestic violence/crimes, requiring officer assistance and immediate judicial approval - enhancing victim safety within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Judges