The bill amends existing laws in Oklahoma concerning restitution and the sentencing powers of the court, emphasizing the prioritization of restitution payments to victims following a defendant's conviction. It mandates that courts ensure victims receive timely compensation for their losses and outlines various conditions that may be imposed on defendants, such as community service and reimbursement for costs incurred by state agencies due to the crime. The bill also clarifies that restitution orders remain in effect until fully satisfied and are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, while defining "restitution" as compensation for economic losses suffered by victims.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments related to DNA testing, requiring individuals incarcerated after July 1, 1996, to provide blood or saliva samples before release and establishing immunity for those collecting DNA samples. It emphasizes the importance of victim impact statements during sentencing and allows for community service to be credited against restitution amounts. The bill also includes provisions for the enforcement of restitution payments, such as contempt of court for non-compliance, and mandates the creation of a restitution request form by the District Attorneys Council. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-991a