This bill amends existing laws regarding the sentencing of juveniles and youthful offenders in Oklahoma. It specifically updates the treatment of children certified as adults or youthful offenders in criminal proceedings, prohibiting the imposition of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or mandatory minimum sentences exceeding twenty years for individuals under eighteen at the time of the offense. The bill also clarifies that youthful offender court records will be treated as adult records, with certain confidential documents sealed and only accessible to the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Additionally, it establishes that a child or youthful offender tried as an adult will not revert to juvenile court jurisdiction for future offenses.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the conditions under which a court may depart from mandatory minimum sentencing. It requires courts to depart from mandatory minimum sentences in specific circumstances, particularly for youthful offenders, as outlined in the new legal language. The amendments also update statutory references and clarify the rights of youthful offenders during trial proceedings. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2025.