Senate Bill No. 541 amends Oklahoma's criminal law to enhance the definitions and penalties associated with serious crimes, particularly focusing on assault, battery, and domestic violence. The bill introduces new legal language that requires individuals convicted of serious offenses, such as first-degree murder and human trafficking, to serve at least 85% of their sentence before being eligible for parole. It also clarifies the definitions of assault and battery, especially in the context of domestic abuse, and establishes stricter penalties for repeat offenders and those committing domestic violence in the presence of children. Additionally, the bill mandates counseling and treatment programs for offenders, with the court monitoring compliance and imposing penalties for non-compliance.

Furthermore, the bill updates the definition of violent crime to encompass a broader range of offenses, including various forms of assault, robbery, and sexual crimes, while changing the terminology from "child pornography" to "child sexual abuse material." It specifically classifies domestic abuse by strangulation and against pregnant women as violent crimes. The legislation also ensures that victims of domestic abuse will not incur any costs related to their prosecution and requires prosecutors to present the defendant's history of past convictions before sentencing. Overall, Senate Bill No. 541 aims to strengthen protections for victims of violent crimes and domestic abuse in Oklahoma, with the act set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-13.1, 21-644, 57-571
Floor (House): 21-13.1, 21-644, 57-571
Floor (Senate): 21-13.1, 21-644, 57-571
Engrossed: 21-13.1, 21-644, 57-571
Enrolled (final version): 21-13.1, 21-644, 57-571