The bill amends Oklahoma law concerning driving under the influence (DUI) by establishing new requirements for bail and substance abuse evaluations for individuals arrested for DUI offenses. It mandates that individuals arrested for a second or subsequent DUI must be granted bail by a magistrate or judge, who must consider the individual's dependency on alcohol or controlled substances and their potential threat to public safety when determining bail amounts. The bill also removes the previous requirement for drug and alcohol testing for drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death, thereby streamlining the process. Additionally, it updates the procedures for blood tests and allows for more flexibility in testing timelines.
Moreover, the bill requires individuals found guilty of DUI to undergo an alcohol and drug substance abuse evaluation conducted by certified agencies, with the court ordering the defendant to reimburse the agency for evaluation costs. The evaluation report must be submitted to the court within 72 hours, and individuals must comply with all recommendations, including treatment programs, or face penalties such as the inability to reinstate driving privileges. The bill also introduces provisions for blood withdrawal under exigent circumstances without signed consent, while providing liability protections for medical personnel involved in these procedures. The new regulations are set to take effect on November 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 47-752