The bill amends Section 644 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, focusing on penalties for assault and battery in domestic violence cases. It removes the mandatory counseling requirement for defendants convicted of domestic abuse, allowing for more flexible treatment options. The legislation specifies that assessments can be conducted by certified batterers' intervention programs approved by the Office of the Attorney General and introduces alternative programs that prioritize victim safety and culturally appropriate services. Additionally, it updates review hearing procedures, permitting courts to delay sentencing until proof of enrollment in a treatment program is provided, and establishes stricter attendance requirements with consequences for unexcused absences. The bill also clarifies definitions related to domestic violence, particularly offenses committed in the presence of a child, and outlines penalties for various forms of domestic abuse, including strangulation.

Moreover, the bill ensures that victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault will not incur any fees related to the prosecution of these offenses. It requires prosecutors to present the defendant's local history and relevant past convictions before sentencing in cases involving domestic abuse and related offenses. The legislation clarifies that guilty pleas or findings of guilt for specific violations will be treated as convictions for ten years after completing any probationary term, unless the individual has been convicted of a more serious offense in the interim. It also defines "great bodily injury" for legal purposes and stipulates that guilty pleas or findings of guilt under this section will be treated as convictions for ten years following the completion of any sentence or probation. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-644