House Bill No. 1273 amends Oklahoma's laws on domestic violence, specifically focusing on penalties for assault and battery against intimate partners or household members. The bill removes the mandatory counseling requirement for individuals convicted of domestic abuse and instead allows the Attorney General to certify specific batterers intervention pilot programs, which must meet established criteria and undergo annual evaluations. It also introduces a risk assessment for participants and prohibits shared participation between victims and offenders in these programs. The bill emphasizes evidence-based practices and mandates that these programs prioritize survivor well-being, with the Attorney General responsible for developing culturally appropriate rules in consultation with relevant organizations.

Additionally, the bill outlines conditions for delaying sentencing for domestic abuse convictions, allowing for review hearings to ensure compliance with treatment requirements. It introduces stricter penalties for domestic abuse by strangulation, including mandatory imprisonment and fines, and clarifies that a defendant may be required to pay for treatment costs at the court's discretion. The bill also ensures immunity for district courts and judges when ordering treatment programs and prohibits charging victims for prosecution costs. It mandates that prosecutors present the defendant's past conviction history before sentencing and establishes that certain guilty pleas will count as convictions for ten years. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-644
Floor (House): 21-644
Floor (Senate): 21-644
Engrossed: 21-644
Amended And Engrossed: 21-644
Enrolled (final version): 21-644