This bill amends Oklahoma's laws concerning domestic violence and stalking by establishing that any guilty pleas or findings of guilt for stalking violations will be treated as a conviction for sentencing purposes for ten years after completing a sentence or probation. It also modifies the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act to ensure that similar pleas or findings related to protective order violations are recognized as convictions. The bill increases penalties for repeat offenders, with stalking convictions potentially leading to felony charges and imprisonment ranging from three to twenty-five years, while violations of protective orders can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for handling domestic abuse cases in district courts, granting judges immunity from liability when requiring defendants to attend certified treatment programs and counseling services. It clarifies that only defendants can be penalized for violating protective orders, protecting individuals under such orders from repercussions. The bill also allows for GPS monitoring of defendants as part of their sentencing, with costs incurred by the defendants themselves. These changes aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding domestic abuse offenses and their consequences, with the act set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-1173