The bill amends Section 644 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to assault and battery laws, with a focus on domestic abuse. It clarifies the penalties for various forms of assault, particularly those committed against intimate partners or family members. Notably, the bill introduces harsher penalties for domestic abuse, including specific provisions for offenses against pregnant women and those resulting in great bodily injury. It also establishes mandatory counseling and treatment requirements for offenders, with the court retaining jurisdiction to ensure compliance.

Significant insertions in the bill include the definition of "domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon," which now encompasses a broader range of weapons, including firearms and air guns. Additionally, the bill specifies that any assault and battery against an intimate partner or family member can lead to felony charges based on prior convictions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of evaluating the defendant's history of domestic violence and mandates that victims incur no costs related to the prosecution of domestic violence offenses. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-644