House Bill No. 1595, introduced by Representative George, amends existing laws regarding assault and battery offenses in Oklahoma. The bill increases the penalties for assault from a maximum of thirty days to ninety days of imprisonment, and for assault and battery from a maximum of ninety days to six months. Additionally, it establishes stricter penalties for domestic abuse, particularly when the victim is a current or former intimate partner or a family member. For instance, a conviction for domestic abuse against a pregnant woman can lead to a felony charge with imprisonment of up to five years, while a second offense can result in a minimum of ten years. The bill also introduces specific provisions for cases involving strangulation, which can lead to imprisonment of one to three years for a first offense and three to ten years for subsequent offenses.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that courts require defendants convicted of domestic abuse to participate in counseling or treatment programs certified by the Attorney General. It outlines the conditions for these programs, including attendance requirements and the potential for court review hearings to ensure compliance. The bill also emphasizes that there will be no fees charged to victims in connection with the prosecution of domestic violence offenses. The proposed changes aim to enhance the legal framework surrounding domestic violence and provide better protection for victims, with the act set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
House Committee Substitute: 21-644
Floor (House): 21-644
Floor (Senate): 21-644
Engrossed: 21-644
Enrolled (final version): 21-644
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Policy Committee Recommendation: 21-644