House Bill No. 1595, introduced by George, amends Section 644 of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding assault and battery offenses. The bill increases the penalties for assault from a maximum of thirty days to ninety days in county jail, 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. The bill outlines various scenarios of domestic abuse, including those involving strangulation, and specifies the corresponding penalties, which can include imprisonment of up to ten years for certain offenses.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that individuals convicted of domestic abuse participate in counseling or treatment programs certified by the Attorney General, with specific requirements for attendance and compliance. It also ensures that victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault are not charged fees related to the prosecution of their cases. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and includes provisions for the court to review compliance with treatment requirements, as well as protections for judges issuing treatment orders.

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