The bill amends the Youthful Offender Act in Oklahoma, specifically updating 10A O.S. 2021, Section 2-5-205. It establishes that individuals aged thirteen or fourteen charged with first-degree murder will be treated as adults, while those aged fifteen to seventeen charged with the same offense will not be eligible for youthful offender status and will be tried as adults. Additionally, the bill expands the list of offenses for which juveniles aged fifteen to seventeen may be held accountable as youthful offenders, including second-degree murder, kidnapping, and various sexual offenses. New offenses added to this list include violations of specific sections of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

The bill also outlines procedural changes regarding the filing of charges, preliminary hearings, and the rights of the accused and their guardians. It mandates that preliminary hearings commence within ninety days of filing, with specific provisions for cases where the accused is a fugitive or their whereabouts are unknown. The bill further clarifies the process for motions regarding certification as a juvenile or the imposition of an adult sentence, ensuring that these motions are addressed before determining whether to proceed to trial. The effective date for this legislation is set for November 1, 2025.