The bill amends Oklahoma's laws regarding crimes and punishments, particularly focusing on Class B5 offenses related to assault and battery. It introduces new classifications for certain offenses, such as second or subsequent convictions for assault and battery against intimate partners or family members, domestic abuse in the presence of a child, and aggravated assault and battery, designating them as Class B5 felonies. The bill also modifies penalties for these offenses, emphasizing increased consequences for domestic abuse, including mandatory participation in certified batterers intervention programs as a condition of probation. Additionally, it establishes that three unexcused absences from a court-ordered program can be deemed a violation of probation.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions surrounding domestic violence offenses, including classifying strangulation as a Class B5 felony. It ensures that victims are not charged fees related to the prosecution of their cases and mandates that prosecutors present the defendant's past convictions during sentencing. The legislation also stipulates that any guilty plea or finding of guilt for specific offenses will count as a conviction for ten years, affecting future legal considerations. The effective date for this act is set for November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-644