The Pretrial Procedures Modernization Act of 2026 aims to enhance the pretrial process for defendants in Oklahoma by establishing specific requirements for pretrial release hearings. Under the new provisions, defendants arrested for criminal offenses must be taken before a magistrate for a pretrial release hearing within 48 hours of custody, or 72 hours if arrested on weekends or holidays. The court is required to conduct an individualized hearing to assess the conditions of release, considering various factors such as the seriousness of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and community ties. The bill also mandates that the court provide written findings of fact for any orders denying bail and allows for the imposition of conditions of release to ensure public safety.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to authorize bail prior to an initial appearance and establishes a pre-appearance bail schedule that must be publicly displayed. It emphasizes the need for gender-neutral language and updates statutory references. The act also ensures that defendants are informed of their rights to legal representation and the factors influencing their release conditions. The changes are designed to streamline the pretrial process, enhance transparency, and ensure that defendants are treated fairly while balancing community safety concerns. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.