This bill amends Sections 983a and 983b of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes, focusing on the waiver of criminal court costs and fees. It establishes that, effective from the date of the act, courts are required to waive all outstanding fines, costs, and fees for individuals who have served time in the Department of Corrections, have been released, and have complied with probation requirements. Specifically, individuals must have made timely installment payments for either 24 months or 48 months, depending on the subsection, to qualify for the waiver. The bill also clarifies that timely payments are those made within 30 days of their due date and that compliance with probation is determined by whether a suspended or deferred sentence has been revoked.

Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals released from incarceration must report to the district court within 180 days to assess their ability to pay any outstanding fines or fees. It stipulates that the court must consider all court-ordered debts, including restitution and child support, while determining a person's ability to pay. Notably, the bill includes provisions that allow for the waiver of outstanding district or municipal court fines for those who meet the requirements set forth in Section 983a. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-983b