This bill amends existing laws regarding the sentencing of juveniles in Oklahoma, specifically addressing the treatment of children certified as adults or youthful offenders in criminal proceedings. It prohibits the imposition of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or mandatory minimum sentences exceeding twenty years for individuals under eighteen at the time of the offense. The bill also updates statutory references and clarifies that youthful offender court records will be treated as adult records, with certain confidential documents sealed and only accessible to the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Additionally, it mandates that courts must appoint attorneys for children who request representation during interrogation or upon being charged.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the conditions under which courts can depart from mandatory minimum sentences. It requires courts to depart from mandatory minimum sentences in cases involving youthful offenders, as specified in the new legal language. The bill also outlines the circumstances under which a court may not have discretion to depart from mandatory minimum sentences, such as for violent crimes or sex offenses. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2026.