This bill amends Oklahoma law to enhance the legal framework surrounding crimes such as identity theft and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with mental illness. It expands the definition of a "pattern of criminal offenses" to encompass acts committed across multiple jurisdictions and online. The bill introduces new elements for aggravated identity theft, which now includes the possession of five or more articles of personal identifying information from different individuals without consent, and establishes penalties that classify felonies based on the severity of the crime.
Furthermore, the bill makes it unlawful to exploit vulnerable individuals through coercion or deception, outlining specific penalties that include imprisonment and fines. It categorizes identity theft offenses based on the number of convictions, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders, particularly when the personal information of minors or elderly individuals is involved. The legislation also empowers law enforcement to form identity theft task forces and defines key terms related to these crimes. The amendments are designed to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations in Oklahoma and are set to take effect on November 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 21-425, 21-843.4, 21-1533.1