The bill amends Section 983 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes, focusing on the enforcement of financial obligations in criminal cases. It removes the definition of "cost arrest warrant" and introduces new provisions for civil enforcement actions to address noncompliance with payment plans. The bill updates the summons form to inform defendants about potential civil enforcement actions and eliminates the procedures for referrals to the court cost compliance program. It allows for garnishments and other civil enforcement actions for delinquent court financial obligations while repealing related sections governing the previous compliance program.

Under the new provisions, if a defendant fails to comply with payment terms, the court clerk may initiate civil enforcement actions instead of issuing arrest warrants. The bill also establishes a process for assessing a defendant's ability to pay, including cost hearings and hardship waivers for those unable to pay. It mandates that defendants be informed of their financial obligations and the consequences of non-payment at sentencing. Additionally, the bill outlines conditions under which a jail sentence may be imposed for willful failure to pay, ensuring defendants are represented or have waived counsel during hearings. It also includes provisions for notifying Service Oklahoma about nonpayment related to moving traffic violations, which may lead to driving privilege suspensions. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-983, 19-514.4, 19-211, 19-2024, 19-514.5