This bill amends various sections of the Oklahoma Statutes related to domestic violence, enhancing the procedures for reporting incidents and filing protective orders. Law enforcement agencies are now required to prepare written domestic violence incident reports, with specific criteria outlined for what constitutes a valid report, as dispatch logs or similar notations do not meet this requirement. Additionally, court clerks are mandated to accept, file-stamp, and docket all petitions for protective orders, ensuring that these documents are maintained as part of the case record regardless of the outcome. The bill also clarifies that no fees will be charged to victims for filing these petitions, and it establishes that the court may assess costs against the defendant if a protective order is granted.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that each member of the judiciary complete at least two hours of annual training on domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues, with a curriculum that includes various relevant topics such as the dynamics of domestic violence and the rights of victims. This training aims to better equip judges to handle cases involving domestic violence effectively. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-60.2