The Protection from Workplace Violence Act establishes a comprehensive legal framework to address workplace violence in Oklahoma, allowing employers and current employees to seek protective orders against former employees who engage in harassment or stalking. The bill outlines the procedures for filing petitions, mandates that court clerks provide necessary forms, and requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop standardized forms. Notably, it prohibits filing fees for plaintiffs seeking relief while allowing courts to impose fees on defendants in certain situations. The act also includes provisions for emergency temporary orders and ex parte orders, ensuring immediate protection for victims, and emphasizes the importance of service of these orders, including the prioritization of emergency orders.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that enhance the legal framework surrounding protective orders, including criteria for issuance based on the defendant's history and the necessity of continuous orders for safety. It criminalizes the misuse of protective orders and establishes penalties for violators. The legislation also emphasizes law enforcement's role in enforcing protective orders, including the seizure of weapons used in workplace violence and the recognition of foreign protective orders. Furthermore, it expands eligibility for emergency temporary orders to include immediate family members of victims of first-degree murder and employers, while also addressing the sealing and expungement of court records related to protective orders to protect individual privacy. The provisions of this act will take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-40.3