Oklahoma Senate Bill 541, introduced by Senator Todd Gollihare, aims to strengthen penalties for certain assault and battery offenses, particularly those involving domestic violence and assaults on pregnant women. The bill proposes amendments to existing statutes to enhance sentencing requirements for repeat offenders and those committing severe forms of assault. The bill seeks to include certain assault and battery offenses under the category of crimes requiring offenders to serve at least 85% of their prison sentences before becoming eligible for parole. This amendment targets repeat domestic violence offenders and individuals who assault pregnant women, ensuring they face longer periods of incarceration.
Oklahoma House Bill 1413, introduced on February 3, 2025, by Representative Josh West, aims to amend certain statutes related to domestic violence. The bill proposes that specific pleas or findings of guilt for stalking violations be considered convictions for sentencing purposes. It also seeks to amend the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act to classify certain pleas or findings of guilt for protective order violations as convictions for sentencing.SenatorBillColeman serves as the principal Senate author for this bill.
Oklahoma House Bill 1592, introduced in the 2025 legislative session, aims to define and enhance penalties for organized retail crime. Authored by Representative John George, with coauthors including Representatives Tim Turner and Max Wolfley, and Senator Darrell Weaver, the bill proposes several key changes to existing law: The bill establishes that actions such as theft, retail theft, or larceny constitute organized retail crime when two or more of the following occur: The property taken is intended for resale, the property is taken by two or more persons acting jointly, property is taken by persons with prior convictions for similar offenses, and property is taken as part of a pattern of criminal offenses. Penalties will vary based on the value of the stolen property, property valued under $15,000, penalties include up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, and property valued over $15,000, penalties include up to 8 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The bill also proposes lowering the Larceny Threshold from $1,000 to $500, aligning with efforts to address organized retail crime more effectively. Aggregation Period for Offenses: It extends the period during which separate offenses can be aggregated to determine the total value of stolen goods from 180 days to one year. Continuation of the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force: The bill continues the task force until June 1, 2026, with staffing provided by the Office of the Attorney General.
This 15-member task force will advise the Legislature and Governor on organized retail crime and recommend countermeasures to reduce retail theft losses in the state. For the most current information on House and Senate bills and its status in the legislative process, you can visit the Oklahoma Legislature's official website.