Frank Urbanic

This new law strengthens the right to use a firearm in self defense. In this legislation, the Legislature expressly recognized the right to expect absolute safety within a place of worship. Places of worship may now establish policies regarding the possession of weapons on their property. HB 2632 amended 21 O.S. § 1289.25. It went into effect on November 1, 2018. … [Read more...] about Firearms in Churches – 2018 Oklahoma Laws #31

On November 6, 2018, voters in Oklahoma passed Marsy's Law (State Question 794). This constitutional amendment grants stronger constitutional rights for crime victims. It gives them more information and input during the criminal justice process. The goal of Marsy's law is to ensure that crime victims have the same rights as the accused and convicted. The entire text of Article … [Read more...] about Marsy’s Law – 2018 Oklahoma Laws #30

This change in law added new responsibilities for teachers and midwives in the reporting of child abuse. New Teacher Responsibilities Every teacher of any child under the age 18 having reason to believe that a child under the age of 18 is a victim of abuse or neglect must report the matter immediately to the Department of Human Services. Reports must be made to the … [Read more...] about Duty to Report Abuse or Neglect of Child-2018 Oklahoma Laws #24

The eligibility for drug court expanded under this legislation. HB 2881 amended 22 O.S. §§ 471.2-471.4. The changes went into effect on November 1, 2018. The opportunity for review of an offender for a drug court program may now happen at any time prior to the disposition of the case and sentencing of the offender. This includes sentencing on a petition to revoke a suspended … [Read more...] about Drug Court Eligibility Expanded-2018 Oklahoma Laws #20

The eligibility for electronic monitoring of inmates in Oklahoma has increased. The electronic monitoring program is for inmates in the custody of the Department of Corrections who are sentenced for a nonviolent offense. The electronic monitoring program requires active supervision of the inmate in a community setting with monitoring by a global positioning device. An inmate … [Read more...] about Electronic Monitoring Eligibility-2018 Laws #19