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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

This change in law allows someone to perform community service in lieu of fines. This is only in municipal courts of record. The defendant must be without means to pay the fine or costs, and no undue hardship must result from the performance of community service. The fine or costs will be paid off at a rate of not less than the current federal minimum wage. The remainder of … [Read more...] about Community Service in Lieu of Fines-2018 Oklahoma Laws #23

This legislation changed the definition of "stalking." Under Oklahoma's law, it's illegal to willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow or harass someone in a manner that: Would cause a reasonable person or a member of the immediate family of that person to feel frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested; and Actually causes the person being followed or … [Read more...] about Stalking With GPS-2018 Oklahoma Laws #21

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