What Is A Victims Impact Panel In Oklahoma?
“Victims impact panel program” in Oklahoma is a program conducted by a corporation registered with the Secretary of State in Oklahoma for the purpose of operating a victims impact panel program. The program must include live presentations from presenters who will share personal stories with participants about how alcohol, drug abuse, the operation of a motor vehicle while using an electronic communication device, or the illegal conduct of others has personally impacted the lives of the presenters. A victims impact panel program must be attended by people who have committed the offense of driving, operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance, operating a motor vehicle while the ability of the person to operate such vehicle was impaired due to the consumption of alcohol or any other substance, or operating a motor vehicle while using an electronic device. Persons attending a victims impact panel program must pay no more than $60 to the provider of the program. A certificate of completion will be issued to the attendee upon satisfying the attendance and fee requirements of the victims impact panel program. The certificate of completion must contain the business identification number of the program provider. A victims impact panel program may not be provided by any certified assessment agency or certified assessor unless the assessment agency or certified assessor has been granted an exemption by the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The provider of the victims impact panel program must carry general liability insurance and maintain an accurate accounting of all business transactions and funds received in relation to the victims impact panel program. The provider of the victims impact panel program must annually provide to the Administrative Office of the Courts the following:
- proof of registration with the Oklahoma Secretary of State,
- proof of general liability insurance,
- end-of-year financial statements prepared by a certified public accountant, and
- a copy of federal income tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
SB 252 amended 22 O.S. § 991a. The changes went into effect on November 1, 2017.
Sources: SB 252 & 22 O.S. § 991a