Bill > SB623

This bill amends Oklahoma's Protection from Domestic Abuse Act to enhance the process of serving protective orders. The key changes include requiring the initial attempt of service to be made within 24 hours of an order's issuance, with service permitted at the county jail if the defendant is in custody. The bill clarifies that emergency orders, ex parte orders, and hearing notices have statewide validity and can be transferred between law enforcement jurisdictions electronically. The legislation maintains provisions for scheduling hearings within 14 days (or 72 hours in cases involving minor children), and allows petitions to be renewed every 14 days until the defendant is served. The bill explicitly prohibits mutual protective orders and requires separate petitions and individual hearings if both parties allege domestic abuse. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for transferring utility and wireless phone accounts to the petitioner to help protect victims, and it maintains strict guidelines about counseling and treatment orders to ensure victim safety. The emergency clause means the law will take effect immediately upon passage, emphasizing the urgent need to improve domestic abuse protective order procedures.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb623&Session=2600