Bill > HB1973

This bill amends Oklahoma's Criminal Discovery Code to significantly expand prosecutors' obligations for evidence disclosure in criminal cases. The bill requires prosecutors to provide comprehensive information to the defense, including detailed contact information for witnesses, all law enforcement reports, electronic recordings (like 911 calls), laboratory test results, and critically, all evidence that might potentially help the defendant's case - such as information that could negate guilt, reduce culpability, support a potential defense, or impeach witness credibility. The bill introduces new requirements for disclosing information about jailhouse informants, mandating that prosecutors provide detailed background on such witnesses at least 30 days before trial, including their complete criminal history and any deals or benefits they might receive for their testimony. Additionally, the bill establishes a statewide tracking system for jailhouse informant testimony and requires prosecutors to maintain records of such testimonies. The legislation also creates a "presumption of openness" in evidence disclosure, aims to ensure defendants receive potentially exculpatory evidence, and requires prosecutors to make a good faith effort to identify and disclose all relevant materials. The bill will become effective on November 1, 2025, and represents a significant expansion of transparency and evidentiary disclosure in criminal proceedings.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1973&Session=2600