Bill > SB1238

This bill, effective November 1, 2026, modifies existing laws in Oklahoma concerning assault and battery, particularly in cases of domestic abuse involving children. It updates the definition of a "Class B5" criminal offense to include domestic abuse committed in the presence of a child, making it a felony offense with specific penalties. The bill also revises the penalties for various forms of assault and battery, including those against intimate partners or family members, and clarifies the requirements for defendants convicted of domestic abuse, such as mandatory participation in batterers' intervention programs and counseling. Additionally, it amends the definition of "in the presence of a child" to encompass situations where a child may see or hear the abuse, and it clarifies that any child, regardless of relation, can be considered in these cases. The bill also updates statutory references and language to ensure consistency across different sections of Oklahoma law related to these offenses.