Bill > SB1370

This bill creates the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) within the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office to review potentially wrongful criminal convictions. The unit will accept requests from convicted individuals seeking to challenge their felony convictions, with specific eligibility requirements including completed direct appeals, claims of actual factual innocence, and new credible evidence not previously considered in court. The CIU will develop review criteria, prioritizing cases involving death penalty or life without parole sentences, and will conduct comprehensive reviews to identify potential errors in prosecution. The unit's responsibilities include consulting experts, conducting legal research, referring individuals to potential legal representation, and making recommendations to district attorneys about potential postconviction proceedings. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that the CIU review does not create a legal right to review and cannot be used to challenge judicial errors, procedural issues, or sentence severity. The bill also establishes a dedicated Conviction Integrity Unit Revolving Fund to support the unit's operations, with funding coming from legislative appropriations. The new law is set to take effect on November 1, 2026, providing a structured approach to reviewing potentially wrongful criminal convictions in Oklahoma.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1370&Session=2600