Bill > HB4342

This bill, concerning civil procedure and evidence in Oklahoma, allows for the admissibility of evidence of prior acts of domestic violence or abuse by a defendant in criminal cases where the defendant is accused of such offenses, meaning the court can consider this past behavior for its relevance to the current case. The prosecution, referred to as the "attorney for the state," must disclose this evidence to the defendant at least fifteen days before the trial begins, or later if the court permits for good reason, and this disclosure must include witness statements or a summary of expected testimony. The bill clarifies that this new rule does not prevent evidence from being admitted or considered under any other existing laws or rules, and it defines "domestic violence or abuse" broadly to include controlling, coercive, or threatening behavior, as well as psychological, physical, sexual, economic, or emotional abuse against someone in a specified relationship, as outlined in another Oklahoma statute. This new law is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4342&Session=2600