OklahomaSB 623Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Protection from Domestic Abuse Act; requiring service in certain location; requiring initial attempt of service of protective orders upon defendant within specified time frame. Emergency.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

No unsafe mediation or joint counseling

Courts can order what is needed to stop abuse. But courts cannot order anything that makes a victim less safe. This includes mediation, couples or family counseling, parenting classes, or joint victim‑offender sessions when they risk the victim’s safety.

Stronger child safety in visitation cases

If a protective order protects a child, the court allows visits only with enough supervision to keep the child safe. When a minor defendant is removed, copies of the order and hearing notice go with the child to the caretaker. If the defendant is a minor, the court starts a juvenile inquiry to see if more juvenile action is needed. A parent or custodial adult may refuse to return a child who committed abuse until a juvenile court finds the child is no longer a threat.

24/7 statewide service of orders

Protective-order papers are served like a bench warrant. Sheriffs and other peace officers can serve them any time, 24/7, including in jail, with the first attempt within 24 hours. Orders, petitions, and hearing notices are valid statewide and can be sent electronically across counties. If a sheriff cannot serve, another officer, private investigator, or process server can. Proof of service must be filed where the order was issued. Any service fee must match the sheriff’s fee plus mileage—no extra charges.

Faster hearings and no easy dismissals

Courts set a full hearing within 14 days when there are enough grounds. If the defendant is a removed minor, or if visitation was suspended for violence or a threat, a hearing can be held within 72 hours. If the defendant is not served by the hearing, the court issues a new emergency order with a new date. At the victim’s request, the petition renews every 14 days until service. Lack of service alone does not dismiss the case. A final order must be granted or denied within six months after service unless both sides agree to keep a temporary order; victims can ask for a final hearing any time after six months.

Courts can order abusers to pay counseling

A court can require a defendant to complete domestic abuse counseling in a program the Attorney General certifies. After notice and hearing, the court can make the defendant pay all or part of treatment or counseling costs. The court itself does not pay these costs.

Clear order lengths and extensions

Protective orders can last up to five years, and time the defendant spends in jail does not count toward that limit. A court can make an order continuous (no set end) if it makes specific findings, like past violations or violent felonies. The court tells both sides how long the order lasts when it is issued. Either side can ask to modify, extend, or cancel the order, and the court must hold a hearing. Final protective orders use a standard statewide form.

Court can transfer phone and utility accounts

After notice and a hearing, the court can order a phone or utility company to transfer a child’s phone number or a household utility account to the petitioner. The order must name the current account holder and the petitioner and keep the petitioner’s contact information private. After transfer, the petitioner pays all monthly bills and any device costs, while the company can still collect past‑due amounts from the old account holder. Companies may require normal account‑setup steps. The court sends the final order to the company’s registered agent or email. If the company cannot comply for technical reasons, it must tell the petitioner. Providers and their staff are protected from lawsuits when they follow the court order.

Fair process for competing abuse claims

Courts cannot issue a single mutual order. If both sides allege abuse, each must file a separate petition. The court can combine hearings only if it finds enough evidence for each party, finds both were primary aggressors, the defendant filed at least three days before the first hearing, and had at least 48 hours’ notice. Victims may bring a non‑lawyer support person to court for comfort, but that person cannot argue the case.

Protective orders don’t change divorce or property

A protective order does not change who owns real estate. It does not grant a divorce or decide custody, support, or property division. Courts may temporarily adjust visitation to protect a child and can order protections for animals or children without changing ownership.

Criminal penalties for false protective orders

It is a crime to knowingly seek a protective order against a spouse or ex‑spouse to harass, intimidate, gain undue advantage, or limit visitation without cause. A first conviction is a misdemeanor: up to 1 year in county jail or up to a $5,000 fine, or both. A second or later conviction is a felony: up to 2 years in prison or up to a $10,000 fine, or both.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bill Coleman
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

John Pfeiffer
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 104 • No: 0

House vote • 4/28/2025

Top_of_Page

Yes: 89 • No: 0

House vote • 4/17/2025

DO PASS

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2025

DO PASS

Yes: 3 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/25/2025

THIRD READING

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/11/2025

Emergency