SB 696 Summary

• Amends Oklahoma law to reorganize the state into five Court of Criminal Appeals judicial districts instead of the previous structure.

• Candidates for Court of Criminal Appeals judges are nominated and appointed from their respective districts according to Article VII-B of the Oklahoma Constitution.

• All judges seek retention in office through voter approval and are voted on by qualified voters statewide.

• Specifies county composition of each of the five districts, with District 1 including Tulsa area counties, District 2 covering northeast/central counties, District 3 covering southeast counties, District 4 covering Canadian and Oklahoma counties, and District 5 covering the panhandle and western counties.

• Declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.