Bill Summary: SB 1222 - Oklahoma Veterans' Treatment Act

• Authorizes district and municipal courts in Oklahoma to establish Veterans' Treatment Programs as an alternative to incarceration for veterans and service members charged with criminal offenses who need treatment for PTSD, traumatic brain injury, mental health issues, or substance abuse.

• Requires defendants to be voluntarily admitted with district attorney approval; excludes individuals charged with crimes listed in Section 13.1 of Title 21 and Section 571 of Title 57, and those who completed a similar program within the past three years.

• Upon successful program completion, first-time felony offenders' charges may be dismissed, while those with prior convictions receive dispositions specified in a written plea agreement (which may include dismissal, reduction to misdemeanor, deferred sentence, or suspended sentence).

• Program participants must waive speedy trial and preliminary hearing rights; can be ordered to pay court costs, treatment costs, drug-testing fees (up to $20/month program user fee), and supervision fees unless indigent.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2012, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon passage and approval.