Oklahoma Senate Bill 1505 Summary

• Amends 21 O.S. 2011, Section 582 to prohibit disclosure of sealed presentments or indictments by grand jurors, district attorneys, judges, and other officers until the defendant is arrested, making violations a misdemeanor.

• Amends 22 O.S. 2011, Section 385 to allow a presiding judge to order indictments sealed upon request of the grand jury's legal advisor until the defendant is arrested.

• Establishes an Oklahoma Witness Protection Program administered by the Attorney General, available to witnesses actively aiding in prosecution of dangerous perpetrators who face bodily harm or death.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to use funds from the Evidence Fund or federal grants to provide support to program participants, including temporary living costs, moving expenses, rent, security deposits, and relocation expenses.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to promulgate rules necessary to implement the Witness Protection Program; effective November 1, 2012.