HB 1423 Summary

• Amends 21 O.S. 2011, Section 455 to expand witness intimidation and retaliation prohibitions to include preventing or attempting to prevent production of records, documents, or other objects.

• Makes it a felony punishable by 1 to 10 years in the Department of Corrections custody to willfully prevent any person from giving testimony or producing evidence if they have been duly summoned or subpoenaed.

• Applies the statute to witnesses in civil and criminal trials, persons making abuse or neglect reports under 10A O.S. Section 1-2-101 or 43A O.S. Section 10-104, and witnesses to reported crimes.

• Criminalizes threatening or procuring physical or mental harm through force or fear to prevent witness testimony or document production, or to alter testimony.

• Effective date: November 1, 2013.