HB2553 Summary

• Requires persons over 18 convicted of felony animal abuse crimes (Title 21, §1680-1700) to register with county sheriffs if they remain in Oklahoma for more than 10 consecutive days.

• Registered animal abusers must provide personal information including name, date of birth, social security number, address, employment, and conviction details; county sheriffs must obtain photographs and fingerprints.

• Mandates annual re-registration for 15 years and prohibits registered animal abusers from owning or possessing any animals during each year of registration.

• Establishes criminal penalties for failing to register or providing false information (felony offense) and requires county sheriffs to maintain local registries and notify nearby residences, schools, shelters, and businesses within 1/2 mile radius.

• Creates a central statewide animal abuser registry maintained by Oklahoma Department of Corrections, accessible to public via Internet, telephone, written, and in-person access; becomes effective November 1, 2014.