HB 1166 Summary

• Designates the act as "Sandy's Law" and amends Oklahoma's victim protection order statutes to extend protections to witnesses of domestic violence, not just direct victims.

• Defines "witness of domestic violence" as a person who reported or witnessed domestic violence and subsequently experienced abuse, threats, harassment, or intimidation as a result.

• Authorizes victim protection orders for witnesses of domestic violence that are substantially similar to protective orders available in domestic abuse cases under the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act.

• Allows witnesses of domestic violence to request emergency temporary orders of protection when courts are closed, requiring peace officers to provide petition forms, notify judges, and inform witnesses of approval or disapproval decisions.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2015.