OK HB1318

Amends Oklahoma law (21 O.S. 2011, Section 649) to clarify what constitutes assault and battery upon peace officers including police, sheriffs, highway patrolmen, corrections personnel, and state peace officers.

Simple assault on a peace officer while performing duties is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail, a fine not exceeding $500, or both.

Battery or assault and battery on a peace officer is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in a state correctional institution or county jail for up to 1 year, a fine not exceeding $500, or both.

Defines "corrections personnel" to include any state or local employee with direct inmate contact, vocational trainers, education personnel, and medical or meal service staff at jails.

Expands the definition of assault and battery on law officers to include any attempt to reach for or gain control of a firearm, and extends coverage to off-duty officers if the assault relates to their official position.

Becomes effective November 1, 2015.