Engrossed Senate Bill 559 Summary

• Expands the definition of assault victims under Oklahoma law to include human embryos and fetuses at any stage of gestation in utero.

• Criminalizes causing a child to be born addicted to or harmed by a narcotic drug when the addiction or harm results from the mother's illegal drug use during pregnancy.

• Establishes misdemeanor penalties of up to 30 days imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500 for violations; increases to felony penalties (up to 5 years imprisonment) if the child dies as a result.

• Allows mitigation of punishment if the woman is actively enrolled in an addiction recovery program before birth, remains in the program after delivery, and successfully completes it.

• Exempts lawful acts or omissions by a pregnant woman and lawful medical or surgical procedures performed by licensed health care professionals; effective November 1, 2015.