HB 2970 Summary

• Amends 21 O.S. 2011, Section 843.5 to add affirmative defense for enabling child abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation if the defendant had reasonable apprehension that action to stop such conduct would result in substantial bodily harm to themselves, another person, or the child.

• Establishes that evidence of reasonable apprehension that action to stop abuse would result in domestic abuse, stalking, or harassment (as defined in Title 22, Section 60.1) shall be considered in mitigation of punishment for enabling offenses under subsections B, D, G, and J.

• Maintains existing penalties for child abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, and their respective enabling offenses, ranging from $500 to $5,000 fines and up to life imprisonment depending on the offense and victim age.

• Preserves parental right to use reasonable and ordinary force for discipline pursuant to Section 844 of Oklahoma law.

• Effective date: November 1, 2016.