Senate Bill 163 Summary

• Amends Oklahoma law on child custody to establish that a court finding of child abuse, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment raises a rebuttable presumption that sole or joint custody with the perpetrator is not in the child's best interest.

• Defines "coercive control" as unreasonably engaging in conduct such as isolating a person from support, depriving basic necessities, controlling movements or finances, threatening immigration-related consequences, harming animals as intimidation, forced sexual acts, or making demands that limit free will.

• Provides that a parent's absence or relocation due to the other parent's domestic violence shall not be a factor weighing against them in custody determinations.

• Requires courts to consider the safety and well-being of the abused child and victimized parent as a primary factor, and to consider the parent's history of causing physical harm, assault, verbal threats, stalking, or harassment when determining custody and visitation.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2025.