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ENGROSSED SENATE
BILL NO. 1711 By: Howard of the Senate
and
Worthen of the House
An Act relating to court proceedings; amending 20
O.S. 2021, Section 130, which relates to
videoconferencing in district courts; extending
authorization for videoco nferencing to certain
appearances; amending 22 O.S. 2021, Sections 451 and
452, which relate to arraignment and personal
appearance of defendant; authorizing use of
videoconferencing for certain proceedings; making
language gender neutral; and providing an effective
date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 20 O.S. 2021, Section 130, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 130. The use of videoconferencing technology, or the
equivalent thereof, in the district courts is hereby authorized in
all stages of civil or criminal proceedings and shall be governed by
the Rules for District Courts of Oklahoma. Such authorization
includes the use of videoconferencing technology for appearances
where the person is in custody in a county different from the county
in which the case is filed.
SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 22 O.S. 2021, Section 451, is
amended to read as follows:
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Section 451. When the indictment or information is filed, the
defendant must be arraigned thereon before the court in which it is
filed, if triable therein; if not, before the court to which it is
removed or transmitted. If the defendant’s physical presence is not
possible because the defendant is in custody in another county, the
arraignment shall take place by videoconference, if available, as
authorized by Section 130 of Title 20 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
SECTION 3. AMENDATORY 22 O.S. 2021, Section 452, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 452. If the indictment or information is for a felony
the defendant must be personally present, either in person or by
videoconference, but if for a misdemeanor only, his the personal
appearance is unnecessary, and he the defendant may appear upon the
arraignment by counsel.
SECTION 4. This act shall become effective November 1, 2024.
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Passed the Senate the 4th day of March, 2024.
Presiding Officer of the Senate
Passed the House of Representatives the ____ day of __________,
2024.
Presiding Officer of the House
of Representatives