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SB 137

Department of Corrections; modifying elements of the Electronic Monitoring Program. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Warren Hamilton and 1 co-sponsor

SB 137 expands GPS-based electronic monitoring for nonviolent offenders, tightening eligibility, oversight, costs, and coordination with local authorities and the courts.

Becomes law without Governor's signature 05/05/2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 137

Summary of SB 137 (Oklahoma, 2026)

Overview

  • Topic: Department of Corrections; Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP)
  • Status: Floor substitute of Senate Bill 137, with amendments, moving through the 2026 legislative session
  • Effective date: November 1, 2026
  • Primary purpose: Modify eligibility criteria and administration of the Electronic Monitoring Program for nonviolent offenders, updating language and procedures to govern use of GPS monitoring as an alternative to confinement in certain cases.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Create and govern an Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) for inmates in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) who are sentenced for nonviolent offenses (not listed as violent offenses in Section 571).
  • Empower the DOC to use GPS-based electronic monitoring to fulfill custody responsibilities in appropriate cases, with a structured process for eligibility, placement, supervision, and costs.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Program Establishment and Eligibility

  • Establishes EMP for nonviolent offenders as an alternative to traditional confinement.
  • Eligibility prerequisites (for placement in EMP):
    • Inmate must have completed processing at a Department Assessment and Reception Center.
    • Must have a home offer.
    • Must meet criteria in subsection C of Section 521 (existing statutory framework not fully reproduced here).
  • Specific ineligible categories (new or clarified restrictions):
    • Inmates who have completed less than 20% of their sentence.
    • Inmates with more than 10 years left to serve (specifically those with 1,095 days or more remaining) if sentenced to >10 years.
    • Inmates convicted of a violent offense within the last 10 years or convicted of offenses enumerated in another statute.
    • Inmates with certain offenses or statuses (e.g., some sex offenses requiring sex offender registration; crimes against a child; exploitation of vulnerable adults; racketeering; certain domestic abuse offenses; outstanding felony warrants or detainers; active misconduct actions; andere listed categories).
    • Inmates deemed security risks or requiring services unavailable in a community setting.
    • Inmates with active EMS/medical/educational needs not available in the community as determined by DOC.

Note: The list enumerates many disqualifying conditions, including recent violent offenses, sex offenses (requiring registration), crimes against children, domestic abuse-related offenses, active warrants, and security concerns.

B. Program Terms and Supervision

  • Eligible inmates once assigned must remain in EMP until:
    • They discharge the sentence, or
    • They are removed for violation and reassigned to imprisonment, or
    • They are paroled by the Governor.
  • Parole denial during EMP does not automatically remove the inmate from the program, as long as they remain eligible and in good standing.

C. Parole and Legal Procedures

  • When inmates become eligible for parole (per Section 332.7), the DOC must deliver the inmate in person to a correctional facility for the parole board investigation; EMP inmates cannot waive parole consideration or recommendation.

D. Notifications and Local Coordination

  • Before placing any eligible inmate in a community setting, DOC must notify:
    • Sheriff, district attorney in the county where the inmate will be monitored, and the chief law enforcement officer of any incorporated jurisdiction where monitoring will occur.
  • DOC must provide notice of the projected release date to the Oklahoma victim notification service provider no less than 7 days and no more than 60 days before release.

E. Costs and Fees

  • Inmates assigned to EMP may be required to pay for:
    • Monitoring equipment and related costs,
    • Substance abuse treatment or follow-up treatment costs,
    • Supervision costs, or other expenses while in EMP.
  • DOC will determine the inmate’s ability to pay all or part of these costs.

F. Program Administration

  • The DOC must develop policies and procedures to implement EMP, including:
    • Monitoring methods, supervision, and disciplinary actions,
    • Potential reassignment to different security levels,
    • Removal from EMP,
    • Costs of monitoring and who pays them.

G. Post-Placement Reporting

  • Within 30 days of placement in a community setting, the inmate must report to the court clerk and district attorney to address payment of fines, costs, restitution, and assessments owed.

3) Who Is Affected

  • Inmates eligible for EMP (nonviolent offender category) and their families.
  • Inmates with disqualifying factors listed in the bill.
  • DOC personnel who supervise and administer EMP (including field officers with GPS monitoring duties).
  • Local law enforcement agencies (sheriffs, district attorneys, police chiefs) in counties or municipalities where monitoring occurs.
  • Victims or victim notification service providers (due to release date notifications).
  • Individuals responsible for costs, including inmates and DOC, for monitoring equipment, supervision, and related treatment.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: November 1, 2026.
  • DOC must establish and publish policies/procedures to implement EMP and related costs.
  • Notification requirements must be followed before community placement, with timelines for victim notification and local agency notice.
  • Upon parole eligibility, inmates must be interviewed at a facility for Pardon and Parole Board purposes; EMP inmates cannot waive parole consideration.
  • If an inmate is removed from EMP for violations, they are reassigned to a correctional facility; if they escape, penalties align with existing statute (Section 443, Title 21).
  • The act requires ongoing supervision and potential reclassification to different custody levels depending on behavior and compliance.

5) Summary Assessment

SB 137 modernizes and expands the use of GPS-based Electronic Monitoring as an alternative to incarceration for selected nonviolent offenders. It tightens eligibility, enhances oversight, and enforces procedural steps to involve local authorities, victims, and the courts. It also clarifies cost-sharing responsibilities and requires documentation and reporting after placement. The bill aims to improve community-based supervision while preserving public safety and ensuring accountability through defined sanctions for violations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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