Bill to Increase Penalties for Assaulting Corrections Officers Heads to House

The state Senate on Wednesday approved legislation increasing penalties for individuals who assault an employee of the Department of Corrections (DOC) or the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA). Senate Bill 2242, by Sen. Dan Newberry, would add a six-month sentence for assault and battery against a DOC or OJA employee in the performance of their duties.

“Today we took a significant step to increasing safety for our corrections personnel,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “It’s critical that we provide adequate protections for the employees that have made a commitment to make our state a safer place. I’m very pleased by today’s vote and look forward to seeing the measure signed into law.”

In addition to a minimum of six months of incarceration, the legislation establishes a maximum fine of $5,000 for assault or battery, or assault and battery, on a DOC or OJA employee.

“In speaking with representatives from the Office of Juvenile Affairs, it had become clear that we needed to establish stronger deterrents to violence directed at personnel in our facilities,” Newberry said. “This legislation gives us another tool to protect our corrections officers from harm.”

SB 2242 will now advance to the House for consideration.