Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, today celebrated the signing of Alanda's Law, House Bill 2478, which expedites the legal process for victims of domestic abuse seeking temporary relief in custody cases. Under HB2478, courts are required to schedule a hearing on temporary custody orders within 10 days of a domestic abuse victim filing a request for temporary custody orders unless both parties mutually agree to waive this timeline. Harris said this provision specifically applies in cases where the application contains allegations of domestic abuse and either an emergency temporary protective order is already in place against the accused party or the accused has been criminally charged with domestic abuse. "For victims of domestic violence, the timing of a judge's availability should not be a barrier," Harris said. "It is crucial to ensure that domestic violence victims appear timely before a judge to expedite the decision-making process." The measure will require the court to issue a ruling on the matter versus arbitrarily scheduling another hearing for a later date, enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of legal proceedings in these critical situations. "Often, children are involved in these situations," Harris said. "It is imperative that judges swiftly act to ensure families avoid unnecessary heartache during an already traumatic time." Harris named HB2478 Alanda's Law after Alanda Bradshaw, a victim of domestic abuse, in honor of her memory and her beautiful daughter. He said the sustained abuse Alanda endured tragically contributed to her premature passing. "I hope this legislation will honor Alanda and other victims of domestic abuse," Harris said. "The most dangerous moment for a domestic violence victim is when they try to leave their abuser. Alanda's Law protects victims and their families during this critical time." HB2478 will go into effect on Nov. 1.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The House today adopted Senate amendments to a bill that would require school personnel engaging in electronic or digital communication with a student to include the student's parent or guardians. House Bill 3958, authored by Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, now moves to the governor. "There have been absolutely too many reports of inappropriate digital communications shared between educators and students, whether that be inappropriate pictures or texts of a sexual nature," Conley said. "These have long-term devastating effects for young people and can ruin the lives of educators when they are wrongly accused. It's our desire that teachers and coaches be able to share homework assignments or team communications freely with their students, but including a parent or guardian protects the students and the educators from any potential impropriety. This also keeps parents fully engaged in their child's education." Exceptions may be made in case of an emergency, subject to subsequent notification to the parent or guardian. The measure stipulates that school personnel shall make reasonable efforts to use school-approved platforms, systems or applications that allow automatic inclusion of parents or guardians in communications with students. HB3958 specifies that schools shall provide training, developed by the State Department of Education, for school personnel on the student communication requirements within the act. Any school personnel reported to be in violation of the new act shall be put on administrative leave while the school district investigates the incident and notifies the local and state boards of education. If the investigation finds no misconduct occurred, the school personnel shall be reinstated with the incident noted in the employee's file. If the investigation finds misconduct occurred, the school personnel's employment shall be terminated, and the incident shall be reported to law enforcement pursuant to state statute. The act would become effective July 1. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the Senate author of the measure.
Reps. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, and Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, invite all Oklahomans to attend the second annual Oklahoma Memorial Trail Ruck-Off in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event aims to raise awareness about veteran issues, support military recruitment efforts and promote the newly created Oklahoma Military Trails. "I encourage everyone to join us on May 18 in Guthrie, whether you're walking or attending the closing ceremony," Duel said. "Your presence will help us honor and raise awareness for our veterans. I want to thank the City of Guthrie, Guthrie Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs for their partnership in organizing this event." This year's ruck-off is named in honor of Pvt Oscar J. Upham, a U.S. Marine who earned the Medal of Honor during the Boxer Rebellion. Pvt. Upham passed away at the age of 77 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. "Members of the Legislative Veteran's Caucus and several departments in Oklahoma have been working on this project for a while now," Burns said. "We are thrilled to host it once again and excited to expand it to other regions of the state." The march will begin at 7:00 a.m. Participants can choose between a four-mile or a twelve-mile route, with or without a 35-pound ruck. The closing ceremony is scheduled for noon at the WPA Armory, located at 724 E. Logan Ave., Guthrie, Oklahoma. To register for the march, visit https://calendly.com/cloverleafprecision/ruck-off-2024/