Public Safety

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, this week passed legislation in the House to better protect victims of domestic violence and school students and staff. House Bill 3863 would add another way for victims of domestic violence to be exempt from initial credit and deposit requirements for public utilities in an effort to ensure they can secure safe housing in a timelier manner. House Bill 3884 would require school mapping data to be compatible with software used by public safety agencies and the school without additional costs. "Both pieces of legislation are tied to enhancing public safety for vulnerable groups," said Ford, who has served as both a police officer and a director of school security. "Anything I can to do ensure Oklahomans are safer as they go about their daily lives, I am happy to do." HB3863 would add tribal-operated domestic violence programs to the list of those approved to document individuals who should qualify for utility deposit waivers. The measure adds to legislation signed into law last year that allows law enforcement and other entities to identify victims of domestic violence, stalking or harassment who shall be exempt from a public utility's initial credit and deposit requirements. Ford said his bill allows tribal governments to do the same for their citizens.   "Victims of domestic violence often have limited resources when they finally get up courage enough to leave their abuser," Ford said. "This bill just ensures they have fewer hurdles to jump through to get to safety." Regarding HB3884, Ford said the legislation "provides criteria for uniform school mapping to provide greater security and faster response times for law enforcement responding to school emergencies." The measure further specifies that data must also be printable and digital, accurate according to on-site inspections, and labeled for structures, grounds, and coordinates. It should align with true north and overlay aerial imagery. Data may not be independently modified without corresponding updates to public safety agency software. The measure also establishes the School District Mapping Data Grant Program within the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The department may seek funds to provide mapping data for all public and private schools. Both measure passed the House unanimously and now move to the Senate for consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, on Wednesday passed a bill in the House intended to keep the public safe from repeat drunk or drug-impaired drivers. House Bill 3220 would prohibit the release by law enforcement of someone accused of their second or subsequent driving under the influence charge without the granting of bail by a magistrate, judge or court. "Instead of just standard release once a person is sober and able to bond out, this just adds a step to help ensure we are protecting the public from repeat and potentially dangerous offenders," West said. "The official elected by voters in their county would now have the opportunity to ask questions and examine records on prior offenses to see if release make sense in light of keeping the public safe. They also may determine if bail needs to be set higher in certain instances." The measure further stipulates than when determining bond, the magistrate, judge, or court is to consider any evidence that the person is dependent upon alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance or has a pattern of regular abuse of alcohol or drugs and present written findings on the bail amount. The measure clarifies the procedure for obtaining a blood withdrawal for blood alcohol testing by allowing a duly authorized peace officer to provide a written statement that there are exigent circumstances which necessitate the withdrawal of blood. HB3220 passed the House on a vote of 78-16. It moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. David Smith, R-Arpelar, and Rick West, R-Heavener, held a meeting Feb. 21 with 11 rural fire coordinators from across the state who voiced concerns about new mandatory training requirements from the state fire marshal in accordance with state statutes. The meeting was standing room only in Smith's Capitol office. "Volunteer rural firefighters are rural Oklahoma's first line of defense," Smith said. "They're upset because of some of the rumors they are hearing about what might be required of them going forward. It was important to us that we heard their concerns. Now, we are focused on helping facilitate discussions between the coordinators, fire chiefs and the state fire marshal so everyone can be on the same page about the new training requirements." Smith said the next meeting will include State Fire Marshal Keith Bryant as well as fire chiefs and rural fire coordinators from across the state. The meeting will be public for anyone that wishes to attend, space allowing. It is set for 10 a.m. March 13 in Room 450 in the state Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd. Smith and West also are discussing holding a potential interim study to examine incentives to help recruit and retain rural firefighters. "These are volunteer positions, but they are vital for the safety of all who live and work in rural Oklahoma," West said. "I'm glad we're going to be able to get everyone around the table to discuss ways to improve conditions for these volunteer firefighters and those they serve."