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.