Representative Ross Ford

R

District 76

Hi, I’m Ross Ford and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 76th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Apr 20, 2023
Recent Posts

Legislators Celebrate National Teacher of the Year Rebecka Peterson

Legislators from the Oklahoma House of Representatives today congratulated Rebecka Peterson, a math teacher at Union High School, for being named National Teacher of the Year for 2023 by the Council of Chief State Schools Officers (CCSSO). Peterson has taught math, ranging from Intermediate Algebra to Advanced Placement Calculus, for the past 11 years at Union High School. Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, said House District 67 was proud to claim Peterson as one of their own. "Rebecka represents the absolute best of Oklahoma and is a wonderful example for every educator in the state," Boatman said. "She finds new ways to make math fun and exciting while helping her students excel, and her accomplishments have set the bar high for herself, her students and educators across the state. Her exemplary work encouraging the next generation of Oklahomans to love mathematics is setting our state up for success, and I'm very proud to have Rebecka as my constituent." "It's incredibly exciting that our National Teacher of the Year is not only someone who works at a school serving my House district, but is someone who can convey complex math coursework in a way that helps our young people succeed in skills needed in life and in our future workforce," said Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow. "Congratulations to Rebecka Peterson and bless her for her dedication to helping our next generation excel." "When I heard the news, my first thought was 'well of course she won!'" said Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, who is a former Tulsa-area public school teacher and administrator. "Rebecka has made us all so very proud. She is the finest example of the kinds of teachers who serve in Oklahoma public schools. We have the best teachers in the nation, and now the nation knows!" "I'm so proud of Rebecka," said House Common Education Chair Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon. "Her accomplishments in the classroom not only benefit her students and her school, but now has elevated Oklahoma onto the national stage, where her success story makes us all shine bright." Peterson will spend a year as an ambassador for students and teachers, where she will travel across the nation to encourage and attract more teachers to the profession. Peterson's win marks the first time that a Union High School teacher has had a finalist. It is also the first time since 1964 that Oklahoma has had a national winner.

Feb 22, 2023
Recent Posts

Ford Passes Distracted Driving Bill in Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, on Tuesday passed a bill in the House Public Safety Committee intended to help further curb distracted driving. House Bill 2228 prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while the driver is holding or using a handheld cellular telephone or other electronic device when the vehicle is in motion. Ford explained that in 2015, Oklahoma passed a ban on texting and driving after an accident involving a distracted driver resulted in the death of Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas Dees and and the severe injury of Trooper Keith Burch. "While that ban makes it illegal to text while driving, it does nothing to provide the necessary restrictions on other distractions," Ford said. "This just further clarifies that a driver can't be holding or viewing content on a cell phone or other electronic device when they should have all of their attention focused on driving." Ford said the measure does not prohibit the use of a hands-free device or one that plays through a car's radio. There also are exceptions for those talking to law enforcement or other specified officials for emergency communications. HB 2228 further prohibits the confiscation of a cellular telephone to determine a violation without the consent of the person. The measure limits the fine amount to $5 and court costs and fees to not more than $95. Ford, a former police officer, said this bill could help save lives. It is now eligible to be considered by the full House.

Dec 12, 2022

Ford Recognized for Public Safety Work

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Rep. Ross Ford Phone: (405) 557-7347 Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, has received two awards from Oklahoma troopers’ organizations recognizing his work to improve public safety and the lives and working conditions of troopers and other law enforcement officers and first responders. Ford was named Legislator of the Year for 2022 by the Oklahoma State Troopers Association, and last week he received a Lifetime Award from Concerned Oklahomans for the Highway Patrol Society. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by these organizations that do so much to serve and protect the interests of those who work tirelessly every day to protect their fellow Oklahomans, often at great personal cost,” Ford said. “In my time as a state representative, I’ve been blessed to author and help pass multiple pieces of legislation that have improve public safety as well as the lives of our law enforcement officers and their families. It’s gratifying to have my work recognized.” The Oklahoma State Troopers Association is dedicated to ensuring the best possible working conditions are achieved for all troopers and communications officers. The nonprofit COHPS has worked for 30 years to boost morale and relieve stress experienced by troopers and their families. Ford is a 25-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department where he worked for 12 years in the police motorcycle unit, taught drivers’ training for nearly 10 years and was the unit training coordinator for five years. He served also as a DARE and community relations officer, protected the Tulsa Airport and was an investigator in the detective division and a divisional equipment officer.  This year, Ford helped champion pay raises for Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers as well as other law enforcement and corrections officers. Ford also authored numerous bills signed into law, including House Bill 2065, which restores injured law enforcement officers to half-pay status in the pension system and increases future benefits for survivors. House Bill 4374, the Stephen Bernius Memorial Act, expands domestic abuse language in state law determining who can obtain a protective order. House Bill 4373 increases the punishment for theft of catalytic converters, tires and wheels from a vehicle. House Speaker Charles McCall in 2019 appointed Ford to serve as a member of the Criminal Justice Reclassification Coordination Council. The Council was tasked with reviewing Oklahoma’s laws to guarantee they keep the public safe but also are fair to those accused of crimes. "