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

Oct 29, 2026
Recent Posts

Stronger Peeping Tom Punishments Take Effect Nov. 1

OKLAHOMA CITY – Those who commit repeat peeping Tom offenses will face harsher penalties under an act that takes effect Nov. 1.  Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, is the author of House Bill 4104 . The new law will require repeat offenders and those who record others secretly in private spaces to register as sex offenders. "Watching or recording someone in a private space without their knowledge or consent is invasive and abusive and should be appropriately punished," Ford said. "We, of course, hope that stronger punishments will deter these crimes, but at the very least they will assure justice is served against those who choose to commit these offenses."  Ford explained the bill deals with three subsections of Oklahoma's Peeping Tom statute. One addresses watching people in a clandestine manner, such as watching someone changing clothes through a window, which is currently a misdemeanor. Another deals with attempting to take photos of peoples' private areas while they are in the public – also a misdemeanor. A third addresses an individual who hides a camera in a private area such as a locker or dressing room or a space where people would assume privacy when the offense involves three or more victims. This bill would turn second or subsequent misdemeanor offenses under this area of statute into felonies and require any felony offender to register as a sex offender. Perpetrators will face imprisonment of between one to five years and fines of up to $5,000. Ford said requiring offenders to register as sex offenders will grant greater public transparency and allow law enforcement to better protect the public moving forward. The measure was requested by the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board, which is staffed by the office of the state's attorney general. Ford also is the author of House Bill 4108 , which adds trespass or willful damage to the operational area of an airport to the list of crimes punishable by misdemeanor. This too takes effect Nov. 1 The bill specifies the operational area of an airport is to be considered as critical infrastructure. Those found guilty will face a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail for a term of six months or both. An organization found to be a conspirator will face a $10,000 fine. "Airports are vital to our national transportation system," Ford said. "It's important we keep public travelers and airport staff safe not only from terrorist attacks but even from thoughtless pranksters whose actions can create havoc, delay travel or cause costly damage to these structures."

Jun 1, 2026
Recent Posts

Ford to File Victims of Sexual Assault Bill of Rights

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, said during the next legislative session he will focus on establishing a Victims of Sexual Assault Bill of Rights for the state of Oklahoma. This would be similar to legislation that created the Oklahoma Victim's Rights Act, which clearly established the services law enforcement agencies shall provide to victims. Ford, a 25-year veteran police officer, said the intent of the legislation is to ensure victims of sexual assault are not revictimized by the very systems and state-funded advocacy organizations established to assist them. "The rights of victims must be protected through a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes dignity, autonomy, justice and healing," he said. First and foremost, the legislation would ensure every victim shall retain complete autonomy over their care, treatment advocacy services and participation in the investigative process, Ford said. "All services provided to victims shall be trauma-informed and victim-centered," he said. The State of Oklahoma must establish greater oversight and accountability regarding the handling of sexual assault cases involving both children and adults, Ford insists. Ford's House District 76 includes part of Tulsa County. He said the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office has reported receiving approximately 50 child sexual assault cases per week. "These alarming numbers demand a comprehensive review of how Oklahoma responds to and investigates sexual assault crimes," he said. "For too long, the state has relied heavily upon nonprofit organizations to provide essential victim services with limited oversight or accountability. It is time for the Legislature to ensure that victims of sexual assault are protected and provided the services necessary to pursue justice and begin healing." Ford said under his legislation, any private advocacy organization receiving state tax dollars shall provide services to any organization or provider conducting sexual assault examinations, regardless of institutional affiliation, provided the examiner is certified through the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and has completed Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training. Also included will be a requirement for all law enforcement agencies to provide equal cooperation and services to any certified sexual assault nurse examiner, regardless of affiliation. The law enforcement agency with jurisdiction shall be required to complete the original offense report for the sexual assault investigation, take custody of the sexual assault evidence kit and preserve all related evidence in accordance with state law and evidentiary standards. The legislation also would specify that everything collected from the sexual assault nurse examiner will be confidential and not be part of the Open Records Act. "To ensure victims can recover from one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives, the State of Oklahoma shall guarantee that law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, medical providers and sexual assault advocacy organizations work collaboratively as one coordinated team," Ford said. "The goal must always be to ensure victims receive trauma-informed, victim-centered care from a qualified provider of their choosing. "The days of treating victims as secondary to institutional control or bureaucratic process must come to an end. Victims deserve respect, autonomy, transparency and justice." Legislators will be able to file bills for the next legislative session beginning Nov. 15. The First Session of the 61st Legislature will convene Feb. 1, 2027.

May 14, 2026
Recent Posts

Peeping Tom Punishments Strengthened under New Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Those who commit repeat peeping Tom offenses will face harsher penalties under an act recently signed into law by the governor. Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, is the author of House Bill 4104 . The measure would require repeat offenders and those who record others secretly in private spaces to register as a sex offender. "Peeping Tom offenders degrade their victims and erode public trust," Ford said. "Victims of these crimes should be assured the perpetrators will face justice for their actions. The public will be better protected with this update in law."  Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Sapulpa, is the Senate author of the legislation. “Peeping Toms who repeatedly spy on people and invade their privacy are sex offenders, plain and simple,” Gollihare said. “This law makes sure chronic offenders and those who secretly record people in locker rooms or changing rooms face the serious consequences that they deserve for this deeply disturbing behavior.” Ford explained the bill deals with three subsections of Oklahoma's Peeping Tom statute. One addresses watching people changing clothes through a window, which is currently a misdemeanor. Another deals with attempting to take photos of peoples' private areas while they are in the public – also a misdemeanor. A third addresses an individual who hides a camera in a private area such as a locker or dressing room or a space where people would assume privacy when the offense involves three or more victims. This bill would turn second or subsequent misdemeanor offenses under this area of statute into felonies and require any felony offender to register as a sex offender. Perpetrators will face imprisonment of between one to five years and fines of up to $5,000.  Ford said requiring offenders to register as sex offenders will grant greater public transparency and allow law enforcement to better protect the public moving forward.  The measure was requested by the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board, which is staffed by the office of the state's attorney general. HB4104 takes effect Nov. 1.