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

May 6, 2026
Recent Posts

Ford Urges Governor to Sign Cold Case Review Legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, on Tuesday passed a bill that establishes exact procedures for law enforcement to review cold cases involving violent crimes. Senate Bill 1636 passed the House unanimously on a vote of 81-0 after previously passing the Senate 47-0. The legislation has been sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. If enacted, it would become effective Nov. 1. "As a former police officer, one of the worst things was telling someone I didn't have an answer for them about what happened to their loved one," Ford said. "This legislation sets up a better procedure for violent crime cold cases to be investigated with the hope this brings many of these cases to resolution." Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, is the Senate principal author of the measure. “There are at least 1,000 Oklahoma families who have waited for years for justice for their loved ones. This bill will give them an opportunity to finally have the answers and the justice they deserve,” Hicks said. “I want to thank the members of the House for joining the Senate in unanimously approving Senate Bill 1636 and thank the governor for his consideration of this important legislation.” SB1636 would require law enforcement to review cold case files upon written application by a designated person, including family members, to determine if further investigation would result in probative leads. The review must be performed by a person who has not previously investigated the case, and it must be completed within six months. The timeline may be extended under certain circumstances.  The review is to include an analysis of the investigative steps or follow-up steps that may have contributed to the initial investigation; an assessment of whether witnesses should be interviewed or reinterviewed; a review of physical evidence to determine if all appropriate forensic testing and analyses were performed in the first instance or if additional testing might produce information relevant to the investigation; and a modernization of the file to raise it to current investigative standards to the extent that it would develop probative leads. The law enforcement agency receiving the application for review must confirm within 30 days of receipt and give periodic updates to the person requesting the review. The agency will then be required to meet periodically with the designated person to discuss findings and to explain the decision whether further investigation is warranted. Law enforcement agencies can jointly coordinate reviews. After review, if the law enforcement agency concludes that further investigation is not warranted, no additional review can be taken for the same case for five years, unless new evidence is discovered.

Apr 10, 2026
Recent Posts

Ford Athletic Trainer Compact Passes House Business Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, on Tuesday passed a bill in committee that would improve public access to athletic training through reciprocity among member states. Senate Bill 1813 would adopt the Athletic Trainer Compact, aligning Oklahoma's licensure standards with those set by the Athletic Trainer Compact Commission. This would include guidelines for examination and education requirements, criminal background checks, conducting investigations, continuing competence and participation in the commission’s shared data system. "This legislation would allow the governor to enter into compacts to certain jurisdictions for the purpose of expanding the mobility of the athletic trainer practice to improve public access to service by providing qualified, licensed athletic trainers," Ford said. "This would give these members the ability to practice in other states. The compact also would preserve the regulatory authority of the state to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensing." SB1813 passed the House Business Committee and now awaits consideration in the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee. If it passes on third reading on the House floor, it will be sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. 

Mar 11, 2026
Recent Posts

Ford Offender Registries and Outdoor Siren Tampering Bills Move to Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, on Tuesday unanimously passed three bills in that House that would enhance punishments for those convicted of domestic or sexual abuse crimes as well as those who tamper with outdoor warning systems. The measures now move to the Senate. House Bill 1322 would create a Domestic Violence Offenders Registry to be available online for public view. Anyone convicted in Oklahoma of a domestic violence offense after Jan. 1, 2028, would be registered through district court clerks on the registry created and maintained by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The registry would include the offender's name, the county or counties of conviction, their most recent booking photo and additional information. "Oklahoma persistently ranks as one of the worst states for domestic abuse," Ford said. "We must continue to work toward prevention and better support for victims of these crimes. Requiring domestic abusers to register will improve public awareness and give victims and law enforcement additional tools to keep themselves and the public safe."  Ford said the idea for the law came from Tennessee, which became the first state in the nation to launch a domestic violence offenders registry after the murder of Deputy Sheriff Savanna Puckett. It's reported she was killed by a former partner who had a documented history of domestic violence. If enacted in Oklahoma, the offender would be required to pay a $150 registration fee. They can be removed from the registry five years after completion of their last sentence. The registry shall not include the names of any victim. House Bill 4104 would add three crimes to the list of those that require registry as a sex offender: second and subsequent offense of watching, gazing or looking upon a person in a clandestine manner; using photographic, electronic or video equipment in clandestine manner; and second or subsequent offense of using such means to capture images of a private area without consent.   Ford said 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. 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.  House Bill 4107 would make it unlawful to tamper with, activate, attempt to activate or cause to be activated an outdoor warning siren without proper authorization. Punishment would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in the county jail or both. If an unauthorized activation caused a false emergency response or public panic, the offense would become a felony punishable by up to $5,000, up to one year in the county jail or both fine and imprisonment.  Ford said such tampering is happening now, and it causes havoc, especially during this time of year when all Oklahomans are on heightened alert for severe weather.