Representative Ross Ford

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


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements


Mar 14, 2024
Recent Posts

House Passes Bill allowing Law Officers to Review Camera Footage Prior to report

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, this week passed legislation in the House that would allow police to review camera footage before completing reports or making statements regarding events while they are performing their official duties.  House Bill 3598 would require law enforcement agencies that utilize any type of camera system – including fixed security cameras in a police station or law enforcement office, vehicle mounted cameras, or body cameras worn by peace officers – to establish policies and procedures addressing the proper use, maintenance, and storage of the various cameras and the data recorded. The policies would be individual to each entity, but they must include guidelines that permit a peace officer to review the recorded data before writing a report or providing a statement about any event during performance of their official duties. "We're looking for accuracy," Ford said. Ford, a former police officer, said this would be akin to referring to notes taken at a crime scene before completing reports, or the same as allowing officers the ability to look at documents to refresh their memory before they go to court. The policies also must include guidelines regarding the proper release of audio and video data in compliance with the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Ford said he filed an amendment to the bill that specifies that any policy permitting review of recorded footage by a peace officer may not be used to delay or deny records requests or public access to recorded footage from such cameras. Ford also passed House Bill 3885 on the House floor. The measure would extend the amount of time municipal or district courts would have to file for misdemeanor warrants for a traffic citation when a defendant was released on personal recognizance but failed to appear in court and no arrangement was made with the court to satisfy the citation. The bill moves the requirement to file the warrant from 120 days to one year, giving municipalities and courts more time to obtain accurate records from Service Oklahoma. The measures now move to the Senate for consideration. 



Mar 14, 2024
Recent Posts

House Passes Bill to Update School Emergency Communication Systems

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, this week passed legislation in the House that would allow school districts to acquire communications and alarm systems that can be used between schools, counties, municipalities and law enforcement departments in the event of emergencies or school shootings.  House Bill 3860 would create the School Safety Interoperability Fund that would be administered by the Department of Public Safety. "This would allow school districts to purchase radio and camera systems that can interact with local law enforcement departments and others to help them respond quickly should an emergency arise," Ford said. "When these systems are in place, an officer can literally flip a switch and render instructions and assistance while en route to the school." Ford, a former police officer and director of school security, said the systems could save lives when minutes count. Ford also passed several additional measures in the House this week.  House Bill 3858 would modify the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement system, keeping the state in line with IRS requirements on the required minimum distribution age, and raising the penalties from 1.5% to 5% for late contributions to the system. House Bill 3862 would limit claw-backs by insurance companies when pre-authorization for medical procedures or services has been granted. Non-compliance with specified deadlines would result in health care services being deemed authorized. The measures now move to the Senate for consideration. 



Mar 8, 2024
Recent Posts

Ford Protection Measures Pass House

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.