The Senate wrapped up interim studies by the end of October after committees spent four months exploring a wide range of policy topics. I’m pleased to say that all the studies held before the Senate Business and Insurance Committee were extremely productive and will likely lead to legislation filed ahead of next year’s legislative session. The House also recently concluded its interim studies. Now, the focus for lawmakers shifts to crafting legislation for the next session.
Following my interim study on domestic violence, I’ve been in talks with local prosecutors about solutions to address this problem. The District Attorneys Council has asked me to file legislation to make domestic violence in front of a minor a felony. Currently, this crime only carries a misdemeanor charge. I hope this legislation will help stop the cycle of violence.
Children exposed to violence in the home are 15 times more likely to be physically or sexually assaulted than the national average. Boys who witness domestic violence when they’re young are twice as likely to abuse their own partners when they become adults. Girls who are exposed to violence in the home from a young age are more likely to become victims of domestic violence later in life. It’s a heartbreaking cycle that must be stopped. Oklahoma remains among the worst states for domestic violence homicides. While this bill alone won’t change that statistic overnight, I hope it will be a meaningful step toward strengthening our domestic violence laws and protecting victims.
I’ll be spending time in the coming months working on other legislation for next year’s session. I hope to have more to share soon on the bills I’m working on. Because the 2026 session will be the second session of the 60th Legislature, much of the legislation filed this year is still eligible to be heard next year.
On another note, we recently celebrated Veterans Day in Ponca City, which, as always, is a wonderful celebration. Ponca City’s Veterans Day parade is traditionally one of the largest in the state, and this year was no exception. Residents lined the streets to show their appreciation for our local veterans, and I was honored to participate. We owe our freedom to the sacrifices of these brave men and women.
With the holidays quickly approaching, I hope everyone in Senate District 10 can slow down this Thanksgiving and enjoy some quality time with friends and loved ones. As we enter this special season, I wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Your comments and concerns are of the utmost importance to me and my office. As always, please email me at [email protected] or call (405) 521-5581.
