OKLAHOMA –
The Oklahoma Senate unanimously passed SB 1325 in late March. The bill would track suspects who are released on bond and notify victims if the suspect shows up in their area.
A survivor living in the metro told News 9 the bill could’ve helped her back in 2022, when she was shot in the Integris parking garage by an ex-boyfriend.
“I was at work. When I left work, he came to my job in a vehicle that I did not recognize,” said Tara Currin, who was shot eight times that day.
Under Senate Bill 1325, Currin said it’s possible that she could have been notified that her perpetrator was in the area.
“It would mandate that offenders who’ve committed domestic violence crimes that are let out on bail have to have a GPS monitoring device attached to them,” shared Angela Beatty, Vice President of Programs at YWCA OKC.
The monitoring devices would notify the victim as well as law enforcement if the individual violates the terms of their release.
“Having this kind of information about an offender’s location really can be critical in maintaining someone’s safety,” Beatty added.
The bill comes at a time when Oklahoma is leading the country in domestic violence homicides, according to YWCA OKC.
“OCPD told us that in just 2025, law enforcement detectives that investigate domestic violence cases investigated over 2,600 cases.”
Beatty said she feels hopeful that with legislation like SB1325, we can move toward a violence-free community.
As the bill moves through the legislature, Currin wants survivors to know they are not alone.
“There are resources. There’s help. Seek help to let someone know, so that you’re not suffering in silence,” she encouraged.
Each defendant would be responsible for the cost of the GPS device and a supervision fee.
The bill will now be heard in the house.
