The Oklahoma Senate unanimously approved legislation Tuesday allowing expert testimony to be used as evidence in human trafficking cases.
Oklahoma Senator Darrell Weaver said Senate Bill 1810 would give courts additional context when evaluating cases involving trafficking victims.
“Human trafficking is a complex and traumatic crime, and victims often face unique psychological and emotional challenges,” Weaver said. “Allowing expert testimony in these cases ensures that courts have the context they need to understand the impact on survivors and make informed decisions as they work to deliver justice.”
The bill would allow experts to testify about how trafficking affects a victim’s beliefs, behavior, and perception, similar to what is already permitted in domestic violence cases.
Weaver, a former director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, helped establish the agency’s human trafficking unit in 2012 and has been involved in statewide anti-trafficking efforts.
“Since establishing the human trafficking unit, the state has made strong progress in preventing human trafficking,” Weaver said. “SB 1810 builds on those efforts by providing more support in the aftermath for victims and those affected, including access to counseling, case management, referrals, and other critical services.”
The legislation also expands the Attorney General’s Office Victims Services Unit to provide specialized services for human trafficking victims.
The measure now heads to the Oklahoma House, where Oklahoma Representative Tammy West is the House author.
