Oklahoma Representative Ross Ford says he plans to file legislation next year creating a Victims of Sexual Assault Bill of Rights aimed at strengthening protections for survivors and increasing oversight of how sexual assault cases are handled across Oklahoma.
Ford said the proposal would ensure victims retain autonomy over their care, treatment, advocacy services and participation in criminal investigations.
“The rights of victims must be protected through a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes dignity, autonomy, justice and healing,” Ford said.
The Broken Arrow lawmaker, a 25-year veteran police officer, said the legislation is intended to prevent victims from being revictimized by systems and organizations designed to help them.
Among the provisions being considered, the measure would require trauma-informed and victim-centered services for sexual assault survivors. It also would require state-funded advocacy organizations to provide services to any certified sexual assault nurse examiner who has completed Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner training and received certification through the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Ford said the legislation would require law enforcement agencies to cooperate with certified sexual assault nurse examiners regardless of their institutional affiliation. Agencies with jurisdiction over a case would be responsible for completing the initial offense report, taking custody of sexual assault evidence kits and preserving evidence according to state law.
The proposal also would make evidence and information collected by sexual assault nurse examiners confidential and exempt from the Oklahoma Open Records Act.
Ford pointed to the volume of child sexual assault cases reported in Tulsa County as evidence that Oklahoma should review how it responds to sexual assault investigations.
“The goal must always be to ensure victims receive trauma-informed, victim-centered care from a qualified provider of their choosing,” Ford said.
Ford said Oklahoma must improve oversight and accountability involving both public agencies and private organizations that provide services to sexual assault victims.
Lawmakers may begin filing legislation for the 2027 legislative session on Nov. 15. The First Session of the 61st Oklahoma Legislature is scheduled to convene Feb. 1, 2027.
