The Oklahoma Senate this week passed House Bill 2242 which would require public utilities and municipally owned utility providers to waive the initial credit and deposit requires for domestic violence victims. The measure, authored by Senator Adam Pugh, is meant to help domestic abuse and violence survivors an easier path to find housing away from their abuser.
Domestic violence and abuse are serious issues in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reports there are approximately 25,000 incidents of domestic violence reported each year. The World Population review ranks Oklahoma as first in the nation for domestic violence. The state is third in the nation for the number of women killed by men. According to World Population Review, 49 percent of women and 41 percent of men have experienced domestic abuse in the past or currently.
Under HB 2242, victims would keen a certification letter from a law enforcement officer or a domestic violence shelter or program. An existing protective order can be used, too.
“Often times, victims of domestic violence escape their abusers with little to no money and no credit. They need to secure safe housing quickly, but mandatory credit checks and deposits can be a deterrent to leaving and seeking safety,” Pugh said. “Victims should not have to choose between their safety or that of their children in these emergency situations. This will help them get settled in a new residence, so they can focus on healing and moving forward.”
House author Representative Mike Dobrinski is grateful for Pugh’s help in getting the bill through the Senate and encourages Governor Kevin Stitt to sign the bill to help domestic violence victims.
“We want to do all we can to make sure victims of domestic violence are able to get somewhere safe away from their abuser. Easing the burden of these up-front fees will help,” Dobrinski said. “I appreciate Senator Pugh running this in the Senate and am grateful for its passage.”
