Oklahoma Bill to Add Domestic Violence to Violent Offender Registry Passes Committee

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — A bill requiring people convicted of domestic abuse to register as a violent offender has made it through Oklahoma’s Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senate Bill 1568 would require offenders to register under the Mary Rippy Violent Crime Offenders Registration Act.

The bill was unanimously approved Tuesday.

“Oklahoma saw the highest number of domestic violence reports in two decades last year with 61 people dying at the hands of their domestic abuser. We also continually rank among states with the highest rates of women killed by men,” Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, said in a press release. “We’ve got to strengthen our laws to better protect Oklahomans and prevent these horrible crimes. By adding those convicted of domestic violence to the violent offender registry, we can better track those with violent histories while better protecting the public.”

According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, nearly 27,100 domestic violence reports were made to law enforcement agencies around the state, including murder, threats, assaults, and sexual crimes.

SB 1568 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.