OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to expand protections for victims of violence passed the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee on Wednesday with a vote of 8-0.

House Bill 1948, authored by Rep. José Cruz, D-OKC, expands the definition of family or household member used in the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act and the Domestic Abuse Reporting Act to include persons not otherwise related by blood or marriage.

The change is an effort to extend protections to victims of abuse beyond family members.

“The law as it is written is too narrow to meet the standards Oklahomans have when it comes to protecting victims of violence,” Cruz said. “It’s necessary common-sense legislation that’s overdue to protect all victims.”

The legislation enjoyed bipartisan support in committee and is now available to be heard on the House floor.

“When it comes to protecting Oklahomans, especially victims of abuse, there are no politics,” Cruz said. “I appreciate this committee for supporting this legislation, and I look forward to earning the vote of my colleagues on the House floor.”

Cruz’s office can be reached at (405)557-7397 or [email protected].