Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to aid in the state’s response to sexual assault by ensuring the continuation of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Statewide Coordinator within the District Attorneys Council. House Bill 4141 by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, would remove a sunset date in state law to allow the coordinator position to continue once funding is secured. The role coordinates with SANE nurses across Oklahoma who provide compassionate care to victims of sexual assault and collect critical forensic evidence that may later be used in court. "Victims deserve compassionate care and a system that works together to seek justice," Manger said. "To date, the state legislature has not appropriated funds for this position, but we will continue advocating for dedicated funding in the state budget." The SANE coordinator position was previously funded through a federal grant administered by the Tulsa Police Department, but those funds have expired and the role no longer exists. Under HB4141, the coordinator would oversee forensic medical examination training across Oklahoma, recruit and develop additional SANE professionals and help create and expand local Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Sexual Assault Response Team programs. Currently, Oklahoma has no centralized oversight or coordination among SANE programs. Manger says this could limit a victim’s ability to access an examination and may affect the quality and consistency of evidence collected in investigations. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation , 2,330 rapes were reported in Oklahoma in 2020. Of those cases, 160 alleged perpetrators were arrested, representing about 7% of reported incidents. "A statewide coordinator is essential to strengthening coordination between medical providers, law enforcement and prosecutors so evidence is collected properly and cases can move forward effectively," Manger said. "It will also help address gaps in training, staffing and program development across Oklahoma so communities have the resources needed to properly respond to these cases." HB4141 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Legislation designed to better align higher education programs with workforce demand and improve transparency for students has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 2398 , authored by Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, establishes a statewide framework allowing the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to designate certain degrees, certificates, licenses and industry-recognized credentials as “credentials of value.” Under the measure, programs seeking the designation must demonstrate strong outcomes for students, including a positive return on investment and alignment with state and regional workforce needs. The bill requires annual reporting on completion rates, employment outcomes, earnings and program costs to help students make informed decisions about their education and career paths. "As our economy continues to evolve, Oklahoma must be intentional about connecting education with real workforce opportunities," Hill said. "House Bill 2398 helps ensure students have clear, reliable information about which programs are most likely to lead to good-paying jobs and long-term success. It will give students better guidance, strengthen our workforce pipeline and help ensure taxpayer-supported education programs deliver real value." The legislation also includes safeguards Hill said would support high-need workforce areas such as education and public safety, helping Oklahoma continue to prepare workers for critical roles that serve communities across the state. "We thank Rep. Brian Hill for his thoughtful leadership in advancing legislation focused on Credentials of Value," said Chancellor Sean Burrage. "Defining and measuring programs that lead Oklahomans to expanded career opportunities benefits individuals and families, serves our business community, and provides data to help institutions successfully align academic offerings with emerging workforce needs." HB2398 passed the House 70-20 and now moves to the Senate for consideration, where it's authored by Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Freshman lawmaker Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has passed his first piece of legislation off the House floor, a measure that updates the governance structure of the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative. House Bill 4095 passed the House floor with an 84-4 vote and would provide that the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative oversees call centers that connect Oklahomans with services such as food, housing, clothing, transportation and medical assistance. The measure also would reduce the collaborative’s governing board from 15 members to nine members and establish staggered initial terms to help maintain continuity. "I am proud to champion this bill and see it pass the House," Norwood said. "I appreciate my colleagues for their support and for recognizing the importance of 211 services. It is my goal to keep connecting Oklahomans with critical resources by ensuring that 211 can continue to serve our community." The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, is the Senate author.