Representative Ross Ford

R

District 76

Hi, I’m Ross Ford and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 76th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Feb 27, 2025
Recent Posts

Ford Education Bills Now Eligible for Floor Consideration

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, this week secured unanimous passage of two bills in final House committees making them eligible for consideration on the House floor. House Bill 2696 would require schools to release student records to the student's parents or guardians, or if requested, to the students themselves if they are 18 years old or older. It would require the release in a timely manner and free of charge. The bill passed in the Education Oversight Committee on Wednesday. "Several parents throughout the state brought this matter to my attention," Ford said. "They said they were having trouble getting information about their own children because of how school administrators are interpreting existing state statute. In one case, parents were asked to pay an exorbitant fee to obtain the information. This would clarify the matter. "Parents have the right to know what records a school district has collected or maintained on their children." Records included under the measure are personal communications related to the students' Individualized Education Program, behaviors that result in a disciplinary action, official school activities, including student-teacher meetings, and others. House Bill 2702 passed the House Appropriations & Budget Committee. The measure would require current and new directors and assistant directors of districtwide school special education programs to complete a 150-hour training course on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) within one year of starting the job if they do not currently hold a valid special education teaching certificate. "This just increases the amount of training our special education directors and assistant directors receive as they deal with children with extra needs," Ford said.   -END-   Ross Ford, a Republican, represents House District 76 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of Tulsa County. 

Feb 5, 2025
Recent Posts

Committee Approves Ford Bill to Assist Sexual Assault Victims

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, on Tuesday won committee passage of a bill that would require investigating law enforcement agencies to release to victims of sexual assault the status of any forensic evidence collected as part of their criminal case. House Bill 2705 passed unanimously in the House Criminal Judiciary Committee. It is now eligible for consideration by the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight. "Sexual assault is horrendous crime. Victims deserve to be kept up to date on the status of any evidence collected as their criminal cases move forward," said Ford, a former police officer with more than 25 years of service. HB2705 includes a victim's right to be informed of whether a DNA profile was obtained during forensic evidence collection. If so, whether the DNA profile has been entered into a Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Database, and whether there is a confirmed match between the DNA profile developed from the sexual assault evidence and a DNA profile contained within the CODIS Database. The measure does not, however, require the disclosure of evidence, information, or results that would impede or compromise an ongoing criminal investigation.

Jan 22, 2025
Recent Posts

Ford Files Bill to Further Assist Victims of Sexual Assault

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, has filed a bill that would require investigating law enforcement agencies to inform victims of sexual assault the status of any forensic evidence collected as part of their criminal case. House Bill 2705 will be eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislation session, which starts Feb. 3. Ford, a former police officer with more than 25 years of service, said, "Sexual assault is a horrific crime that already steals too much from victims. This measure is intended to at least give them the peace of mind in knowing whether a law enforcement agency has forensic evidence in their possession and the status of that evidence being processed and potentially matched with the perpetrator of the crime." HB2705 includes a victim's right to be informed of whether a DNA profile was obtained during forensic evidence collection. If so, whether the DNA profile has been entered into a Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Database, and whether there is a confirmed match between the DNA profile developed from the sexual assault evidence and a DNA profile contained within the CODIS Database. The measure does not, however, require the disclosure of evidence, information, or results which would impede or compromise an ongoing criminal investigation. If signed into law, the measure would take effect Nov. 1. HB2705 builds upon previous measures Ford has filed to better protect victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. House Bill 4374 was signed into law in 2022, expanding the definition of who can obtain a protective order. House Bill 3863 was signed into law in 2024, exempting domestic violence victims from initial credit and deposit requirements for public utilities in an effort to ensure they can secure safe housing in a timelier manner.