Representative Ross Ford

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


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements


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.



Oct 25, 2024
Recent Posts

Ford Urges Election Safety

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, today issued a statement asking all law enforcement to increase public safety efforts at all polling places throughout the state during the upcoming general election. The call comes after the Federal Bureau of Investigation's recent arrest of an Afghan national who the bureau said was planning an Election Day terrorist attack. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old man who had been living in Oklahoma City, told the FBI he and his brother-in-law planned to target “large gatherings of people” Nov. 5, according to an affidavit filed by federal agents in court. "I know our state election officials are working overtime to ensure poll workers and everyone planning to vote are safe in our upcoming elections," Ford said. "But as a former police officer, I just want to urge other law enforcement officers to be extra diligent during this time. "I'm grateful to the men and women in the FBI, whose hard work and alertness stopped this plot. I'm confident they and other law enforcement will be just as thorough in the coming weeks to monitor suspicious activity and thwart any further threat. I deeply appreciate those who work so hard daily to protect us and keep our state safe. "We must ensure people feel safe and secure as they exercise this important right." Ford served as a police officer for over 25 years with the Tulsa Police Department.



May 13, 2024
Recent Posts

House Recognizes National Police Week, Peace Officers Memorial Day

The Oklahoma House of Representatives recognized May 12 through May 18, 2024, as National Police Week and May 15, 2024, as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Oklahoma. House Resolution 1050, authored by Rep. John George, R-Newalla, and Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, was adopted Monday, May 13. "Our police do so much for our citizens, from keeping them safe from criminals to helping direct them to needed assistance to providing community services to youth, the elderly, and so many other populations," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "We at the Oklahoma Legislature are proud to stand up publicly and say we back the blue and will always support them, and we appreciate all they do to protect us all from harm." During the past year, 136 officers nationwide have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, including Captain John Robert Randolph III of the Ringling Police Department in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma House honors these brave individuals and extends its deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of these fallen officers. The resolution recognizes the House's strong support for law enforcement officers in Oklahoma and across the United States in their efforts to build safer and more secure communities.