Lawmakers for the 60th Oklahoma Legislature have begun filing bills. Representative Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman, HD 46) will introduce House Bill 1002 in the next session, continuing his efforts to protect stalking victims and improve Oklahoma’s anti-stalking laws. Building on the foundation of his landmark 2022 “Homicide Prevention Act,” Rosecrants' new bill addresses challenges from the original law's implementation and introduces critical victim-centered reforms.
Stalking remains a pervasive and dangerous issue both locally and nationally. In the United States, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men experience stalking victimization. Closer to home, data from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reveals that the state averaged 24,845 reported domestic abuse incidents annually between 2011 and 2020. However, since many cases remain unreported, the true scope of the problem is even greater.
Targeted Improvements to Protect Victims
Signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2022, the original “Homicide Prevention Act” elevated stalking to a felony in certain cases and introduced Stalking Warning Letters as an early intervention tool. These letters are designed to deter offenders and document their behavior to support potential legal action. However, two years after its implementation, challenges have emerged. Difficulties in delivering these letters and procedural barriers for victims seeking protective orders have exposed critical gaps in the system.
Representative Rosecrants’ new bill aims to address these issues with targeted updates that would further strengthen protections for stalking victims:
- Streamlined Protective Orders: One of the most significant changes in HB 1002 would be the elimination of the current requirement for victims to file a police complaint before petitioning for a protective order. This step removes a critical barrier that often deters victims from seeking protection, enabling quicker access to legal safeguards. By allowing victims to bypass this procedural hurdle, the bill ensures that legal protections are more readily accessible when time and safety are of the essence.
- Faster Service of Warning Letters: Under HB 1002, law enforcement would be authorized to serve Stalking Warning Letters electronically across jurisdictions, ensuring timely delivery and reducing delays for victims.
- National Tracking: The bill would also require that all Stalking Warning Letters be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, making them accessible to law enforcement nationwide and improving coordination across agencies.
- Improved Advocacy for Victims: HB 1002 would ensure law enforcement notify victims of their right to consult with certified domestic violence advocates, helping victims navigate their options and access critical resources during a highly stressful situation.
“HB 1002 is a product of talks I’ve had with victims rights advocates, domestic violence prevention groups, prosecutors, defense attorneys, stalking victims, and law enforcement, with a goal of ensuring that the Homicide Prevention Act, enacted in 2022, and which strengthens our stalking laws, best protects victims of stalking,” said Representative Rosecrants via email.
A Problem Bigger Than Partisanship
Rosecrants' bill comes at a critical time. Earlier this year, the office of Attorney General Gentner Drummond (R-OK) released a report highlighting Oklahoma's alarming domestic violence statistics, noting that the state ranks second nationally for women killed by men. The report, which looks at Oklahoma data through 2022, shows that while Oklahoma recorded 105 domestic violence homicides (a slight decrease from 118 in 2021) the numbers remain unacceptably high. As a result, Drummond has called for stronger measures to combat domestic violence, emphasizing early intervention and increased victim support.
With just 20 of 101 seats, Democrats in the Oklahoma House face significant challenges in advancing legislation. But House Bill 1002 still has a viable path to bipartisan support because it builds on previously passed legislation backed by Republicans and the Governor while aligning with the Attorney General's public safety priorities. Its emphasis on victim protection, law enforcement support and practical reforms make it a compelling choice for lawmakers across party lines.
The Path Forward
As a newly introduced bill for the 2025 legislative session, HB 1002 will begin its journey through the Oklahoma Legislature in early February when lawmakers convene. The bill will first be assigned to a relevant committee, such as the Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee (which previously handled the Homicide Prevention Act). There, it will be reviewed, debated, and potentially amended.
If it passes out of committee, HB 1002 will move to the full Oklahoma House of Representatives for a vote before advancing to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration. Each step will provide opportunities for both supporters and opponents to voice their opinions and objections.
One of the biggest unknowns for HB 1002 will be how Republicans energized by Donald Trump’s return to the presidency will respond and how the political climate within the Capitol will shift. With its emphasis on public safety and victim protection, HB 1002 has the potential to rise above partisan divisions as a practical and necessary reform. However, it will also serve as a critical test of whether Oklahoma Democrats can play a meaningful role in advancing significant progress in an increasingly polarized environment.
Despite these challenges, Representative Rosecrants remains optimistic about the bill's prospects. In an email statement, he expressed his vision for the legislative process: “My great hope is that we in the legislature can move past partisan politics and work together to help save lives.” 🔵
Note: This article was updated to include comments from Representative Jacob Rosecrants.