Bill to help solve cold cases becomes law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Nearly 39 years ago, Cheryl Genzer and Lisa Pennington vanished from the State Fair – their bodies were later discovered in a shallow grave, but the crime has never been solved. That could change now that Senate Bill 1636, by Sen. Carri Hicks and Rep. Ross Ford, has been signed into law by the governor after passing unanimously in both chambers. Hicks said there are some 1,000 Oklahoma families still awaiting justice in the murder of a loved one. This new law will give them a process to finally get the answers and the justice they deserve.

“As I worked with families, advocates, and law enforcement on this issue, I became passionate about the need to give loved ones a way forward to reopen these cold cases. I believe the end result will actually strengthen public safety in Oklahoma as we bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice,” said Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. “I appreciate Representative Ross Ford for his hard work in the House, our fellow members for their unanimous support, and the governor for signing 1636.”

The provisions of SB 1636 will:

• Create a formal pathway for families by allowing designated loved ones to request a review.
• Require an independent review by investigators who were not part of the original case.
• Set accountability timelines, including written confirmation within 30 days, with the review completed within six months, and requiring transparency if that time is extended.
• Modernize investigations by requiring evaluation of new forensic testing, witness re-interviews, and updated investigative methods.
• Ensure communication with families by mandating updates and a final meeting to explain findings.

Should a review of the case result in a determination that no further investigation is warranted, the case will not be reviewed again for at least five years.

"This legislation should bring some much-desired relief to Oklahoma families who have waited too long for justice in a loved one's cold case," said Ford, R-Broken Arrow. "Significantly, it brings hope that with updated investigation methods and fresh eyes these cases can be solved, giving them closure and the possibility of justice. I'm grateful to Senator Hicks for her tireless work on this issue and for the governor signing it into law."

The new law will take effect on Nov. 1, 2026.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov