Caitlin’s Law on its Way to Governor’s Desk

A key plank of the Senate Democrats’ agenda to “Create a Safer Oklahoma” is on its way to Governor Henry for his signature after receiving final passage on the Senate floor this morning. Senate Bill 1037, known as the Caitlin Wooten Act, is authored by Democratic Senator Susan Paddack and State Rep. Wes Hilliard, also a Democrat. The bill is named after 16-year-old Caitlin Wooten.

Paddack said SB 1037 contains two major reforms that are tough on crime and smart for Oklahoma families. The bill is aimed at strengthening bail laws by requiring persons charged with the violent crime of kidnapping to prove they are not a public danger before they may post bail. It also allows for an electronic notification system, called Victim Identification and Notification Everyday (VINE) to be put into place statewide in order to notify victims when offenders move through the criminal justice system.

“Today is a victory for all Oklahoma families, and I could not be more proud of Caitlin’s family for standing by me throughout this journey to help create a safer Oklahoma,” Paddack said. “It takes courage to turn tragedy into triumph and this family has shown great courage throughout this process.”

Senator Paddack began working with members of Caitlin’s family shortly after the teenager was murdered by Jerry Don Savage.

“I told the family as we began working together to pass this law that I wasn’t sure where this journey would take us, but we would go on the journey together,” Paddack said. “That hard fought journey successfully ends today as we send this bill to the governor to be signed into law.”

The Ada Democrat said Caitlin’s Law is tough on crime and sends a strong message to those seeking to hurt Oklahoma families.

“There is no greater moral obligation we as lawmakers have than to ensure the safety and well-being of all Oklahomans,” Paddack said. “Sending this measure to Governor Henry for his signature sends the message that Oklahoma will not tolerate this sort of senseless violence because we will protect our families and communities through the passage of sound laws such as The Caitlin Wooten Act.