Sen. Brooks files bill to add domestic violence to registry

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, has authored Senate Bill 1326, adding domestic violence crimes to the state’s Mary Rippy Violent Crime Offenders Registration Act. Brooks filed the measure at the urging of constituents.

Last fall, Brooks met with Generation Citizen at John Marshall High School, a student organization that promotes civic engagement. He said one of the top concerns for the students was the rate of domestic abuse and homicides in the state. Brooks noted domestic abuse is a crime that often escalates.

“Oklahoma has one of the highest rates in the nation for women murdered by men,” Brooks said. “I had a bill a couple of years ago to add domestic abuse to the violent crime registry, but it stalled. After talking to residents and staff at a local domestic violence shelter and visiting with these students, I am convinced we need to take another run at getting this bill passed and signed into law.”

Oklahoma’s Mary Rippy Violent Crime Offenders Registration Act was created in 2004, named for a woman murdered by a neighbor with a record of violent crimes. The registry gives police and the public access to information about individuals with such histories. SB 1326 would add the crimes of domestic abuse; domestic assault; domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; or domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon to the violent crime registry.

“The idea behind the violent crime registry, the sex offender registry and the meth registry, is to help keep the public safer by making sure this information is available,” Brooks said. “Domestic abusers are some of the most dangerous individuals there are. Adding them to the violent crime registry can help save lives.”

Brooks’ bill can be considered when the 2024 session convenes in February.

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For more information, contact:  
Sen. Michael Brooks: (405) 521-5557 or Michael.Brooks@oksenate.gov