Oklahoma House Bill HB2654

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Refer: 2/8/21
• Refer: 2/9/21

Caption

Crimes and punishments; directing peace officer to contact domestic violence intervention program for victim under certain circumstances; effective date.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2654 is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning the treatment of domestic violence victims. By ensuring that victims receive timely information and access to support services, the bill seeks to increase the likelihood of victim safety and encourage them to seek help. Furthermore, it reinforces the responsibility of law enforcement to actively engage with support services, thereby creating a more systematic approach to handling domestic violence cases across Oklahoma.

Summary

House Bill 2654 aims to enhance the response to incidents of domestic violence by mandating that peace officers contact a domestic violence intervention program when responding to relevant incidents. The bill amends the Oklahoma Victim's Rights Act to require that victims are informed of their rights and the availability of services. The first officer on the scene of domestic violence crimes will also be required to perform a lethality assessment to gauge potential risks to the victim, ensuring that appropriate referrals to services are made based on the assessment's outcome.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding how effectively law enforcement can and will carry out these new responsibilities. Advocates for the bill argue that it is a crucial step towards providing victims with the necessary support, while critics may worry about the adequacy of training for officers and whether resources for intervention programs will be sufficient to meet the increased demand. Since the effectiveness of such assessments relies on the officers' training and the availability of domestic violence programs, any shortfalls in these areas could diminish the intended benefits of the legislation.