ODAA’s 2025 Policy Framework: Protecting the Vulnerable
2025 Framework Prioritizes Protecting Children & Domestic Abuse Survivors
The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association’s 2025 policy framework focuses on safeguarding children and survivors of abuse. Key provisions include:
Enhanced collaboration between DHS and law enforcement
Extending the statute of limitations for reporting child abuse
Allowing hearsay evidence in domestic violence cases.
The measures aim to ensure no case is overlooked, providing justice and safety for the state’s most vulnerable residents.
FEBRUARY 20, 2025 (Oklahoma City, OK) — Momentum continues for the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association (ODAA) 2025 policy framework —Stronger Communities, Safeguarding the Vulnerable — a comprehensive effort to enhance protections for the most vulnerable across the state.
Oklahoma lawmakers are quickly moving key provisions of the policy framework forward in the opening weeks of the legislative session, turning commitment into action for children and survivors.
“Our children and domestic violence survivors deserve every protection we can offer,” said District Attorney Jack Thorp, President of the ODAA. “By closing gaps in the law and strengthening collaboration between agencies, our policy framework ensures that no case is overlooked and no survivor is left without justice.”
Building on the ODAA’s Year of the Child commitment announced in early February, these initiatives ensure stronger protections, accountability, and justice for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable.The ODAA’s 2025 policy framework emphasizes collaboration between state agencies dealing with child welfare and law enforcement, extended statutes of limitations for reporting child abuse, and new legal pathways to ensure justice for survivors of domestic violence.
A key provision of the ODAA’s 2025 policy framework directs referrals between DHS and law enforcement in all cases of suspected child abuse. This measure seeks to close critical communication gaps that could allow cases to fall through the cracks. Already this week, Oklahoma’s House of Representatives Rules Committee voted to pass House Bill 1565 by Oklahoma State Rep. Collin Duel — which accomplishes this goal — out of committee. The measure now heads to the full House for consideration.
The ODAA’s framework also proposes extending the statute of limitations for reporting child abuse, encouraging school personnel to act as “eyes and ears” to protect children. That measure, House Bill 1935 by Rep. Danny Sterling, passed through committee Feb. 11.
Additionally, the inclusion of hearsay evidence in domestic violence cases aligns with existing protections in child abuse cases, offering survivors a critical pathway to justice even when they cannot testify in court. Senate Bill 607 on domestic violence hearsay by State Sen. Brent Howard passed the Senate Judiciary committee on Feb. 11.
“Our policy framework reflects Oklahoma’s commitment to its most vulnerable residents,” Thorp added. “With these measures, we are taking a bold stand to ensure safety, accountability, and justice for all.”
About the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association: The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association represents the state’s prosecutors, working for justice and public safety. Through sound policy and community engagement, the ODAA works to protect Oklahoma’s residents and uphold the rule of law.
