ODAA's 2025 Policy Framework: Protecting the Vulnerable

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.

District Attorney Jack Thorp, President of the ODAA, stated: "Our children and domestic violence survivors deserve every protection we can offer. 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."

The 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 directs referrals between DHS and law enforcement in all cases of suspected child abuse, seeking to close critical communication gaps that could allow cases to fall through the cracks. The House Rules Committee voted to pass House Bill 1565 by Rep. Collin Duel, which accomplishes this goal, out of committee.

The framework also proposes extending the statute of limitations for reporting child abuse, encouraging school personnel to act as the "eyes and ears" that protect children — House Bill 1935 by Rep. Danny Sterling. 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 by Sen. Brent Howard.

Thorp added: "Our policy framework reflects Oklahoma's commitment to its most vulnerable residents. With these measures, we are taking a bold stand to ensure safety, accountability, and justice for all."