New bill introduced in response to Gov. Stitt veto of Oklahoma Survivors' Act

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma Survivors' Act may have a second chance of becoming law.

"Oklahoma women are struggling," said Angela Beatty, Vice President of Programs and Engagement at the YWCA.

Beatty said domestic abuse survivors often have to protect themselves when all other avenues fail.

"Over 51 percent of women in the state of Oklahoma experienced some sort of violence, abuse or coercion," said Beatty. "The Oklahoma Survivors' Act is very much needed legislation in Oklahoma."

Majority Floor Leader, Rep. Jon Echols (R-Oklahoma City), and Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City), wrote the bill which would allow victims to use evidence of their abuse to receive a lesser sentence. It would also work retroactively.

"It doesn't say you can commit [the crime]. All you can do, though, is use that in the sentencing phase of the crime," said Echols.

The Oklahoma Survivors' Act, SB 1470, overwhelmingly passed in the House and Senate, it was then vetoed by Governor Kevin Stitt.

"It was a tough blow to the field when the bill got vetoed" said Beatty.

The governor said he was worried about the law being used as a loophole.

"You could have your 4th DUI going the wrong way on I-35, and kill a man, wife, and two kids, and then you could've brought up some psychological trauma from their childhood that was totally unrelated," said Governor Kevin Stitt.

Treat said he and Echols were aware of the concern.

"We were already working to fix those. We just didn't get agreement before that bill went to his desk," said the senator.

Echols and Treat have put the language in a different compromise bill, adding a crystal clear rule.

"I am in a relationship and I'm abused by my partner, I can't use that as a defense If I commit a crime against someone else," said Echols.

Echols and Treat said they have an agreement with Stitt to approve this bill.

"Oklahoma women need relief. And bills like this could absolutely be a step in the right direction," said Beatty.

This bill is already in the works in the Senate, will head to the Senate floor, then the House floor before landing on the governor's desk.