Senate Gives GPS Protection Use 47-0 Vote

On a 47-0 bipartisan vote, the Senate today approved a bill that would authorize the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to protect domestic abuse victims.

Authored by State Senator Debbe Leftwich, Senate Bill 2163 now goes to Governor Henry for approval.

Leftwich, an Oklahoma City Democrat, said the plan makes smart use of existing technology to better protect Oklahoma citizens.

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Leftwich's GPS Tracking Bill Gets Senate Approval

A bill proposing the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) to protect domestic abuse victims passed by a unanimous vote today in the Oklahoma State Senate. Authored by Senator Debbe Leftwich, D-OKC, Senate Bill 2163 uses available technology to better protect Oklahoma citizens.

Leftwich said using all available resources and cutting-edge technologies to make Oklahoma safer is responsible government.

“I truly believe this law will provide a higher level of defense and protection to victims of domestic abuse and violence,” Leftwich said. “Too many victims continue to be harassed and preyed upon even after successfully obtaining a court-issued restraining order against their abusers.”

Leftwich said the GPS devices, which will be issued by court order to violent offenders who have repeatedly violated protection orders, will automatically notify both the law enforcement officials, employers and the victim should a violent predator breach geographic boundaries set by the court.

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Senate Panel Approves Domestic Abuse Measure

A bill proposing the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) to protect domestic abuse victims passed out of the Judiciary Committee today. Senator Debbe Leftwich, author of Senate Bill 2163, said the bill makes smart use of available technology.

Leftwich, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, said, "This law utilizes the power of cutting-edge technology to provide a higher level of defense and protection to victims of domestic abuse in Oklahoma. Too many victims continue to be harassed and preyed upon even after successfully obtaining a court-issued restraining order against their abusers.”

Leftwich said the GPS devices will also be court-issued and will automatically notify both the authorities and the victim should an offender violate geographic boundaries set by the court.
Offenders will also be responsible for the expense of the GPS bracelet, which is estimated to cost $4.50 per person per day.

Marcia Smith, executive director of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said her agency is highly supportive of the Leftwich bill because it can help prevent future violence and abuse from happening.

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