Oklahoma Legislators Pass Historic Increase in Funding
It’s the largest ever increase in victim services funding in state history.
Sand Springs, OK — In a landmark move to bolster support and access to services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, Oklahoma leaders passed the largest increase in victim services funding in state history. A collaborative effort between House and Senate leadership has secured an additional $10 million in appropriations, marking a 143% increase from the funding levels of the past two years.
This significant boost in funding is the result of diligent work by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, Speaker of the House Charles McCall, and Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee Kevin Wallace, who have prioritized the issue since last fall. Their diligent efforts have culminated in securing additional appropriations as well as the introduction and unanimous passage of Senate Bill 2039, both of which now await Governor Kevin Stitt’s signature.
Senate Pro Tem Treat shared in a release on May 28, 2024, “Throughout my tenure in the Senate, I have prioritized victims of the horrific crime of domestic violence. We must do all we can to help these individuals escape the cycle of abuse they are in. I want to thank my colleagues for demonstrating their support for victims of domestic violence with the unanimous vote in favor of this bill.”
SB 2039, also known as the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Revolving Fund, moves OK Attorney General-certified agencies’ funding formula into statute. The historic measure provides increased financial resources and ensures sustainable, equitable funding across the state. SB 2039 also includes support for previously unfunded certified agencies.
"Certified victim service agencies are doing great work in our state to help and support domestic and sexual violence victims,” Speaker Charles McCall said. “Throughout the budget process, making sure that these providers received necessary funding was a priority. I'm thankful that the House Budget Negotiating Team championed this effort during the negotiations."
Chairman Wallace echoed these sentiments, stating, “I'm thankful for victim service providers that help victims of domestic and sexual violence. Securing additional funding for such services was a priority this year in our appropriations process, and I'm glad legislators were able to deliver this needed support."
This forward-thinking legislation will fundamentally improve the way Oklahoma supports victim service agencies, saving countless lives and strengthening families. It meets a crucial need, as agencies have not received an increase in state allocated funds in over two decades and are facing the impact of a projected 42% decrease in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds.
“This is truly a transformative moment for victim services in Oklahoma,” said Leslie Clingenpeel, Executive Director of The Spring. “With the additional funding and statutory protections provided by SB 2039, we can deliver more efficient and immediate services to Oklahomans in need, ensuring no one is left behind. Thank you to our legislators for their shared commitment in supporting and protecting our state’s most vulnerable victims of abuse.”
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, contact The Spring via our 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at (918) 245-4075 to be connected with an advocate today.
The Spring is a proud member of End Violence Oklahoma (EVO), a network of front-line providers who together make up the statewide voice for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children in Oklahoma. With 30+ member organizations providing direct services to survivors throughout Oklahoma, together we work towards ending domestic and sexual violence in our state. The initiative was formed following the dissolution of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (OCADVSA).
