The proposals were discussed during an interim study at the state Capitol on Thursday, Oct. 22. Lawmakers heard from agencies and advocates about the handling of reported and non-reported kits and ways to reduce delays.

Byron C. Smith, forensic operations manager for the Tulsa Police Department, said an unfunded 2019 law requiring DNA testing in all reported sexual assault cases more than doubled the annual volume of related laboratory requests. The resulting workload is one challenge behind efforts to speed testing, participants said.

A 180-day turnaround was among the recommendations presented. Rep. Cindy Roe, a Lindsay Republican, said she believes the goal is attainable if the state can place enough qualified staff in the right roles. She said she plans to meet with the agencies represented at the study and develop legislation based on their input.

Lawmakers also discussed a proposed $250,000 position to coordinate training and provide guidance to nurses, especially those in rural areas. Roe said the role could help recruit and train more nurses and support those who have not received specialized instruction in evidence collection.

Linda Terrell, vice chair of the SAFE Board, told lawmakers that sexual assault affects about one in three women and one in six men over their lifetimes. Roe also cited a figure of 853 reported sexual assaults per day in the United States as a reason to pursue policies that improve investigations and accountability.

The study did not produce legislation. Lawmakers said they would continue working with the agencies involved to develop proposals for the next legislative session, aiming to improve timely testing and access to trained evidence collectors across Oklahoma.