State Rep. Fetgatter to pursue better protection for sexual assault victims after Henryetta tragedy

Fetgatter to Initiate Protection Law after Henryetta Tragedy

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 3rd) – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, in 2019 secured passage of a law to protect sexual assault victims from their predators. He's now pursuing legislation to better protect potential victims.

House Bill 1881 was named Kaylee's Law after a constituent in Fetgatter's House District 16. It directs the courts to issue orders of no contact from people convicted of sexual abuse or exploitation crimes to their victims. It was named for a young woman who received a birthday card, pictures and newspaper clippings talking about how beautiful she'd grown up to be from the man accused of sexually assaulting her while he was serving time in prison.

After this week's news of the horrific finding of seven bodies in Henryetta believed to be those of a convicted rapist, his wife and stepchildren and two unrelated teenage girls, Fetgatter said it is time he pursues a stronger law. This one must not only protect victims but potential victims as well, he said.

"I've moved from the initial grief and overwhelming sorrow I felt on learning the news of this terrible crime," Fetgatter said. "Now I'm angry. I'm furious this man was ever let out of prison with his conviction of rape and new charges of sexually soliciting a minor while he was still in state custody."

Oklahoma Republicans make big legislative gains

Today's election has handed Oklahoma Republicans some big gains in the state legislature.

STATE SENATE: +3
All three Democrat seats were taken by the GOP - SD1 (northeast corner), SD9 (Muskogee and Tahlequah), and SD13 (Ada area). All Republican seats were held. The State Senate is now 42 Republicans, 6 Democrats.

Senate Democrats can trade in the caucus van and now get a car.

STATE HOUSE: +4
Republicans picked up HD3, HD8, HD12, HD13, HD16, and HD19. Democrats picked up HD87 and HD93. The State House is now 75 Republicans, 26 Democrats.

Republican Scott Fetgatter announces for HD16

Okmulgee Businessman Announces Candidacy 

for State House District 16.

Citing a need to fight for smaller communities, Republican businessman and radio personality Scott Fetgatter announced his candidacy today for the state House.

"Through the years, job opportunities have dwindled in our state. Industry has moved away and poverty has increased. These challenges place pressure on families and on our schools."

"We need strong, conservative leadership in Oklahoma City to stem the tide. As a longtime small businessman and successful salesperson, I have spent years negotiating, marketing, managing programs and people, and building networks. These are the same skills I will use to root out new economic opportunities, improve our infrastructure, strengthen our schools and promote our rural towns."

A Republican, Fetgatter said "you can count on me to be a conservative champion in the state legislature."

"I will work every day to promote pro-growth policies, keep a watchful eye on our tax dollars, direct more money to our classrooms, protect the life of the unborn and defend our Second Amendment rights."

Fetgatter has been married to the former Kim Ballenger, a fourth generation Okmulgee native for 25 years. They have two grown children, Cody, a college student, and Meagan, who is pursuing a career in health care.

Contact the candidate at 918-759-0178, or visit his website and Facebook page.