Oklahoma law requires oversight of programs serving human trafficking victims

The Attorney General must set certification standards for human trafficking shelters and programs. These rules cover human trafficking shelters, programs, and private facilities offering trafficking services in Oklahoma. Listed health professionals and clergy working individually in private practice are exempt from certification. Services offered by the four listed state health, corrections, and human services agencies are exempt from certification and standards. The Attorney General may charge applicants $150. Certified programs must cooperate with inspections and submit required reports. Programs may lose certification after notice and a hearing. The Attorney General or a district attorney may seek a court order against programs that violate the law or the Attorney General's orders. The Attorney General may grant certification for three years, with renewal under the office's rules.

The Attorney General must arrange shelter and other services and operate a statewide, 24-hour information line for covered victims. Human trafficking victims are among those covered. The phone line explains immediate steps, available services, and legal rights. Programs receiving money through the Attorney General under certification or a contract must follow the office's rules. Covered case records may be released with written consent or a court order for good cause after private review. An authorized representative may consent if the client has died or has a disability. Information collected for Attorney General oversight is confidential. Except as state or federal confidentiality laws allow, identifying information cannot be disclosed; public reporting must use anonymous data.

Certain Victims Services Unit funding must go only to programs operating shelters when the county meets the stated conditions. Covered programs provide domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking services, or treatment for people who commit domestic abuse. The county must have more than one covered program, and at least one must operate a shelter. The restriction applies only to money collected under the two funding laws named in this section.

Human trafficking shelters may provide emergency shelter and care to eligible pregnant girls and mothers under 18. This covers girls under 18 who are pregnant or biological mothers and have not been legally freed from parental control. The girl must be a victim of domestic abuse or human trafficking, or seek relief from domestic abuse for herself or her children. An emergency must pose an immediate danger to her physical health or safety or that of her children. For eligible mothers who have run away from a parent or guardian, shelters and operators giving this care in good faith are exempt from the state law cited as Section 856. Care may last up to 30 days unless a court orders continued services or the girl's parent or guardian consents.

Oklahoma courts must allow expert testimony about human trafficking when a party offers evidence of trafficking. The rule applies in Oklahoma state court cases. Experts may explain how trafficking affects a person's beliefs, behavior, and perceptions. A party in the court case must offer evidence of human trafficking.