The Oklahoma Survivors Act has become a hot-button issue in Tulsa County. Mainly, because since it was signed into law in 2024, all Tulsa County applicants have been denied, and Tulsa County is fighting each case.2 News spoke to Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler on why he has played a role in each of the cases, so far.We also spoke to Colleen McCarty, who has represented many of the Oklahoma Survivors Act applicants, and says she is partially motivated to run for Tulsa County District Attorney because of Kunzweilers offices handling of the cases.I think its a good law, said Kunzweiler.He does say that, but actions speak louder than words, said McCarty.Oklahoma Survivors Act at the crux of Tulsa Co. DA race Oklahoma Survivors Act at the crux of Tulsa Co. DA raceThe most notable Survivors Act case is April Wilkens. She has been incarcerated for 27 years for killing her boyfriend, who abused and stalked her for years.Kunzweiler says the applicants have to be able to prove their case with evidence.We would simply like anyone in an application case to follow procedure, you cant just jump to the end. Theres a reason for that. It mandates a hearing.McCarty simply does not believe Kunzweiler is taking this transactional approach.He has had a beef with the Survivors Act from the beginning because it wasnt his idea. And now that its happening and its happening against his will, hes going to do everything he can to stop it from being effective.McCarty says, in the Tulsa County cases, there has been evidence.There were protective orders, police calls, SANE exams, all of that, she said.Kunzweiler says, as a prosecutor, it is their responsibility to play a role in these hearings, even though it is not a requirement under the Oklahoma Survivors Act.I think the public ought to expect its District Attorney to weigh in on something as important as a homicide case, he said.McCarty said these women are not risks to the publicsome have health issues.They can do what we call a soft offense where they dont call in an expertthere are a lot of tactics he can take, theyre all within his discretion, she said.Its my duty, its my obligation and so Im going to uphold what the citizens of Tulsa County asked me to do, he said.Kunzweiler maintains he will take each one on a case-by-case basis.Ultimately, both agree, it is up to a judge to decide.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- 2 News Oklahoma on your schedule | Download on your TV, watch for free. How to watch on your streaming device Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube ...read more read less