Bill No. 53, introduced by Senators Rader and West, seeks to amend Oklahoma law regarding child sexual abuse material and related offenses by replacing the term "pornography" with "sexual abuse material" throughout various sections. This change aims to provide a more accurate reflection of the offenses and updates definitions related to child abuse, sexual exploitation, and harmful materials to ensure consistency in legal language. The bill emphasizes the protection of minors and clarifies the legal framework surrounding child sexual abuse and exploitation.

In addition to the terminology updates, the bill establishes severe penalties for individuals convicted of child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse, including potential life imprisonment for those who knowingly possess 100 or more separate visual depictions of sexual abuse material. It also mandates that convicted individuals register as sex offenders and includes provisions for post-imprisonment supervision for certain offenders. The bill aims to strengthen legal protections for minors and enhance penalties for those who exploit or abuse them, with the changes set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-843.5, 21-1040.12a, 21-1024.1
Floor (Senate): 21-843.5, 21-1040.12a, 21-1024.1
Engrossed: 21-843.5, 21-1040.12a, 21-1024.1