Bill No. 445 amends Oklahoma's laws regarding the age of consent and the definition of rape. The bill increases the age of consent for sexual intercourse from sixteen (16) to eighteen (18) years. It modifies the criteria for certain offenses, including the circumstances under which an act is considered rape, such as when the victim is under eighteen years of age or when the perpetrator is more than four years older than the victim. Additionally, the bill updates statutory language and clarifies the definitions of employees of institutions of higher education in relation to sexual offenses.

The bill also removes previous legal language that allowed for certain consensual acts with individuals over the age of fourteen (14) and under the age of eighteen (18) to be exempt from rape charges, thereby tightening the legal framework surrounding consent. An emergency clause is included, allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, emphasizing the urgency of the changes to protect minors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-1111
Committee Substitute: 21-1111
Floor (Senate): 21-1111
Engrossed: 21-1111