Bill No. 445 amends existing Oklahoma law 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 of age, thereby modifying the criteria under which certain offenses are classified. Additionally, it updates statutory language and modifies elements of specific offenses, including the circumstances under which a person can be convicted of rape. For instance, the bill specifies that no person can be convicted of rape if the act involved someone who is sixteen (16) years of age or older, provided that the older person is not more than four (4) years older than the younger individual involved.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions related to employees of institutions of higher education and their interactions with students, ensuring that certain relationships are governed by the updated age of consent. The bill also declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval. This legislative change aims to enhance protections for minors and ensure that consent laws reflect current societal standards.

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