Senate Bill No. 599 amends Section 1123 of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding lewd or indecent acts towards children. The bill modifies the scope of punishment for individuals convicted of making lewd proposals, engaging in inappropriate touching, or committing other sexual offenses against children under the age of sixteen. Notably, the bill introduces harsher penalties for offenders whose victims are under twelve years of age, allowing for punishment by death or imprisonment for a term of ten years to life, or life without parole, as opposed to the previous minimum of twenty-five years.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to sexual battery and outlines specific circumstances under which such acts are considered felonies, particularly when committed by individuals in positions of authority over the victim, such as school employees or foster parents. The legislation also establishes that any person convicted of a violation of this section will be subject to mandatory post-imprisonment supervision, further emphasizing the seriousness of these offenses. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-843.5
House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill: 21-843.5, 21-1123
Floor (House): 21-843.5, 21-1123
Floor (Senate): 21-843.5
Engrossed: 21-843.5
Amended And Engrossed: 21-843.5, 21-1123
Enrolled (final version): 21-1123
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Policy Committee Recommendation: 21-1123