This bill amends existing Oklahoma law regarding the definitions and penalties associated with sex crimes, specifically focusing on the circumstances under which certain acts are classified as rape and sexual battery. Notably, the bill expands the definition of "employee of a school system" to include school resource officers, thereby increasing the legal protections for students under the supervision of school employees. The amendments to Section 1111 clarify that sexual intercourse with a student by an employee of a school system, including school resource officers, constitutes rape if the student is between the ages of sixteen and twenty and under the legal custody or supervision of a school.

Additionally, the bill revises Section 1123 to enhance penalties for individuals committing lewd acts against children under sixteen years of age, establishing stricter consequences for repeat offenders. The legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, particularly minors, from sexual exploitation and abuse by individuals in positions of authority, such as school employees and foster parents. An emergency clause is included, allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-1111, 21-1123