The bill amends Oklahoma's laws concerning child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, particularly focusing on Class A1 offenses. It introduces new definitions and modifies existing ones, including the addition of specific acts such as domestic abuse against pregnant women and sexual abuse of children under twelve. The bill also repeals previous versions of Section 843.5 related to child abuse and neglect, updating statutory references and language to reflect these changes. Furthermore, it establishes an affirmative defense for individuals accused of enabling child abuse or neglect under certain circumstances, such as experiencing domestic violence, and allows for retroactive application of new penalties for offenses committed before November 1, 2026.

In addition to addressing child abuse, the bill revises the terminology surrounding child sexual exploitation by replacing "pornography" with "sexual abuse material." It expands the definitions related to child sexual exploitation to include trafficking and solicitation, while clarifying the responsibilities of individuals responsible for a child's welfare. The bill also repeals two previous sections of law concerning child sexual offenses, indicating a significant legal shift aimed at enhancing protections for children and holding caregivers accountable for abuse or exploitation. The new provisions are set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-843.5