Oklahoma has tightened the noose on sexual misconduct in schools with a new measure ensuring that school resource officers and security guards are held to the same legal standards as other school employees. Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, gave thanks to the governor for signing the so-called Student Protection from Rape Bill into law, a move that aims to close a loophole in the existing statute.
Previously, resource officers and contracted security personnel weren't classified as school employees under Oklahoma's rape laws—a gap that briefly, some cases of sexual misconduct might not have been properly addressed. Turner, whose House Bill 1995 is his first piece of legislation to become law, believes the change is pivotal. "This is a loophole that has existed in state law for these contracted employees," he explained, according to the Oklahoma House. "But should they have inappropriate sexual contact with a student, this ensures they will face the same charges and punishment as a school employee."
The specifics of HB1995 state that school resource officers and security guards, often funded by outside grants and employed through law enforcement agencies, will now be considered in the same light as directly hired school personnel when it involves allegations of rape against students.
The bill enjoyed bipartisan support and was shepherded through the Senate by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, who worked diligently to quickly secure its passage. Reflecting the urgency of protecting students, HB1995 includes an emergency clause, making it effective without the need to further delay. "We're hopeful people in these positions would never take advantage of the trust and authority granted them when it comes to youth under their care," Turner added, as noted by the Oklahoma House.
