Oklahoma is close to changing its statutory rape laws with the advancement of House Bill 1003. The bill proposes raising the age of consent from 16 to 18 while keeping a “Romeo and Juliet” exception for close-in-age relationships. It was authored by Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland) and has passed the House. It now awaits the governor’s decision, as per the Oklahoma House of Representatives release.
The bill allows consensual sexual activity between teens if the age difference between them is four years or less. This exception aims to prevent criminal charges in close-in-age situations.
The bill also clarifies that any sexual relationship between a school employee and a student under the age of 20 would be legally defined as rape. This change addresses concerns about misconduct involving authority figures in schools.
The House approved the Senate’s amendments to the bill in a 60-21 vote. If signed by the governor, the bill will become law.
