Senate votes to raise age of consent

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, received overwhelming approval for his legislation to raise the age of consent from 16 to 18. Senate Bill 615 aims to protect minors from predation by giving them two additional years of legal protection.

“It is our duty to protect Oklahoma’s children. Countless sickening instances have occurred across the state with predators targeting 16- and 17-year-old children and escaping legal ramifications because of the current age of consent,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton shared his appreciation for his colleagues who supported the measure.

“This is a step in the right direction for our state,” Hamilton said. “While we still have much work to do to ensure that no child becomes a victim to predation or sex-related crimes, I appreciate my colleagues for recognizing the importance and urgent nature of putting this protection in place for teens across our state.”

SB 615 is now eligible for consideration by the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, serves as the principal author.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Warren Hamilton at 405-521-5604, or email Warren.Hamilton@oksenate.gov.