Senator Hamilton Commends Governor Stitt for Signing Senate Bill 599 into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, issued the following statement after Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 599 into law over the weekend.

Senate Bill 599 strengthens Oklahoma’s legal response to heinous crimes against children. The new law grants prosecutors the authority to pursue the death penalty for individuals convicted of child rape on a first offense. Additionally, it allows judges to sentence individuals found guilty of lewd molestation of a child under the age of 14 to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

“Oklahoma is sending a clear and unequivocal message, crimes against our most vulnerable citizens, our children, will be met with the harshest consequences,” Senator Hamilton said. “I deeply appreciate Governor Stitt for signing this crucial legislation. His action reaffirms our state’s commitment to justice and to protecting children from predators who, frankly, don’t deserve a second chance. Praise be to God for having a hand in ensuring the right decisions were made in getting this across the finish line.

“I’m thankful for the dedication of House author, Representative Tim Turner and the Senate and House staff who worked tirelessly to advance this legislation. I am also eternally grateful to the District Attorney’s Council, especially Ryan Stephenson, who was personally invested in this measure. After his review, he made recommendations to make it one of the toughest in the nation. Together, we have taken a major step to ensure that pedophiles who commit these unspeakable acts are held fully accountable and are prevented from ever harming another child.

Senate Bill 599 positions Oklahoma among the states with the toughest penalties for child sex offenses.

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