Senator Thompson Passes Bills Strengthening Sexual Assault Reporting, Student Protections

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, today received passage of two bills that strengthen reporting requirements for potential sexual offenses by ensuring law enforcement is promptly notified of complaints that could require sex offender registration and by requiring school employees to quickly report suspected abuse or misconduct involving students.

Both pieces of legislation are supported by the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council.

Senate Bill 1730 requires law enforcement to forward a prepared report to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) within one month when they receive a complaint that, if substantiated, would require someone to register as a sex offender, including key details about the allegation, even if no arrest is made.

Senate Bill 1730 passed off the Senate floor with a vote of 37-to-6.

“Sex offenders are violent predators, who oftentimes prey on vulnerable individuals,” Senator Thompson said. “By ensuring the OSBI is notified of these allegations, we can strengthen investigations and help bring criminals to justice. This legislation also prevents evidence of previous sexual misconduct from falling through the cracks.”

Senate Bill 1733 requires public and private school employees to report suspected sexual abuse, assault or misconduct involving a student to law enforcement within 24 hours before any school investigation begins. It mandates districts notify law enforcement of improper staff-student communication on approved platforms and requires annual staff acknowledgment of mandatory child abuse reporting responsibilities.

Senate Bill 1733 passed off the Senate floor with a vote of 44-to-0.

“Protecting our children and properly investigating allegations of sexual misconduct must always be a top priority,” Senator Thompson said. “School administrators do a great job managing schools, but they are not investigators. Law enforcement officials follow a specific protocol and chain of command during investigative process to ensure evidence isn’t mishandled and any allegations can be proven in a court of law. This will provide better accountability when these situations arise.”

Both measures now move to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for consideration.

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