Ceremonial Bill Signing for Bill Aimed at Combating Child Sex Abuse Material

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Kevin Stitt recently held a ceremonial signing of HB3936, which updates current law with clear and concise language that will help prosecute crimes related to child sexual abuse.

The term “child sexual abuse material” more accurately captures the nature of the material and the sexual exploitation of minors and better encompasses multiple media formats such as images, videos, and other digital content.

The bill was authored by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa and Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore.

“With this new law, we are moving away from the ‘you know it when you see it’ mindset and embedding clear and concise language into law that helps prosecute child predators,” Provenzano said. “The words ‘child pornography’ imply a child is able to consent. We know that a child cannot consent, and this law puts the emphasis on the crime committed against the child, not the child themselves. The ceremonial signing of this bill comes at an apt time, a day after July 30, which is ‘World Day Against Human Trafficking.’”

The bill was originally suggested by The Demand Project, a nonprofit organization that works to eradicate human trafficking, online enticement, child sexual abuse material, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Child sexual abuse material has significant impact on child trafficking demand.

“Changing ‘Child Pornography’ to ‘Child Sexual Abuse Material’ is vital as it eliminates any implication of consent and underscores the severity of these crimes,” said The Demand Project CEO and Co-Founder Kristin Weis. “This bill ensures our laws reflect the true nature of these heinous acts and prioritize the protection of children.”

Rep. Provenzano worked with Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, on the bill.

“This bill marks a significant shift in our legal terminology, one that reflects the gravity and true nature of the crimes we’re combatting,” Weaver said. “During my time as director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, we continually worked to take action against those who commit sexual crimes and partake in human trafficking. I am adamantly opposed to such exploitation and abuse and was proud to have a role in sending this bill to the governor’s desk.”