OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to address a growing trend of cybercrime unanimously passed the House on Wednesday with a vote of 92 to 0.

House Bill 1759, authored by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, updates language in the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act to better address computer security threats that continue to evolve.

“Oklahoma’s economy is becoming more digital and more reliant on technology by the minute,” Ranson said. “It just makes sense that our laws would continue to adapt so that we can continue to protect small businesses.”

Cybercrime, such as ransomware where criminals deny access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid, threatens the livelihood of nonprofits, businesses, individuals, and governments.

“This legislation came from conversations with computer security experts,” Ranson said. “There are people who choose to use computers to harm people. With this bill, we can fight back and ensure fewer Oklahomans become victim to cybercrime.”

HB1759 is now eligible to be heard in the Senate.

Ranson’s office can be reached at (405)557-7411 or [email protected].