Hamilton bills clear Senate committees
Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, secured approval from Senate committees for legislation aimed to offer additional protections for Oklahomans and enhance public safety within the state.
Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, secured approval from Senate committees for legislation aimed to offer additional protections for Oklahomans and enhance public safety within the state.
The Senate Public Safety Committee approved Senate Bill 599. The measure by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, provides that any person convicted of child sexual abuse crimes against a child under 14 shall be subject to the death penalty or life without parole on the first conviction, rather than after a subsequent offense.
“Under no circumstances should an individual who has been convicted of heinous child sexual abuse crimes be allowed back into our communities where they could inflict further harm on our youth,” Hamilton said. “Offenders convicted of such crimes against children must face uncompromising criminal punishments that reflect the severity of their actions. By strengthening our state laws to impose the death penalty or life without parole after their first offense, we are reaffirming that such crimes will be met with the full weight of justice, and that survivors of these crimes will be given the protection and justice they deserve.”
In addition to SB 599, Hamilton also secured the committee’s approval for Senate Bill 461, which ensures due process for law enforcement officers placed on a Brady-Giglio list.
“This legislation will ensure a fair and transparent process for officers placed on a Brady-Giglio list by requiring clear criteria, notice, and the opportunity for reconsideration,” Hamilton said. “By establishing a clear and fair process, we aim to encourage more individuals to join the profession, with the assurance that their rights will be protected.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Hamilton’s Senate Bill 925, which creates a felony for the crime of deed theft and establishes penalties for individuals who intentionally alter property documents with the intent to deceive or defraud.
“SB 925 will ensure that those who prey on Oklahoma property owners and commit deed theft are held accountable, while also implementing additional safeguards to protect Oklahoma homeowners’ hard-earned investments.”
Senate Bills 599, 461, and 925 will now advance to the full Senate for further consideration.
