On Wednesday, the Senate passed House Bill 3642 by a measure of 42 to zero to strengthen the state’s child pornography law. The changes include increased sentences and fines, as well as language to prosecute those using artificial intelligence to generate child pornography.
Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat is the author of the bill.
“Child predators are the worst of the worst in society. These are depraved individuals who, most often, cannot be rehabilitated and need to be behind bars. With the rise in artificial intelligence and other forms of technology, we need to strengthen our laws to proactively go after these individuals who want to harm children,” Treat said in a statement.
If HB 3642 becomes law, those convicted of child pornography crimes will face up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. The legislation also updates Oklahoma law to include computer-generated or altered images of children engage in explicit conduct.
That’s something Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond commends lawmakers for including in the bill.
“Child predators know all too well how to exploit rapid-fire advances in technology, which means our laws must be at least one step ahead. HB 3642 is necessary to broaden Oklahoma statutes so prosecutors have the necessary authority and tools to combat the evil that is child pornography. I am grateful to the Senate for swift approval of this measure and urge the Governor to sign it when it reaches his desk. We must do everything in our power to protect children now and in the future,” said Drummond.
House author of HB 3632, Representative Toni Hasenbeck agrees.
“There’s no doubt that artificial intelligence can be used to create terrifying and inappropriate content. By including AI-generated imagery in the definition of child pornography, the Legislature has taken an important step to safeguard our children in today’s digital age,” said Hasenbeck.
The bill now awaits Governor Stitt’s signature.
