Senate Bill 1540 would make child grooming felony in Oklahoma

Senate Bill 1540 advances to criminalize child grooming in Oklahoma

A proposal to make child grooming a felony in Oklahoma is moving forward at the Capitol.

Senate Bill 1540, authored by Oklahoma Senator David Bullard, has advanced to the Senate floor after clearing the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senate Bill 1540 defines child grooming as felony offense

Under Senate Bill 1540, child grooming would be defined as an adult intentionally befriending or establishing an emotional connection with a minor — or with someone responsible for a minor’s health, safety or well-being — for the purpose of lowering the child’s inhibitions to eventually engage in lewd or sexual acts.

If enacted, the bill would make child grooming a felony in Oklahoma.

Full bill language and legislative updates are available through the Oklahoma State Senate.

Penalties under Senate Bill 1540

If convicted under Senate Bill 1540, a person could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Supporters say criminalizing grooming behavior would allow law enforcement to intervene earlier in cases involving potential sexual exploitation of minors.

Criminal statutes and sentencing guidelines are maintained by the Oklahoma State Courts Network.

Supporters cite need to protect children

Sen. Bullard said the goal of making child grooming a felony in Oklahoma is to stop predators before children are “severely and permanently” harmed.

The proposal comes amid broader legislative efforts aimed at addressing child exploitation and online targeting of minors.

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