In Oklahoma, there is a concerning allowance that sets the state apart from many others: convicted sex offenders are permitted to reside with their minor children, stepchildren, and grandchildren, as long as these children were not direct victims of their previous crimes. This situation raises significant concerns about the safety and welfare of minors in Oklahoma. Other states have taken preventative measures to ensure convicted sex offenders do not have such easy access to children, yet Oklahoma’s laws remain lax in this critical area.

A thorough study commissioned by the Department of Justice, known as the Sex Offender Management Assessment and Planning Initiative, revealed a staggering statistic: the sexual recidivism rate for convicted sex offenders stands at 24 percent after 15 years. This means that nearly a quarter of individuals who have committed sex offenses once are likely to reoffend, presenting an ongoing risk to society’s most vulnerable members—our children.

With this knowledge, it becomes imperative to take legislative action to protect minors in Oklahoma. We call upon state lawmakers to reform these outdated statutes to prevent any convicted sex offender from having unsupervised access to or living arrangements with any person under the age of 18. The goal is not only to protect individual families but to uphold the safety of all children across the state.

Concrete legislative action could involve thorough monitoring, regular check-ins by social services, and more stringent residential restrictions for those convicted of sex offenses. By implementing such common-sense laws, Oklahoma can safeguard its young population and bring its standards up to par with those of other states.

Your voice is essential in urging the Oklahoma state legislature to adopt these crucial reforms. Join us in advocating for the safety and well-being of our children by signing this petition. Together, we can initiate meaningful change and help ensure that Oklahoma’s minors are safeguarded against potential harm. Please sign and share this petition widely to create a safer environment for all children.