A measure protecting Oklahoma's children and clarifying Oklahoma's "Romeo and Juliet" law has been sent to the governor's desk.

House Bill 1003, authored by Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, increases the age threshold for statutory rape from 16 to 18 years old. It also preserves protections under the state's "Romeo and Juliet" law, meaning young people who engage in consensual sexual activity with someone under 18 would not be charged with rape if the age difference between them is less than four years.

"House Bill 1003 protects young Oklahomans without criminalizing teenagers who are growing up together," Olsen said. "This bill maintains our responsibility to shield minors from exploitation while still showing grace to young people in close-in-age relationships. I am grateful for the work of my Senate coauthor, Senator Warren Hamilton, as well as Representative Tim Turner, to pass this bill and I appreciate their collaboration."

Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, was a coauthor of the bill.

"House Bill 1003 is one more tool to protect our children from grooming and trafficking. Our children deserve as much protection as we can provide. I appreciate Senator Hamilton and Representative Olsen for allowing me to be part of this bill and believe that we are one step closer to protecting our children."

The bill also removes an age qualifier to clarify that sex between a school employee and a student under the age of 20 is considered rape.

The Senate amendments to HB1003 passed the House 60-21 on Thursday. The measure now moves to the governor for consideration.