OKLAHOMA CITY — Legislation co-authored by Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, to impose stricter consequences on the most dangerous sex offenders has passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
House Bill 2422 would authorize courts to order chemical treatment for offenders convicted of raping or molesting children under the age of 13. The bill passed committee Monday with strong support.
“These aren’t people who made a mistake or had a lapse in judgment — these are monsters among us,” Gollihare said. “They prey on the most vulnerable and innocent among us: our children. We owe it to Oklahoma families to do absolutely everything in our power to protect them from such heinous acts of torture and potential lifelong trauma.”
Under this legislation, courts may require chemical treatment, commonly known as chemical castration, as a condition of parole or release. The treatment is already reversible, non-invasive, and used in other jurisdictions to lower recidivism among high-risk offenders.
“This isn’t about punishment. It’s about prevention,” Gollihare said. “This treatment reduces the drive to reoffend. When a man rapes a child, especially after already being convicted once, there should be no question that they’ve forfeited their right to walk free without strict conditions.”
The bill includes due process protections and applies to offenders convicted of violent crimes against children under 13.
“Some things cross a line so clearly, so violently, that they demand a stronger response. If we won’t protect our kids, then we are complicit in their suffering. It is time to stand up and take decisive action. We are drawing a line in the sand — and if you harm a child in this state, you will face real consequences.”
House Bill 2422 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
