Oklahoma House Committee Approves Tougher Sex Offender Law

Some Oklahoma lawmakers are working to crackdown on sex offenders.

Legislation approved this week by a House committee would ban rapists from living near schools, child care centers, playgrounds, or parks.

The legislation would include anyone convicted of molesting those under the age of 18. Current law imposes the ban only if the victim is younger than 13.

"A pedophile who rapes a 14- or 15-year-old youth is just a dangerous as one who targets younger children," said Rep. Josh Cockroft, R-Tecumseh. "Sadly, the abuse often begins at an early age and last for years. We should not allow a technicality to give pedophiles access to schools or playgrounds where they can victimize other children."

The bill now goes to the full house.