Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole, last week earned passage of a bill that updates the definition of material harmful to minors and would increase penalties for those who display obscene material to minors.

House Bill 2535 provides the definition of “harmful to minors” as used to determine obscenity and child pornography would be the same definition used in state statutes related to the display of materials harmful to minors.

The bill would modify the penalty for the display of material harmful to minors by providing for imprisonment for up to one year in the county jail and increases the fine from $500 to up to $1,000 for a first offense. The penalty for second and subsequent offenses is increased from a misdemeanor to a felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and up to a $5,000 fine.

“Anybody that intentionally perpetuates obscene and pornographic materials to children should face stronger penalties, and this does that,” Williams said. “It is hoped this will really help us fight the dissemination of pornography to children.”

The request for the bill came from the District Attorneys Council, which said the penalties for second offenses were not stringent enough, Williams said.

HB 2535 passed the House 73-16 along party lines on March 23. It has moved to the state Senate where it is authored by Sen. Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah.