The Oklahoma State Senate unanimously approved a measure by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, to prohibit marriage before the age of 18.

Hamilton stated he filed Senate Bill 504 to continue the state’s efforts to protect children from exploitation, following his successful legislative initiative in 2025 to raise the state’s age of consent from 16 to 18.

“Eliminating the ability to marry before the age of 18 ensures that no child is forced into a marriage or a relationship that is not safe for them,” Hamilton said. “This is another step to protect minors from predators that seek to subject them to human trafficking or other forms of harm.”

Current state law permits 16- and 17-yearolds to marry with parental consent. Hamilton’s legislation would eliminate this provision to ensure that no minor is able to marry.

“Oklahoma children deserve to grow up free from coercion and exploitation, and it is our duty to ensure such protections are in place. This legislation closes harmful loopholes and ensures no minor, even those nearing adulthood, is placed in a marriage that puts their safety at risk,” Hamilton added.

Senate Bill 504 now advances to the House of Representatives, where it is authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, REdmond.

Upon SB 504 becoming law, Oklahoma will join more than a dozen states that have outlawed child marriage since 2018.