OKLAHOMA CITY -- A proposal which tightens the state's domestic violence laws, increases the punishment for possession of child pornography and prohibits sex offenders from legally driving ice cream trucks was signed by Governor Brad Henry, its Senate author said this past week.

The measure -- Senate Bill 1020 -- was authored by state Sen. Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman.

Nichols said the bill would change existing law, making a first offense of domestic abuse a felony when a "prior pattern of conduct" could be established. He said the proposal also increases the punishment for aggravated possession of child pornography and was amended to prevent sex offenders from legally driving ice cream trucks.

"By signing this measure, the governor has made a real difference in the lives of Oklahomans who need help and protection," Nichols said. "The epidemic of domestic abuse is a blight on our state, and it's imperative that we create stronger sentences so these serious crimes will carry the serious punishments they deserve."

Along with stronger penalties for domestic abuse, Nichols said the bill corrects a loophole in state law which had previously listed possession of child pornography as a misdemeanor.

Under SB 1020, Nichols said all sections of state law now list the crime of child porn possession as a felony.

He said aggravated possession of child pornography would apply in cases where a person possesses more than 100 photographic images of child porn. The measure increases the penalty for possession of child pornography to as much as 20 years in prison, and also requires anyone convicted of child porn to register as a sex offender.

"It's imperative that we do everything in our power to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation of children," Nichols said. "These heinous crimes demand a pro-active approach from the Legislature and law enforcement officials, and they must carry the serious punishments they deserve."

Nichols said the measure also was amended to include language by state Sen. J. Paul Gumm, D-Durant.

The bill criminalizes the operation of an ice cream truck by a sex offender, with a punishment of up to two and a half years in prison and a possible fine. Gumm said the measure was drafted in response to a number of high profile cases throughout the nation.

In Oklahoma, the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault said more than 340,000 women are beaten on a regular basis. In 2006, the state ranked seventh in the nation with 33 domestic violence-related homicides. According to the Violence Policy Center, Oklahoma ranks 10th nationally in the rate of women murdered by men.

M. Scott Carter 366-3545 scarter@normantranscript.com