Oklahoma bill aims to crack down on strip clubs by requiring exotic entertainers get licensed
By Dacoda Wahpekeche
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Oklahoma lawmakers pushed forward a bill that would crack down on strip clubs and require licenses for exotic entertainers in the state.
Lawmakers say House Bill 3832, authored by state Rep. Stan May, is an attempt to stop human trafficking in Oklahoma.
“It’s meant to curb human trafficking. That’s what the intent of the bill will be,” May, R-Broken Arrow, said.
May said tackling human trafficking means tighter regulation on adult entertainment through the “Entertainer Safety and Verification Act.” He told KOCO 5 that he knows at least two victims in the area he serves.
“Both were trafficked at the age of 12 by their parents. In order to escape their situations, maybe they run away, but now they have nothing to fall back on, and they wind up in the same trap.”
The proposed bill defines an exotic entertainer as anyone performing live in a sexually oriented business, “including dancing, stripping.” May wants those entertainers to be licensed through Oklahoma’s Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) commission.
People wanting to be adult entertainers wouldn’t be able to get a license unless that person is a 21-year-old citizen without any felony convictions.
Legislators on both sides of the aisle showed early support for House Bill 3832.
“It’s a very interesting topic for this building,” state Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa, said.
“I like this. I’ll be in support, but I also know we’re going after the business owners,” state Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, added.
Numerous lawmakers discussed ensuring there are consequences for business owners involved in human trafficking.
“What the police need to have is photo IDs so when you raid those places you can immediately arrest the owner and shut the operation down,” May said. “Right now, you have to go get a search warrant. And by the time they’d get back, they’d move them to the next spot.”
The bill in its current form would give those business owners felonies for violations. The entertainers would get misdemeanors.
Heavy amendments to House Bill 3832 are expected as lawmakers try to get it through the Capitol.
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