The Oklahoma Senate has approved legislation that makes looting a felony in Oklahoma.
The Senate passed the measure 36-1 Tuesday evening and sent it to the House for consideration.
The measure by Republican Sen. Anthony Sykes of Moore elevates the crime of looting from a misdemeanor offense to a felony, with a penalty for violations ranging from two to seven years in prison.
Sykes says the measure is a response to incidents of looting after a massive tornado destroyed homes and business in Moore last May.
Authorities say at least five people were accused of disturbing a disaster area in Moore after the deadly May 20 tornado. That includes one who was accused of stealing morphine from a damaged area.
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