Bill > SB803

This bill creates the Parental Rights Protection Act, which establishes a comprehensive set of protections for parents' rights in Oklahoma. The act introduces five key rights for parents: the right to due process (including written notification of any allegations), the right to family reunification (with a preference for placing children with relatives), the right to appeal decisions affecting parental rights, the right to access all evidence used in child welfare investigations, and the right to a fair investigation. The bill establishes significant consequences for state agencies or officials who violate these rights, including monetary penalties, civil liability, potential suspension or removal from office, and mandatory retraining. A new Parental Rights Review Board will be created to monitor compliance, review complaints, investigate claims, and recommend actions to protect parental rights. The board will be composed of appointees including legal experts, social workers, and family advocates, and will be required to submit an annual public report. The legislation also includes whistleblower protections for employees who report violations in good faith. Notably, the bill includes an emergency clause and is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, signaling the state's urgent commitment to protecting parental rights and ensuring accountability in child welfare proceedings.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb803&Session=2600