Bill > HB1731

This bill amends Oklahoma's child endangerment law to clarify and expand the circumstances under which a person can be charged with child endangerment. The bill specifically adds the word "impaired" to the existing provision about driving with a child while violating traffic laws, which broadens the potential scenarios for prosecution. The law continues to define child endangerment as actions like knowingly permitting physical or sexual abuse of a child, allowing a child to be present where controlled dangerous substances are being manufactured, permitting a child to be in a vehicle with an intoxicated operator, or driving while impaired with a child in the vehicle. The bill maintains an affirmative defense if the parent or guardian had a reasonable fear that intervention would result in substantial bodily harm. The bill also preserves the existing exemption for parents who use spiritual means for treatment, and retains the current penalty of up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000 for violations. The legislation is set to become effective on November 1, 2025, providing clarity and potentially increased protection for children in potentially dangerous situations.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1731&Session=2600