Bill > HB2294

This bill amends Oklahoma state law regarding group homes, which are residential properties providing housing and support for individuals with developmental or physical disabilities. The key changes include modifying the language around the Department of Human Services' rulemaking authority, shifting from a mandate to a discretionary approach for creating rules about group home spacing and operations. The bill removes the requirement that the department "shall" create certain rules and replaces it with "may" create rules, giving the department more flexibility in establishing guidelines. The bill maintains existing provisions about group homes being permitted in residential zones and requires notification to nearby property owners before establishing a group home, while also preserving protections that prevent excessive local restrictions on such homes. The bill eliminates some specific language about rule content while still allowing the Department of Human Services to create regulations aimed at protecting residents' health, safety, and progress toward independent living. The changes appear designed to provide more administrative discretion in managing group home regulations, and the bill is set to become effective on November 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services, Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2294&Session=2600