Bill > SB1322

This bill modifies Oklahoma's laws regarding child abuse and neglect reporting by making several key changes to the state's child abuse hotline procedures. The legislation prohibits anonymous reports of suspected child abuse, requiring individuals making reports to provide their name, telephone number, and home address, with specific provisions for cases involving serious risk of imminent harm. The bill mandates that hotline workers request and store detailed information about the suspected abuse, including specific facts that led to the suspicion. Additionally, the bill requires that hotline call recordings be retained for twelve months, and if a report leads to an investigation, the recording must be kept as part of the case file. The legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting the identity of reporting parties by requiring redaction of identifying information when disclosures are made, while also maintaining strict confidentiality. The bill reinforces existing protections for individuals who report suspected child abuse, ensuring they cannot be discriminated against or retaliated against by employers, and it maintains criminal penalties for knowingly making false reports or failing to report suspected child abuse. The changes aim to improve the state's child protection system by ensuring more comprehensive and accountable reporting processes, with the new provisions set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1322&Session=2600