Bill > SB1570

This bill establishes the Department of Child Safety and Wellbeing, which will take over all powers, duties, and employees from the Child Welfare Services Division of the Department of Human Services and the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) starting July 1, 2027. A transition plan will be developed by the Commissioner of the new department, the Director of Human Services, and the Executive Director of OJA to ensure an orderly transfer of resources, property, and functions. The new department will be led by a Commissioner, who is the chief executive officer, appointed and removable by the Board of Child Safety and Wellbeing. This Board, composed of nine members appointed by the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House, will have experience in areas like social work, child welfare, and juvenile justice, and will be responsible for appointing the Commissioner, promulgating rules, supervising the department, and approving its budget. The bill also specifies that administrative rules related to these services will be transferred to the new department by September 1, 2026, and that the Child Welfare Services Division of Human Services, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and the Board of Juvenile Affairs will be abolished upon completion of the transfers. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2026, with an emergency clause to allow for immediate implementation.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1570&Session=2600