Bill > HB3656

This bill amends existing Oklahoma law concerning mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect to include "hazing," which is defined as having the same meaning as in Section 1190 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, as a reportable incident. This means that the Department of Human Services will establish a centralized hotline for reporting hazing incidents, and individuals, including school employees, who have reason to believe a child under eighteen is a victim of hazing must report it immediately to the Department and, in the case of school employees, also to local law enforcement. The bill also clarifies that school employees must report hazing incidents involving students eighteen or older to local law enforcement. Furthermore, it reinforces that no privilege or contract can exempt anyone from reporting hazing, and employers cannot retaliate against employees who report hazing in good faith. Failure to report hazing or interfering with reporting can result in criminal charges, with prolonged knowledge of ongoing hazing leading to more severe penalties. The bill will become effective on November 1, 2026.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3656&Session=2600