It was a busy week hearing numerous bills on the House floor.
My House Bill 1565 passed. This would require referrals received by the Department of Human Services (DHS) hotline alleging abuse or neglect towards a child to be immediately reported to the appropriate local law enforcement entity. Criminal investigations could then occur simultaneously to DHS investigations, so children can be better protected.
I was glad to see an acknowledgement of the good this should do by the state attorney general. He called this a “terrific bill” that streamlines requirements, and he thanked me and my Senate author, Sen. Darrell Weaver, for our efforts.
If this saves one child from being in an abusive or neglectful situation for one moment longer, it will be worth it.
On the other end of the spectrum, my Oklahoma Elder Exploitation and Abuse Act, House Bill 1566, also passed the House.
This measure would create a civil cause of action on behalf of family members who have a relative that has been either abused, exploited or neglected.
I have other legislation pending third-reading in the House. The deadline for these measures to be heard is March 27. We’ve passed 240 measures so far out of the House and have 246 available for consideration. That’s quite a reduced number from the 1,960 measures filed at the beginning of this year.
We also received news this week that a federal court has declared Oklahoma Human Services has fulfilled its obligations under the Pinnacle Plan, officially ending more than a decade of external oversight in child welfare reform in the state.
The Pinnacle Plan was a part of a legal settlement aimed at reforming Oklahoma’s foster care system. This shows the state has reached a significant milestone in improving foster care services. Since 2014, there has been a dramatic reduction in children in state custody – from more than 11,000 in 2014 to less than 5,800 in 2025.
At the same time, OHS has eliminated the use of shelters for the youngest children and reduced shelter use for older children. In the last decade, the department has established stronger policies and oversight to prevent maltreatment and ensure child well-being.
Of course, lawmakers will continue to work alongside OHS to ensure this work continues. It’s up to all of us to help ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving environment.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (405) 557-7350 or collin.duel@okhouse.gov if I can ever be of service to you.
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