Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1407

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Report Pass
2/8/24  
Refer
2/8/24  
Report Pass
2/28/24  
Engrossed
3/13/24  
Refer
3/25/24  
Refer
3/26/24  

Caption

Department of Public Safety; creating Oklahoma child abduction response teams. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The creation of OCARTs will facilitate better collaboration between federal, state, tribal, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies along with social services. Coordination among these entities is expected to lead to enhanced tracking and management of abduction situations. The bill authorizes the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) as a tool for law enforcement agencies during responses to verified abductions. Additionally, it creates mechanisms for accepting donations and establishing policies to support the OCART program, indicating a holistic approach to solve the issue of child abduction in Oklahoma.

Summary

Senate Bill 1407 establishes the Oklahoma Child Abduction Response Teams (OCARTs), aimed at improving the law enforcement response to child abductions. The bill underscores the critical nature of quick and organized responses during such emergencies, as timely interventions are associated with higher chances of a positive outcome. It also designates the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety as the overseeing authority for creating and managing these response teams. This legislative action is highlighted by the belief that child abduction poses a severe threat to the safety and health of the state's minors.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB 1407 appears to be positive, reflecting a collective legislative effort to address child abductions effectively. Various stakeholders in the community see the formation of OCARTs as a valuable advancement in child safety measures. The swift passage of the bill indicates strong bipartisan support, emphasizing that lawmakers prioritize the safety of children in emergency situations. Nonetheless, the implementation will depend significantly on the training and preparedness of the involved agencies.

Contention

While SB 1407 has garnered favorable sentiment overall, there may be underlying concerns regarding the operational aspects of OCARTs. Questions about the adequacy of funding, the training of personnel, and the coordination of multiple agencies may arise as the bill progresses into implementation. The appropriation of $300,000 aims to support the new program, but further discussions may be necessary to ensure that all agencies involved feel equipped to handle the expanded responsibilities mandated by the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB37

Service Oklahoma; transferring and providing duties and responsibilities; directing apportionments. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1077

Public health and safety; creating the Kasey Alert Act; directing the Department of Public Safety to develop a Kasey Alert system; codification; effective date.

OK SB623

Motor vehicles; modifying references to Service Oklahoma. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1928

Public health and safety; Hazard Mitigation Financial Assistance; clarifying definitions; changing name of Department of Civil Emergency Management; funds; effective date.

OK HB1654

Public safety; creating the Oklahoma First Responders Act of 2023; effective date.

OK SB701

Oklahoma Children's Code; modifying definitions. Effective date.

OK HB1837

Motor vehicles; modifying name of responsible agency; modifying length of issuance for commercial learner permits; repealer; effective date; emergency.

OK SB492

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; creating the Wildfire Reimbursement Revolving Fund. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2656

Public health and safety; director; Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security; emergency powers of Governor; emergency proclamations; legislative approval; effective date.

OK HB2176

Oklahoma Accelerator Program; revolving fund; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

OK SB1612

Law enforcement unification; creating the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Unification, Recruitment, and Retention Act of 2022; creating the Board of Public Safety. Effective date.

OK HJR1056

Joint Resolution; Article V Convention; amendments to the U.S, Constitution and a gathering of the states in preparation for Article V Convention; termination date; filing.

OK HJR1017

Oklahoma Constitution; Article V Constitutional Conventions; procedures; filing.

OK HJR1017

Oklahoma Constitution; Article V Constitutional Conventions; procedures; filing.

OK HB2123

Insurance; creating the Patient's Right to Pharmacy Choice Commission; powers and duties; emergency.

OK HB3089

Insurance; Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act; retrofitting; program; Department of Insurance; grant; contractor; evaluator; revolving fund; Insurance Commissioner; effective date.

OK HB2545

State military forces; enacting the Oklahoma Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; emergency.