Oklahoma House Bill HB2714

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Missing children; electronic directory photograph repository; missing child report; effective date.

Impact

The bill mandates local school districts to inform parents about the electronic directory and provides information on how to include and potentially remove their child's photograph from the system. Additionally, law enforcement officials must communicate missing child reports efficiently, requiring them to use photographs from the repository for missing child reporting processes. This legislative change seeks to centralize the handling of missing children's cases and streamline law enforcement's response by formalizing existing processes through mandated collaboration with educational authorities.

Summary

House Bill 2714 establishes a framework for addressing issues related to missing children in Oklahoma by creating an electronic directory to store photographs of schoolchildren. This repository will be maintained by the State Department of Education and accessible to law enforcement agencies in the event a student goes missing. Parents will have the option to opt-in for their children's photographs to be included in this repository. The measure aims to enhance response times and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in locating missing children by ensuring quick access to current photographs.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 2714 pertains to privacy concerns and the implications of storing children's photographs electronically. While proponents argue that the repository is essential for enhancing child safety and assisting law enforcement, opponents may raise issues regarding consent and the potential misuse of children’s images. Ensuring that the parents are adequately informed and can exercise control over their child's participation in the photograph repository is critical. The balance between public safety and personal privacy will be a pivotal discussion as the bill moves forward in the legislative process.