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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)
SENATE BILL 803 By: Jett
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to parental rights; creating the
Parental Rights Protection Act; providing short
title; stating purpose of act; establishing certain
rights; providing certain penalties and immunities;
establishing the Parental Rights Review Board for
certain purpose; describing membership; specifying
duties; providing for noncodification; providing for
codification; providing an effective date; and
declaring an emergency .
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STA TE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law not to be
codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:
A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Parental
Rights Protection Act ”.
B. The purpose of this act is to ensure that the rights of
parents, as outlined in the Parents ’ Bill of Rights, are fully
protected and to establish clear consequences for any violation of
those rights by state agencies, officials, or individuals acting in
an official capacity.
SECTION 2. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 2010 of Title 25, unless there
is created a duplication in numberin g, reads as follows:
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The Parents’ Bill of Rights is hereby amended to include the
following provisions:
1. Right to Due Process: Parents have the right to be notified
in writing of any allegations or concerns regarding their parental
rights or the welfar e of their child, with clear details of the
allegations, evidence, and specifi c actions required of the parent
to resolve the issues;
2. Right to Family Reunification: Parents shall have the right
to a fair and unbiased process for reunification with the ir child,
including a clearly defined and transparent timeline for
reunification, unless there is clear and convincing evidence of
immediate harm to the child. The Department of Human Services or
any state agency shall make all reasonable efforts to place children
with relatives or family members before placing them in foster care;
3. Right to Appeal: Parents have the right to appeal any
decisions related to the removal of their child or any actions that
limit their parental rights. Appeals shall be han dled in a timely
manner and in accordance with due process;
4. Right to Access to Evidence: Parents have the right to
access all evidence, records, and reports used to make decisions
affecting their parental rights, including access to child welfare
records, medical reports, and other relevant documentation. The
Department of Human Services or any state agency shall not withhold
or redact evidence unless specifically authorized by law; and
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5. Right to Fair Investigation: Investigations regarding
allegations of child abuse or neglect shall be conducted fairly,
transparently, and in the best interest of the child, with all
parties (including both parents, guardians, and relevant
professionals) having the opportunity to present evidence,
testimonies, and challenge accusations.
SECTION 3. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 2011 of Title 25, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. Any state agency or officia l including, but not limited to,
employees of the Department of Human Services, law enforcement, or
judicial officers found to have willfully violated the rights of
parents as enumerated in the Parents ’ Bill of Rights, shall be
subject to the following con sequences:
1. Monetary penalties: The violating agency or official shall
be subject to fines, with amounts determined based on the severity
of the violation, to be paid into a fund for the support and
reintegration of affected families;
2. Civil liability: The agency or official may be held liable
for damages caused to the affected parent or family, including
emotional distress, financial losses, and attorney ’s fees. Parents
may file a civil lawsuit to seek redress for violations;
3. Suspension or rem oval from office: State officials who are
found to have knowingly violated th e rights of parents or engaged in
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misconduct, including fraudulent reporting, failure to provide due
process, or retaliatory actions, may be subject to suspension or
removal from office, in accordance with applicable state laws and
procedures; or
4. Mandatory training and re -education: Any state employee
found to have violated the Parents ’ Bill of Rights shall be required
to complete mandatory training on parental rights, due pr ocess, and
ethical conduct, before returning to their duties.
B. Judges or court officials who violate the rights of parents
by failing to follow due process or by making rulings without
sufficient evidence shall be subject to disciplinary action by the
Council on Judicial Complaints . This may include suspension,
removal, or other penalties as determined by the Council.
C. Any employee or official within a state agency who reports
violations of the Parents ’ Bill of Rights, in good faith, shall be
protected from retaliation. Retaliatory actions, including
demotion, dismissal, or h arassment, shall be subject to disciplinary
action.
SECTION 4. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 2012 of Tit le 25, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A Parental Rights Review Board shall be established to monitor
compliance with the Parents ’ Bill of Rights. The Board shall
consist of members appointed by the Governor to include legal
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experts, social workers, family advocates, and other relevant
stakeholders, and shall:
1. Review complaints submitted by parents and families
regarding violations of their rights;
2. Investigate claims of violations by state agencies or
officials;
3. Recommend actions, including disciplinary measures,
penalties, and reforms to improve the protection of parental rights;
and
4. Electronically submit an annual report to the Governor,
Legislature, and the public on the status of parental rights
protections in Oklahoma.
SECTION 5. This act shall become effecti ve July 1, 2025.
SECTION 6. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
60-1-940 DC 1/15/2025 7:59:39 PM