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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
SENATE BILL 1909 By: Jett
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to the Oklahoma Children’s Code;
requiring certain selection process for medical
evaluators; directing the Office of the
Administrative Director of the Courts to implement
certain system and policies; requiring maintenance of
certain audit system; authorizing civil, criminal,
and administrative enforcement; requiring certain
annual review and certification; amending 10A O.S.
2021, Section 1-4-603, which relates to order of
adjudication finding child to be deprived; modifying
certain standard; providing for codification; and
providing an effective date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1-3-105 of Title 10A, unless
there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. To promote fair and objective determinations in cases
involving allegations of child abuse or neglect and prevent
potential bias or doctor shopping by the Department of Human
Services, all proceedings under the Oklahoma Children’s Code that
necessitate a medical evaluator shall use a blind, randomized
selection process for medical evaluators.
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B. The Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts
shall establish a blind, randomized selection process for medical
evaluators. The office shall implement a blind, random assignment
system from a statewide pool of qualified, independent medical
professionals, including consulting pediatricians and child abuse
specialists. The office shall implement policies and procedures to
ensure impartial evaluations and unbiased medical findings.
C. The Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts
shall maintain a comprehensive audit system documenting all
interactions between Department of Human Services personnel,
consulting pediatricians, and child abuse specialists. This shall
include records of consultation frequency, instances where medical
opinions supported the Department’s positions versus parental
defenses, and justifications for any deviations from randomization.
D. The Attorney General shall investigate violations of the
blind, randomized selection process, may bring civil actions to
enforce this section, and may criminally prosecute violations of
this section. In addition to civil and criminal penalties, the
court may impose sanctions to enforce this section. Licensure
boards may impose disciplinary action on licensees who violate this
section.
E. All medical evaluators involved in child abuse evaluations
shall complete annual review and certification by the Office of the
Administrative Director of the Courts, to include a course
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emphasizing the paramount importance of parental rights, the
seriousness of arbitrary or capricious child removals, and adherence
to evidence-based practices that prioritize family preservation when
safe and appropriate.
SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 10A O.S. 2021, Section 1-4-603, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 1-4-603. A. If the court finds that:
1. The factual allegations in a petition filed by the state
alleging that a child is deprived are supported by a preponderance
of the evidence proof beyond a reasonable doubt;
2. Such allegations are sufficient to support a finding that
the child is deprived; and
3. It is in the best interests of the child that the child be
declared to be a deprived child and made a ward of the court,
then the court shall sustain the petition, and shall make an order
of adjudication finding the child to be deprived and shall adjudge
the child as a ward of the court.
B. The order of adjudication shall include a statement that
advises the parent that failure to appear at any subsequent hearing
or comply with any requirements of the court may result in the
termination of parental rights to the child.
C. When a child has been adjudicated deprived, the court shall
enter a dispositional order pursuant to the provisions of Section 1-
4-707 of this title.
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D. When a child has been adjudicated deprived, the parent or
other legal custodian shall register with the court clerk within two
(2) days of the adjudication and provide a valid, current address or
other place where the parent or other legal custodian may be served
with a summons. In the event that the address or place where the
parent or legal custodian may be served a summons changes during the
course of the litigation, the parent or other legal custodian shall
have the obligation of filing a change of address form with the
clerk. In the event that an amended petition or motion is filed,
the address listed on the form of the court clerk shall constitute
the last-known address of the parent or other legal custodian unless
the state has actual knowledge of the parent or other legal
custodian’s location.
SECTION 3. This act shall become effective November 1, 2026.
60-2-3518 DC 1/15/2026 8:44:08 AM