This bill amends Section 112 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs child custody and care. It introduces several key provisions, including a requirement for courts to consider allegations of child abuse or domestic violence before making custody determinations. If such allegations are made, the court must hold an evidentiary hearing within 60 days and may issue emergency orders to protect the child. The bill also stipulates that a parent making a good-faith allegation of abuse shall not face restrictions on custody or visitation based solely on that allegation. Furthermore, if a pattern of abuse is found, the court is mandated to award sole custody to the non-offending parent and may suspend visitation rights for the offending parent.

Additional changes include the removal of certain legal preferences regarding custody arrangements and the requirement for courts to ensure frequent contact between children and both parents post-separation. The bill also clarifies that the court may order the offending parent to pay costs related to the evidentiary hearing. Other updates include provisions for child support until the age of 20 for children still in high school and the necessity for the Department of Human Services to be involved in cases where public assistance has been provided for the child. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.