The 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 conduct 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. Additionally, 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.
Further, the bill updates statutory language and clarifies that there shall be no legal preference for or against joint or sole custody based on the gender of the parents. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining frequent contact between the child and both parents post-separation, while also ensuring that the court considers the best interests of the child in custody decisions. The bill also allows for the recovery of court costs and fees by the prevailing party in cases deemed contrary to the child's best interests. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2025.