Bill No. 1390 amends the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act, specifically focusing on the investigation process of child care facilities by the Department of Human Services. The bill stipulates that the Department has the authority to investigate any child care facility at reasonable times and requires facilities to provide information about the children in their care. Notably, when reviewing the star rating of larger child care programs (those with a capacity of fifty or more), the Department must schedule inspections at least one week in advance if requested by the facility. Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures the Department must follow upon receiving complaints, including documenting complaints, notifying facilities of violations, and requiring corrective actions.
A significant addition to the bill is the provision that the investigation report must remain publicly accessible, regardless of the facility's licensing status. This ensures transparency and accountability in the child care system. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of information obtained during investigations while allowing for summaries of allegations and findings to be shared without disclosing identities. Furthermore, it mandates the establishment of a grievance process for reporting and investigating complaints against Department employees who may retaliate against child care facilities. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.