House Bill No. 1565 amends the Oklahoma Children's Code to enhance the reporting and investigation processes for child abuse and neglect cases. The bill mandates that any referral received by the Department of Human Services (DHS) alleging abuse or neglect, where the alleged perpetrator is not responsible for the child's welfare, must be immediately reported in writing to local law enforcement for potential criminal investigation. Additionally, hotline supervisors are required to ensure that such reports are made before any referrals are screened out, and the DHS must maintain a record of these transmissions. The bill also includes provisions for training hotline workers and tracking call statistics to improve the reporting system.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of various professionals, including school employees and healthcare providers, in reporting suspected abuse or neglect. It emphasizes the confidentiality of the reporting parties and prohibits retaliation against individuals who report in good faith. The legislation also establishes penalties for those who fail to report suspected abuse or make false reports. The effective date for this act is set for November 1, 2025.