Bill No. 2392 amends Section 112.5 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to custody and guardianship of children. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that a parent is unfit if they meet certain criteria, including being subject to sex offender registration, having a conviction for specific crimes, or being an alcohol or drug-dependent person likely to inflict harm. Notably, the bill adds a new criterion for unfitness, stating that a parent is presumed unfit if they have been convicted of a crime listed in the Oklahoma Child Abuse Reporting and Prevention Act. Additionally, the bill clarifies that custody cannot be awarded to individuals with convictions for serious crimes against children.

The bill also outlines the conditions under which custody or guardianship can be modified, emphasizing that such modifications require proof of a permanent, material, and substantial change in circumstances affecting the child's best interests. The effective date for this legislation is set for November 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the criteria for determining parental fitness and ensure the safety and well-being of children in custody proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-112.5
Floor (House): 43-112.5
Floor (Senate): 43-112.5
Engrossed: 43-112.5