House Bill No. 2798 amends existing laws regarding the reporting of child abuse and neglect in Oklahoma. It establishes a centralized hotline for reporting such cases and mandates training for hotline workers. The bill specifies that all individuals, including school employees and healthcare professionals, must report suspected abuse or neglect immediately. It introduces penalties for those who fail to report, with a distinction between misdemeanors for general failures and felonies for prolonged knowledge of ongoing abuse. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the confidentiality of reporting parties and prohibits retaliation against those who report in good faith.

The bill also imposes specific responsibilities on school superintendents and administrators, making them subject to felony charges if they knowingly fail to report or interfere with reporting requirements. The definition of child abuse and neglect is expanded to include various forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation and trafficking. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-1210.163
Floor (House): 70-1210.163
Floor (Senate): 70-1210.163
Engrossed: 70-1210.163
Amended And Engrossed: 70-1210.163
Enrolled (final version): 70-1210.163