This bill amends Section 1-4-705 of Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs the placement of children in custody. It establishes a clear order of preference for placement, prioritizing family members, local religious or faith-based community members, institutions aligned with the child's or parents' religious beliefs, and finally, individuals or agencies deemed best suited to meet the child's needs. Additionally, the bill prohibits the placement of children with prospective foster or adoptive parents who have certain felony convictions, including violent crimes and child abuse, and introduces new restrictions on placements involving employees of the Department of Human Services or their relatives.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that a child cannot be placed with individuals who are registered sex offenders or those living with them. It mandates that courts inquire about any felony or relevant misdemeanor convictions before placing a child in custody and requires prospective custodians to provide a criminal history record. The new provisions also clarify that the restrictions do not apply in paternity or domestic relations cases unless ordered by the court. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.