OklahomaHB 2798Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Reporting requirements; making certain acts unlawful; effective date.

Sponsored By: Toni Hasenbeck (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Senate Committee

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Statewide child abuse hotline and records

Beginning November 1, 2025, DHS runs a single statewide hotline to report child abuse and neglect. Hotline staff get required training. DHS tracks call volume, screenings, referrals, anonymous calls, and unsubstantiated calls. Every referral call is recorded and kept 12 months. Recordings are confidential and reporter names stay hidden unless a court orders release.

Penalties for not reporting or lying

Knowingly failing to promptly report suspected child abuse is a crime. Prolonged non-reporting—knowing about ongoing abuse for at least six months—is a felony. Knowingly making a false or baseless report is a misdemeanor. In custody cases, a court can fine someone up to $5,000 and award attorney fees if it proves they knowingly made a false accusation.

Stronger reporting rules for everyone and schools

Beginning November 1, 2025, anyone who believes a child under 18 is abused or neglected must call the DHS hotline right away. School employees must also call local police for minors; for adult students, they must call police, not the hotline. Reports sent to county offices go to the hotline. No contract or privilege cancels these duties. The law excludes custody-by-abandonment cases under Section 2-117.

Job protections and privacy for reporters

People who report suspected child abuse in good faith are protected at work. Employers and administrators cannot fire, punish, or interfere. Reporters can sue for damages and attorney fees, and a harmed child can sue too. Police and schools must keep a reporting school employee’s identity confidential unless a court orders release or it is needed for an investigation.

Doctors must report drug-affected infants

Health care workers and midwives who care for mothers or babies must promptly report infants who test positive for alcohol or controlled drugs. This includes babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. When asked, doctors and hospitals must give exam results and related records to police and DHS investigators. These steps help protect newborns and support investigations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Toni Hasenbeck
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Stacy Jo Adams
Republican • House
Jerry Alvord
Republican • Senate
Chad Caldwell
Republican • House
Warren Hamilton
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 236 • No: 4

House vote • 5/14/2025

FOURTH READING

Yes: 84 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/5/2025

THIRD READING

Yes: 43 • No: 3

Senate vote • 4/8/2025

Committee vote: Public Safety

Yes: 7 • No: 1

House vote • 3/13/2025

THIRD READING

Yes: 84 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

DO PASS

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 2/11/2025