SB 455 Oklahoma Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Oklahoma Children's Code; modifying definitions. Effective date.

SB 455 amends Oklahoma's Children's Code definitions to clarify terms like "abuse" and "age-appropriate." It explicitly states parents may use "ordinary force" (including spanking) for discipline without violating the code, while defining "abuse" to include nonaccidental physical/mental harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation. The bill also updates "age-appropriate" to mean activities suitable for a child's developmental stage, with a specific provision stating this does not allow federal mandates over school curriculum or instructional content. These changes directly affect parents, children, child welfare agencies, and school systems in Oklahoma.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 3, 2025 Last action Feb 25, 2025
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Feb 3, 2025
Introduced
First Reading
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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