Children, Youth and Family Services

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, this week passed a bill in committee that would safeguard a parent's fundamental right to raise and refer to their child according to the child's biological sex. Duel characterized House Bill 3502 as a parental rights and child protection measure that would ensure no parent or prospective adoptive parent can be labeled abusive, neglectful or disqualified from fostering or adoption simply for raising or referring to a child consistent with the child's biological sex. "We have seen parents in other states penalized for affirming basic biological reality and refusing to submit to radical gender ideology," Duel said. "This legislation makes clear that Oklahoma will defend parental authority, uphold biological truth and maintain common-sense standards while helping more children find stable, loving homes." Duel faced questions in committee about whether this has been an issue in Oklahoma, which traditionally respects parental rights. He also was asked if there had been an instance where a family had been denied the right to foster a child because of this matter. Duel said while he's unaware of this being litigated in Oklahoma, responsible governance means acting before outside policies and activist pressure threaten Oklahoma families. "We can look to what has happened in other states and ensure Oklahoma does not repeat those mistakes," he said. "We have a large number of children in need of loving homes, and we should not disqualify parents for holding to biological truth and exercising their right to raise children according to their convictions." Duel said the bill reinforces Oklahoma's longstanding commitment to parental rights, limited government and policies rooted in ideological reality.  HB3502 passed on a vote of 4-1 in the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee. It is now referred to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. 

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, today provided an update on the potential distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have notified states that, without congressional action to approve additional funding, SNAP benefits could be delayed or reduced beginning November 1st. Pae and Gise, who lead the House Human Services Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee, said they have been in constant contact with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), who is working closely with federal partners to ensure Oklahomans who rely on SNAP are informed and supported. As of May 2025, Oklahoma has 696,842 active SNAP participants. "We understand how critical SNAP benefits are for Oklahoma families, seniors and children," Pae said. "No family should have to worry about putting food on the table because of uncertainty in Washington. The House is committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure Oklahoma families have the support they need." Gise added, "So many Oklahoma families are already doing everything they can to stretch each dollar, and the threat of losing access to food assistance is deeply unsettling. While we continue to push for solutions at the state and federal level, we also know the strength of our communities lies in how we show up for one another. If you’re in a position to give or volunteer, reach out to your local food banks and community organizations. This is a time that calls for compassion and unity, not politics." On Tuesday, Pae and Gise co-hosted an interim study at the State Capitol examining the effectiveness and future of SNAP in Oklahoma, focusing on ways to reduce the state’s payment error rate and fraud. The study brought together state agencies, food security advocates and policy experts to discuss how to strengthen access to nutrition assistance and improve outcomes for families across the state. "It’s deeply frustrating that gridlock in Washington, driven by Senator Chuck Schumer and the majority of Senate Democrats’ unwillingness to act, is putting critical programs like SNAP at risk," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "Oklahoma families shouldn’t have to pay the price for partisan inaction. The Oklahoma House remains focused on protecting our citizens and ensuring families, seniors and children have access to the support they need, regardless of what happens in D.C."  As more information becomes available, OKDHS will provide updates regarding the effects of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits at oklahoma.gov/okdhs/shutdown .

A pro-family measure streamlining the adoption process for immediate relatives while protecting children will take effect later this year.  Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored House Bill 2647 , which establishes clear provisions on when a court can waive preplacement home studies. It also expands the eligibility for these waivers to include immediate relatives, including siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, of the child. The bill is named after Harris' 13-year-old constituent Shai Cooper, who is adopted.  Under the Shai Cooper Act, immediate relatives could apply for a home study waiver if they have been married for at least one year, have no felony convictions and have no protection orders against them. Single immediate relatives may apply for a waiver as well.  "The unanimous, bipartisan support behind the Shai Cooper Act shows just how committed the Legislature is to protecting children while making it easier for loving relatives to provide a safe, permanent home," Harris said. "I'm incredibly proud to see this bill, inspired by my constituent Shai Cooper, become law and make a real difference for families across Oklahoma." HB2647 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond.  "The enactment of the Shai Cooper Act marks a significant step forward in our commitment to Oklahoma's children and families," Thompson said. "By allowing courts to waive preplacement home studies for qualified relatives, we are removing unnecessary barriers that delay permanent, loving placements. This law honors the legacy of Shai Cooper and reflects our dedication to prioritizing the best interests of our most vulnerable citizens." The Shai Cooper Act passed both chambers unanimously and became law without the governor's signature. It takes effect on Nov. 1.