OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives yesterday unanimously passed House Bill 4425, authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, establishing the Good Faith Reporting for Child Protection Act to encourage prompt reporting of sexually inappropriate conduct involving minors while protecting those who report in good faith.

House Bill 4425 provides civil liability protection for charitable organizations and volunteers who report suspected sexually inappropriate conduct involving a minor, provided the report is made in good faith and follows clear reporting guidelines. To qualify for the protections, the report must be made within 72 hours to both law enforcement and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

The legislation also creates a presumption of good faith when a report is made in accordance with an organization’s established reporting policy defining sexually inappropriate conduct. The immunity does not apply to individuals reporting their own misconduct.

Speaker Hilbert said the bill is designed to ensure adults feel supported and obligated to speak up quickly when a child may be in danger.

“Protecting children must always come first,” said Hilbert. “This bill makes it clear that when someone sees warning signs of inappropriate conduct involving a child, they should report it immediately. By protecting those who act in good faith, we’re removing barriers that might prevent someone from speaking up and ensuring potential abuse is reported as quickly as possible.”

Representative Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, also helped champion the legislation.

“House Bill 4425 sends a clear message that protecting children must always come first,” Duel said. “This bill empowers people to speak up when they see suspicious behavior involving a child and establishes clear standards for how those reports are made. Just as importantly, it protects those who act in good faith and ensures law enforcement receives critical information quickly so potential threats can be addressed before a child is harmed.”

Both the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma Baptists applaud this legislation.

"I commend Speaker Hilbert's legislation and his leadership in protecting children from abuse," said Archbishop Coakley. It is imperative that we encourage all adults aware of potential abuse to swiftly report their concerns without fear to proper authorities to ensure children are protected."

“It is essential that children are protected from harm, and a key to help in that is to create a culture of timely reporting and accountability," said Dr. Todd Fisher, Executive Director-Treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists. "This bill does just that.” 

House Bill 4425 now advances to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration.