Oklahoma Lawmakers Tackle Child Advocacy Bills in Second Month of Session

Proposals from the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) see progress despite budget constraints

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As the Oklahoma Legislature enters its second month, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is reporting progress on several bills it supports, including measures related to early childhood services, foster care transitions, and fentanyl education. However, some proposals, like a sales tax exemption for infant diapers, have been shelved due to anticipated revenue shortfalls.

Why it matters

The OICA plays a key role in advocating for the needs of Oklahoma's children, particularly those facing challenges like poverty, abuse, and neglect. The legislative session provides an opportunity to enact policies that can improve the health, safety, and well-being of the state's youth, though budget constraints pose challenges.

The details

Several OICA-backed bills have advanced, including measures to create an Early Childhood Task Force, consolidate youth-serving agencies, establish joint custody presumptions in divorce cases, limit THC in medical marijuana products, and raise the age for extended foster care services. However, a proposal for a sales tax exemption on infant diapers was shelved due to anticipated revenue shortfalls.

  • The Oklahoma Legislature entered its second month of work in March 2026.
  • House Bill 2935, which would have created a sales tax exemption for infant diapers, was not expected to move forward this session.

The players

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA)

A non-profit organization established in 1983 to advocate for the needs of Oklahoma's children, particularly those facing challenges like poverty, abuse, and neglect.

Emily Gise

A Republican state representative from Oklahoma City who introduced House Bill 2935, which would have created a sales tax exemption for infant diapers.

Trish Ranson

A Democratic state representative from Stillwater who introduced House Bill 1979, which would create an Early Childhood Task Force.

Paul Rosino

A Republican state senator from Oklahoma City who introduced Senate Bill 1570, which would create a consolidated agency to house various youth-serving divisions.

Darcy Jech

A Republican state senator from Kingfisher who introduced Senate Bill 1708, which would create a rebuttable presumption of joint custody in divorce cases.

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What’s next

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy plans to continue updating the public on the progress of these bills through its weekly newsletter. The organization is also hosting a Child Advocacy Day & Chili Cook-Off at the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 10.

The takeaway

Despite budget constraints, the Oklahoma Legislature is making progress on several child advocacy bills supported by the OICA, demonstrating the organization's ongoing efforts to improve the lives of the state's youth through policy changes.