Oklahoma Lawmakers Tackle Child Advocacy Bills in Second Month of Session

Proposals from the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) see progress as legislature enters second month.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As the Oklahoma Legislature enters its second month of work, there has been much progress made on the proposals the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) supports. Several bills related to child welfare, early childhood services, and drug prevention have advanced through the committee process and are being considered by the full House or Senate.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) plays a key role in advocating for legislation that supports the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma's children, particularly those in the state's care or facing challenges like poverty, violence, abuse, and neglect. The progress of these bills in the legislature indicates that lawmakers are taking OICA's advocacy efforts seriously and working to address important issues impacting Oklahoma's youth.

The details

Some of the key bills being considered include HB 1979, which would create an Early Childhood Task Force to assess efficiency in delivering early childhood services, and SB 1570, which would consolidate youth-serving agencies into a new state department. SB 1708 would create a rebuttable presumption of joint custody in divorce cases, while SB 1591 would limit THC amounts and prohibit misleading packaging in medical marijuana products to protect children. SB 1806 would raise the age from 18 to 21 for extended services to youth transitioning from foster care. Additionally, HB 1484, known as 'Rain's Law', has been signed into law and requires schools to provide instruction on fentanyl prevention.

  • The Oklahoma Legislature entered its second month of work in March 2026.
  • HB 1979 and SB 1570 are currently moving through the legislative process.
  • SB 1708 has been a priority for OICA for the past three legislative sessions.
  • SB 1591 aims to address the elevated number of children being taken to emergency rooms after ingesting medical marijuana products.
  • SB 1806 would extend support services for youth transitioning from foster care until age 21.
  • HB 1484, known as 'Rain's Law', has been signed into law by the governor.

The players

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA)

A non-profit organization established in 1983 to create a strong advocacy network and provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state's care or facing challenges like poverty, violence, abuse, and neglect.

Emily Gise

A Republican state representative from Oklahoma City who introduced HB 2935, which would have created a sales tax exemption for the purchase of infant diapers.

Trish Ranson

A Democratic state representative from Stillwater who introduced HB 1979, which would create an Early Childhood Task Force to assess efficiency in delivering early childhood services.

Paul Rosino

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

Darcy Jech

A Republican state senator from Kingfisher who introduced SB 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 will continue to monitor the progress of these bills as the legislative session continues. Lawmakers will decide whether to pass or shelve the various proposals in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy's advocacy efforts have resulted in several key child welfare and youth-focused bills advancing in the state legislature, demonstrating the organization's influence and the willingness of lawmakers to address important issues impacting Oklahoma's children and families.