Children; Oklahoma Children's Code; term; hearing; information; immediate protection; imminent danger; evidentiary standard; effective date.

HB 3484 amends Oklahoma's Children's Code to clarify definitions and lower the evidentiary standard in child welfare cases. It explicitly permits parents to use "ordinary force" (like spanking) for discipline, while modifying the definition of "abuse" to exclude such actions. The bill also changes the required evidence standard for court adjudications from "clear and convincing evidence" to "preponderance of the clear and convincing evidence," making it easier to find a child "deprived." These changes directly affect child welfare courts, parents, and child protective services in Oklahoma. The bill is currently in committee referral after its first reading.