Placement of child; establishing order of preference for certain placement. Effective date.

SB 1320 establishes a specific order for placing children in foster or adoptive care in Oklahoma, prioritizing close blood relatives (up to third degree), then members of the child’s religious community, followed by faith-based institutions matching the family’s religion, and finally other placements deemed best for the child. It prohibits placement with individuals convicted of certain felonies (including child abuse, violence, or sex offenses) within five years, bans placements involving sex offenders or their spouses, and requires criminal history checks for prospective parents. The bill also prevents Department of Human Services employees or their close relatives from becoming foster or adoptive parents for two years after employment ends. These changes apply to court and Department decisions for child custody, effective November 1, 2026.