Emergency custody of children; modifying burden of proof for certain court finding. Effective date.

SB 1753 modifies Oklahoma's emergency child custody procedures by requiring courts to hold hearings within two judicial days of a child's removal. It lowers the required standard of proof from "clear and convincing evidence" to "reasonable suspicion" (more likely than not) to determine if immediate protection is needed due to abuse, neglect, or imminent danger. The bill mandates that parents or guardians must provide a list of relatives within five days, and the Department of Human Services must identify and notify relatives (like grandparents or siblings' parents) within 30 days to explore family-based placements. This affects children in emergency custody, their parents/guardians, the Department of Human Services, and potential relatives who may provide care. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.