SB460 Summary

• Department of Human Services must electronically record each hotline referral for child abuse or neglect and securely retain recordings for 90 days.

• Recordings are confidential and may only be disclosed if criminal charges related to the referral have been filed, and the Department must redact identifying information about the reporting party unless ordered otherwise by the court.

• Establishes criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect (misdemeanor) or failing to report prolonged knowledge of ongoing abuse or neglect lasting at least 6 months (felony).

• Amends confidentiality provisions in the Oklahoma Children's Code to prohibit disclosure of hotline recordings that identify the reporter without a specific court order.

• Effective November 1, 2013.