OK SB261

Amends Oklahoma law to specify when parents, the state, or a child may demand a jury trial in termination of parental rights cases: either when the initial deprivation petition includes a termination request, or following a hearing where the child is adjudicated deprived.

Requires jury trials to consist of six (6) persons and allows courts to call a jury on their own motion in any termination of parental rights case.

A parent who requests a jury trial but fails to appear after proper notice without good cause, or fails to instruct their attorney to proceed in absentia, shall be deemed to have waived the jury demand and consented to termination of parental rights.

Courts may vacate orders terminating parental rights pursuant to procedures outlined in subsection B of Section 1-4-905.

Takes effect November 1, 2015.