HB 3031 Summary

• Amends Oklahoma Children's Code (10A O.S. 2011, Section 1-1-105) to add a definition for "best interests of the child" that includes physical safety, nutrition, shelter, health, clothing, and sense of attachment.

• Defines best interests as promoting the child's sense of security, familiarity, continuity of affection, community ties (church, school, friends), and need for permanence including stable relationships with parent figures, siblings, and relatives.

• Renumbers all subsequent definition paragraphs in the Oklahoma Children's Code from 8-68 to accommodate the new definition for best interests positioned as paragraph 7.

• Effective date: November 1, 2016.