OK SB1821

Amends Oklahoma law to require that bench trials for termination of parental rights be conducted by a different judge than the one who presided over prior hearings under Section 1-4-503

Prohibits any judge who presided over a hearing where rules of evidence did not apply from presiding over a subsequent trial where rules of evidence do apply

Maintains existing timelines: scheduling orders must be issued within 30 days, bench trials must commence within 90 days, and jury trials within 6 months of the scheduling order

Preserves the right to jury trial (6-person jury) for termination of parental rights cases, which can be demanded by a parent, the state, or the child

Effective date: November 1, 2026