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Senate OKs bill barring DHS from requiring foster, adoptive parents to affirm government policy on beliefs
Summary
The Oklahoma Senate passed Senate Bill 658, which prevents the Department of Human Services from excluding prospective foster or adoptive parents solely because of strongly held religious or moral beliefs; the measure passed 38-7 after extended debate over child safety and administrative screening.
Senator Daniels brought Senate Bill 658 to the floor, saying the measure would ensure parents who apply to be foster or adoptive parents are not excluded simply because of “strongly held religious beliefs” on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Supporters said the bill is a precaution to avoid reducing the pool of prospective foster and adoptive parents; opponents said it risks prioritizing adults’ beliefs over the needs of vulnerable children. The Senate passed the bill 38-7.
Senator Daniels, the bill’s author, told the chamber the aim is to avoid excluding otherwise willing parents and to preserve consideration of the child’s best interest in placement decisions. “The goal of this legislation is not to exclude anyone from eligibility, because we perpetually need more parents to want to foster or adopt,” Daniels said during explanation of the bill.
Lawmakers pressed Daniels on the bill’s language. Minority Leader Senator Kirk asked how the measure would define “closely held religious beliefs.” Daniels replied that he would interpret it as beliefs “very strongly held and part of everyday thinking and living.” Senator Hicks repeatedly questioned how the bill would protect a child’s safety and autonomy, noting that a large portion of youth in state custody identify as LGBTQ and expressing concern the bill could worsen risks for vulnerable children. Daniels responded that the Department of Human Services (DHS) currently handles screening and that placements could be revisited if they proved unsuitable.
During questions, Daniels said DHS has a screening questionnaire intended to avoid inappropriate placements and characterized the bill as “precautionary,” citing disputes in other states. He told senators DHS wants to recruit 400 more foster families in 2025 but needs over 700, and said the bill is meant to avoid excluding potential parents on the basis of their beliefs. Daniels also confirmed he had worked with the Catholic diocese and with DHS on the bill’s language.
Senator Hicks argued on the floor that the measure is “a solution looking for a problem” and urged a no vote, citing lack of data on how the bill would affect vulnerable youth. Daniels closed without further amendment. The clerk reported the final tally as 38 ayes and 7 nays; the chair declared the bill passed.
The bill’s text specifies that DHS shall not require a foster parent to affirm any government policy; Daniels told senators that could refer to adoption of a department rule that had that effect and that the bill is intended to prevent that. The bill does not address conversion therapy; Daniels said the language does not speak to that practice.
Lawmakers did not adopt amendments on the floor. Questions about monitoring placements after they occur and about mechanisms to address potential harm were referred to DHS implementation and existing court processes.
Senate Bill 658 now moves to the next stage in the legislative process.
