OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, on Monday won House passage of a measure that would require referrals received by the Department of Human Services (DHS) hotline alleging abuse or neglect towards a child to be immediately reported to the appropriate local law enforcement entity.

Duel worked with the District Attorney's Council in drafting House Bill 1565. 

"Protecting Oklahoma children is the No. 1 priority of this legislation," Duel said. "Getting law enforcement involved from the moment a claim of abuse or neglect is made can save valuable time in ensuring children are safe and that investigations of abuse or neglect are conducted appropriately."

Duel said right now the law just stipulates that DHS must report to law enforcement at some point during their investigation if child abuse or neglect is suspected by someone other than the person responsible for a child's health, safety or welfare. This change would make it so a criminal investigation could begin immediately at the same time as the DHS investigation.

The bill passed the House with a vote of 88-4. It now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore.

Duel is chair of the House Civil Judiciary Committee and vice chair of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee. Weaver serves as chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee

If signed into law, the measure would take effect Nov. 1.