Bill ensuring parents have access to diabetes screening becomes law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 1427 ensuring parents have access to Type 1 diabetes (T1D) screening for their children has become law. Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. T.J. Marti, R-Broken Arrow, are the principal authors of the measure, which gives parents the option of having their children tested. The measure passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Legislature.

Oklahoma consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for diabetes prevalence, and has one of the highest death rates. While there is not a cure for Type 1 diabetes, early detection can decrease the risk of life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and enable parents to get their children treatment that can delay or prevent progression years before they develop symptoms.

“The problem is families may not even know there is an early detection test, and access is often inconsistent,” said Hicks, co-chair of the Diabetes Caucus and the mother of a child with Type 1 diabetes. “We had no idea our son had Type 1 diabetes until we were in the middle of a health crisis – it’s a story I’ve heard many times from other parents. This new law will give parents the choice to know sooner, act earlier, and have better health outcomes for their children.”

SB 1427 will take effect on November 1, 2026.

"This law empowers parents with the critical tools they need to protect their children’s health before a crisis strikes," Marti said. "Early antibody testing for Type 1 diabetes can detect risk years before symptoms appear, allowing families to take proactive steps that prevent life-threatening complications and avoid costly emergency room visits. Parents deserve the right to access these preventative measures and the opportunity to act early on behalf of their children."

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For more information, contact: 
Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov