Senate Unanimously Passes Leo’s Law to Protect Children from Fentanyl Exposure

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today applauded the unanimous Senate passage of Senate Bill 633, also known as Leo’s Law, legislation designed to strengthen protections for children who are exposed to the dangers of fentanyl.

The measure passed the Oklahoma Senate on a 47-0 vote and now goes to the governor for consideration.

Senator Gollihare said the unanimous vote reflects a shared commitment among senators to confront the growing threat fentanyl poses to Oklahoma families.

“Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous drugs our communities have ever faced, and children are often the most vulnerable victims,” Senator Gollihare said. “Leo’s Law gives child welfare professionals and law enforcement the tools they need to identify exposure quickly, intervene when necessary and protect children from environments where this deadly drug is present. This legislation is about putting the safety and well-being of children first and ensuring we act before tragedy strikes. I appreciate Speaker Hilbert for his help, as this bill ensures agencies can respond swiftly and decisively to remove children from dangerous situations and connect families with the help they need.”

Speaker Hilbert echoed the senator's concern and emphasized the urgently needed nature of the reform.

"Fentanyl is not just a public health issue, it is a child welfare crisis. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. This legislation ensures our laws match the reality of the threat."

Senate Bill 633 expands Oklahoma’s definition of a “drug-endangered child” to include children who are exposed, or are at risk of being exposed, to fentanyl or fentanyl analogs due to the possession, use, distribution or manufacture of these substances by a parent or other caregiver responsible for the child’s health or safety.

The legislation also directs the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to conduct a safety analysis when a child is believed to be drug-endangered and to seek parental consent for drug screening.

If consent is denied, the department must notify the local district attorney within 72 hours. The bill further requires immediate referrals to local law enforcement when evidence of drug activity is found or when a child meets the statutory definition of a drug-endangered child.

In addition, Senate Bill 633 establishes the Child Welfare Fentanyl Testing Revolving Fund and appropriates $1.22 million to support testing and child welfare response efforts.