Timmons’ Uniform Judicial Interview of Children Act Signed by Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY — House Bill 3298 by Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, has been signed into law. The measure creates the Uniform Judicial Interview of Children Act, which sets a standard within civil procedure for judicial interviews in child custody cases involving child testimony.
“I am thankful to the Governor and my colleagues in the House and Senate for helping get this legislation across the finish line,” said Timmons. “This law standardizes the way children are interviewed in child custody cases to ensure a uniform and age-appropriate process. Standardizing this process and allotting training for judges to best handle cases involving children will help circumvent the complications that arise in cases such as these. This law ultimately prioritizes the wellbeing of children and works to better serve families in Oklahoma.”
The measure applies to covered proceedings permitting judicial interviews but excludes interviews under the Oklahoma Children’s or Juvenile Codes, child testimony, or interviews conducted by non-judicial officers.
Child custody laws vary from state to state, but the ultimate goal of each is to prioritize the best interests of the child.