House Bill 2647, the Shai Cooper Act, is heading to the Oklahoma Senate winning unanimous Oklahoma House approval last week. It is meant to provide a streamlined way for family members to adopt a related child.
The bill’s author Representative Erick Harris says that the measure establishes clear provisions on when a court can waive pre-placement home studies and expand the eligibility for the waivers to include immediate relatives of the child, including siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They must meet certain criteria to apply for the waiver.
HB 2647 was named for 13-year-old constituent Shai Cooper, who is adopted.
“The Shai Cooper Act ensures that children are given the best opportunities for stability and that family members who are committed to their well-being can act quickly to provide loving homes,” Harris said. “By making this process more accessible and flexible, we are helping to strengthen families and protect the interests of our most vulnerable children. I was honored to carry this legislation in recognition of one of my constituents and help make this process easier for other Oklahomans who find themselves in similar situations.”
