DHS audit bill passes House

News9.com

A total of three bills addressing issues regarding child welfare passed the state House of Representatives on Tuesday. 

The bills will now advance to the state Senate for further consideration.

The most publicized of the three bills, House Bill 2748, requires an independent audit of the Department of Human Services.

DHS has come under serious scrutiny in recent months over many of its practices relating to the oversight of neglected children, read a press release from state Rep. Susan Winchester's office. 

"Instead of continuing to pass legislation that solves one problem but creates another, this audit will provide a thorough, non-political, independent assessment of what is working and what is not, so that we can then address these issues with knowledge and authority," said Winchester, R-Chickasha.

The House also approved House Bill 2749, which would create the "Adoption Review Task Force," a 13-member group charged with studying and making recommendations concerning Oklahoma adoption laws. 

The third bill, House Bill 3055, would require a statement providing financial transparency of private adoptions that must be prepared by any attorney facilitating the adoption of a minor.

Representing portions of Grady and Canadian County, Winchester is currently in her fifth term in the Oklahoma House.