Session is underway once again, and this year, I am honored to be the Primary House Author on Senate Bill 2165.

This bill, known as the Child Support Upon Conception Act, was introduced by Sen. Dusty Deevers.

This bill affirms the foundational truth that human life begins at conception and seeks to align Oklahoma law with that reality.

The bill allows a biological mother to initiate a child support action upon confirmation of pregnancy, with paternity established through standard medical procedures.

It also provides a mechanism for a father to seek legal protection for his unborn child by reporting the child as deprived under the Oklahoma Children’s Code when circumstances warrant intervention.

By recognizing the child from the moment of conception and creating avenues for both financial support and legal protection, the measure reflects the objective reality that a distinct human life exists from the earliest stage.

The Imago Dei, “the Image of God,” is a foundational truth our laws are called to honor and reflect. Romans 13 describes civil government as God’s diákonos, “minister,” established to punish evil and reward good. In that role, government is accountable to administer justice impartially and protect innocent life.

SB2165 applies that principle by extending legal recognition and equal standards of justice to children before birth, ensuring the law does not disregard them during their most vulnerable stage. The bill safeguards due process by requiring confirmed paternity before a support order is issued and by maintaining consistent evidentiary standards, reinforcing fairness for all parties involved.

By establishing enforceable mechanisms that require both parents to share in the financial and protective responsibilities owed to their child from the moment of conception, the bill upholds justice for the most vulnerable while ensuring that neither mother nor father may abandon their parental duty.

I am honored to work with Sen. Deevers on this legislation. This bill has yet to be heard in its Senate committee— pray that it is!

Rep. Jim Olsen represents District 2 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Sequoyah County.