Catherine Hensley (OU)
OKLAHOMA, Okla. (Nov. 12, 2020) – “I got emancipated when I was 17, and I didn’t really know what rights I had,” House Head Freshman Liaison Jade Ailey said during her author’s summation of House Bill OU-501.
House Bill OU-501 clarifies that a minor must be at least 14 years old before they can legally seek out emancipation from their legal guardians. 14 is the age minors must be to work in Oklahoma. This ensures that they will be able to provide for themselves. The bill then goes on to clarify the rights of an emancipated minor.
Representative Laker from Oral Roberts University expressed some initial concerns when the bill hit the floor.
“I am hesitant to support the emancipation of minors bill because I foresee it leading to an increase in the homeless population,” Representative Laker said.
Minors are unable to earn credit. Most landlords look at an individual’s line of credit, and the concern was that emancipated minors would be discriminated against and would not be able to find a place to live. However, the author later clarified the issue would need to be handled on a national level, and that put Representative Laker’s concerns about the bill to rest.
Overall, the Emancipation Clarification bill was met with wide support from the House body.
“I support this bill because I believe if a minor is able to support themselves and needs to be emancipated from their parents due to extenuating circumstances, they need to be able to make the best decision for themselves,” said Representative Broadbent from the University of Oklahoma.
Representative Barthelemess from the University of Oklahoma had concerns about setting an age minimum for emancipation. She stated that setting an age minimum does not account for special circumstances that may arise at any age.
She submitted a hostile amendment striking the age minimum, and the body decided to debate it.
Representatives Barthelemess, Denney from East Central University, and Yanez from the University of Oklahoma were on the proponent side. Representatives Broadbent, Clay from Oral Roberts University, and Pritzlaff and Fleschute from Oklahoma State University were on the opponency side.
The proponents of the hostile amendment argued that a child would be better protected if the courts decide on whether a minor can be independent.
“It [the hostile amendment] protects the child ultimately,” Representative Yanez said. “It’s really quite ridiculous to bar people who might be under these specific circumstances.”
Despite the arguments in favor of the hostile amendment, the opponency side prevailed, and the amendment failed.
The Emancipation Clarification bill went to a vote, and it was overwhelmingly passed 30-3 in the House chamber, and it has been sent to the Senate chamber.