Bill > HB1011

This bill establishes an Education Employee Assistance Program (EAP) within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to support public school district employees facing personal challenges that might affect their job performance. The voluntary program will provide assessment, referral, consultation, and problem resolution services for employees and their family members struggling with medical, mental health, alcohol or drug abuse, emotional, marital, familial, financial, or other personal issues. The Department may contract with qualified entities to deliver these services, and the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will be responsible for creating administrative rules and evaluation methods. The bill stipulates that program records must be kept separate from personnel files and remain confidential, with limited exceptions for potential threats to harm. Importantly, the bill preserves school districts' existing disciplinary authority, clarifying that participation in the EAP does not exempt employees from discipline or alter their employment status. The program is designed to be supplementary to, not a replacement for, existing school district employee assistance efforts, and aims to provide supportive, voluntary resources for educators experiencing personal challenges. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon passage.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1011&Session=2600