Bill > SB508

This bill extends existing whistleblower protections in Oklahoma schools from teachers to also include support employees. Specifically, the bill amends Section 6-101.6b to define both "teacher" and "support employee" using existing statutory definitions, and then applies the same whistleblower safeguards to both groups. These protections prevent school districts from taking disciplinary action against employees who disclose or report what they reasonably believe are violations of the Oklahoma Constitution, state or federal law. The bill clarifies that "reporting" can mean providing information to various parties, including supervisors, school board members, education department representatives, law enforcement, district attorneys, or parents of impacted students. School districts must prominently post these protections where employees can see them, and the protections are still subject to existing student privacy laws like FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause to emphasize its immediate importance for public safety and well-being.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb508&Session=2600