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Bill > SB553
OK SB553
OK SB553Schools; directing revocation of certification and dismissal for failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Effective date. Emergency.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
04/23/2025
04/23/2025
Crossed Over
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
Passed
05/05/2025
05/05/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/10/2025
05/10/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act ENROLLED SENATE BILL NO. 553 By: Pugh, Thompson, and Nice of the Senate and Sterling of the House An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3-104, as last amended by Section 2, Chapter 445, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 3-104), which relates to the powers and duties of the State Board of Education; adding reason for which a certificate cannot be issued or can be revoked; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3-104.1, which relates to a prohibition on certification of individuals convicted of certain offenses; adding reason for which a certificate cannot be issued; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 5-142, which relates to criminal history record checks for school employment; requiring certain letter to include certain information; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 6-101.22, which relates to reasons for dismissal of career teachers; adding reason for dismissal; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 6-194, as last amended by Section 2, Chapter 15, O.S.L. 2023 (70 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 6-194), which relates to professional development programs; directing certain program to include information about certain reporting requirements; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 1210.163, as amended by Section 46, Chapter 59, O.S.L. 2024 (70 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 1210.163), which relates to requirements to report suspected abuse or neglect; requiring school employees to annually sign certain attestation; updating statutory language; updating statutory references; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency. SUBJECT: Schools
AI Summary
This bill strengthens child abuse reporting requirements for school employees in Oklahoma by making several key changes. It adds a provision that school employees who knowingly and willfully fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect can have their teaching certification revoked and can be dismissed from their teaching position. The bill requires school employees to annually sign an attestation acknowledging their legal responsibility to report suspected child abuse, and mandates that professional development programs include specific training on child abuse reporting, including the legal requirements and potential penalties for failing to report. Additionally, the bill modifies criminal background check procedures to require letters from previous employers to indicate whether a teacher was the subject of any allegations of inappropriate behavior with a student. The changes aim to enhance child protection by creating stronger accountability for school employees who might fail to report potential child abuse, with clear consequences for non-compliance, and ensuring that educators are consistently trained on their legal obligations to report suspected abuse or neglect.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Approved by Governor 05/08/2025 (on 05/12/2025)
Official Document
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