Bill > SB591

This bill creates the Free to Speak Act, which establishes new regulations for employees and students in public schools and state higher education institutions regarding name and pronoun usage. The act defines key terms such as "sex" based on original birth certificate genetics and physiology, and "female" and "male" based on reproductive system characteristics. Under the law, employees are prohibited from addressing unemancipated minor students by a name or pronoun inconsistent with their sex without parental written permission. Employees cannot face adverse employment actions for declining to use alternative names or pronouns, or for not identifying their own pronouns. Similarly, students cannot be disciplined for refusing to use alternative names or pronouns for others or for not identifying their own pronouns. If an employee or student suffers harm from a violation of these provisions, they can pursue a cause of action seeking injunctive relief, monetary damages, attorney fees, and other appropriate remedies within two years of the violation. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and contains an emergency clause suggesting immediate implementation is necessary for public peace, health, or safety.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb591&Session=2600