Bill > SB797

This bill modifies the powers and duties of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, primarily focusing on certificate revocation procedures and reporting requirements. The bill requires the Board to electronically submit its annual report to the Governor and Legislature by December 1st, detailing educational statistics and recommendations. It significantly limits the Board's authority to revoke or suspend teaching certificates, allowing such action only for specific reasons including willful law violation, child abuse, moral turpitude, professional incompetence, or neglect of professional duties. The bill prohibits the Board from summarily revoking a certificate without a prior individual proceeding and mandates that the Board provide at least five days' notice to a teacher and their school district before taking any certificate suspension or revocation action. Furthermore, the Board must complete such action within 60 days of notification. These changes aim to provide more due process and protect teachers' professional credentials by establishing clearer standards and procedural requirements for certificate revocation. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and contains an emergency clause suggesting its immediate importance to public education in Oklahoma.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb797&Session=2600