Bill > HB2017

This bill proposes several modifications to existing Oklahoma laws related to bullying, electronic communications, and computer crimes. The bill amends provisions in criminal statutes and school safety regulations to more precisely define and address harmful electronic communications, bullying, and related behaviors. Key changes include expanding the definition of electronic harassment to include more specific types of communication, clarifying that certain protections do not apply to constitutionally protected speech, and strengthening school district requirements for addressing bullying. Specifically, the bill modifies laws to require school districts to develop comprehensive anti-bullying policies that include procedures for reporting incidents, investigating claims, notifying parents, providing mental health resources, and protecting those who report bullying. The legislation also updates criminal statutes to more explicitly outline what constitutes electronic harassment, threatening behavior, and computer-related offenses, with provisions for both misdemeanor and felony charges depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. Additionally, the bill provides immunity for good faith reporting of bullying incidents and requires school districts to hold public hearings and submit their anti-bullying policies to the State Department of Education. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2025, giving schools and law enforcement time to prepare for the new requirements.