Bill > HB3240

This bill requires school districts and charter schools in Oklahoma to adopt a policy by the 2026-2027 school year that provides students and employees with an opportunity to participate in a period of prayer and reading of religious texts, such as the Bible, on each school day, with voluntary participation in individual or group activities allowed. This policy must include a statement acknowledging the school's commitment to this practice and require signed consent forms from school employees or parents/guardians of students, which include an acknowledgment of choice, identification of activities, a statement of no objection to participating or hearing prayers/readings, and an express waiver of the right to bring legal claims against the school or its employees related to the policy, including those under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The policy also prohibits prayer or readings over a public address system and mandates that this period not replace instructional time. Consent can be revoked, but the waiver of legal claims remains in effect. Schools must ensure that prayer or readings are not knowingly provided to individuals who have not consented or have revoked consent, which can be achieved by holding these activities before school hours or only in classrooms where all students and employees have consented. The Attorney General will provide advice on compliance and defend schools against legal challenges arising from this policy, with the state covering associated costs, and will also provide a model consent form. This section does not prevent voluntary prayer or religious text reading outside of the designated period.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3240&Session=2600