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Bill > SB1738
OK SB1738
OK SB1738Schools; allowing a school district or charter school to employ or accept as a volunteer one or more chaplains; requiring certain record check. Effective date. Emergency.
summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act relating to schools; allowing a school district or public charter school to employ or accept as a volunteer one or more chaplains; exempting chaplains from certification requirements; defining term; requiring school districts and public charter schools to request certain record check; prohibiting a school district or public charter school from employing or accepting as a volunteer individuals subject to certain registry; prohibiting a student or school employee from being required to seek support or services from an employed or volunteer chaplain; providing for codification; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
AI Summary
This bill allows public school districts and charter schools in Oklahoma to hire or accept as volunteers individuals to serve as chaplains, who are defined as ordained or authorized religious leaders, without requiring them to have state teaching certification. Before employing or accepting a chaplain, schools must request a national criminal history record check from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and are prohibited from hiring anyone convicted of or currently facing charges for an offense that requires sex offender registration. Importantly, students and school employees cannot be forced to receive support or services from these chaplains. This new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and is declared an emergency measure, meaning it will be in full force immediately upon its passage and approval.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Second Reading referred to Education (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1738&Session=2600 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Senate: Introduced | https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/Senate/SB1738%20INT%20BILLSUM.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20INT/SB/SB1738%20INT.PDF |
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