This bill amends existing laws regarding the reporting of student abuse or neglect in Oklahoma schools. It mandates that superintendents and school administrators must report any suspected abuse by school employees to local law enforcement within twenty-four hours of receiving an allegation. The bill prohibits any internal school investigations or interviews of the accused until law enforcement has been notified and has had the opportunity to conduct their own interviews, unless immediate action is necessary to ensure student safety. Additionally, the bill establishes that the duty to report applies regardless of the employment status of the accused and requires school employees to sign an attestation acknowledging their responsibility to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Furthermore, the bill updates the requirements for electronic communication between school personnel and students, stipulating that parents or guardians must be included in such communications unless it is an emergency situation. It also mandates immediate notification to law enforcement for any violations of these communication rules. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting students and ensuring that allegations of abuse are handled appropriately and promptly, thereby enhancing the overall safety and accountability within the school environment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-1210.163