Schools; communications with students; definition; alternate adult; effective date; emergency.

HB 1179 requires Oklahoma schools to include parents, legal guardians, or a designated "alternate adult" (defined as a case manager from homeless support agencies for homeless students) in electronic communications with students, unless using school-approved platforms for academic purposes. It mandates schools to train staff on these communication rules and prioritize approved platforms that automatically include families. Violations could lead to staff being placed on administrative leave during investigations, with potential discipline up to termination if misconduct is confirmed. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, with emergency provisions.