School employees; Education Employee Assistant Program; Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; effective date; emergency.

HB 1589 creates a voluntary Education Employee Assistance Program within Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to support public school employees and their families facing personal challenges like mental health issues, substance abuse, or financial difficulties that affect work performance. The program requires school districts to keep participant records separate from regular personnel files, ensures confidentiality (with limited subpoena exceptions only for serious safety threats), and mandates that school districts follow Board-established rules if they operate their own employee assistance programs. Participation cannot excuse employees from disciplinary action or alter their employment terms, and the program does not replace existing district programs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.