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. The program provides school employees and their families with confidential support for personal, mental health, or substance abuse issues - including emotional, financial, or family concerns - without impacting their employment status. Key provisions include keeping participation records separate from personnel files, prohibiting subpoenas for records unless a safety threat exists, and requiring school districts to follow Board-established rules for any existing or new employee assistance programs. The bill explicitly states that participation or nonparticipation does not affect disciplinary actions or employment terms.