SB 797: State Board of Education; authorizing certain action; requiring notice. Effective date. Emergency. - Oklahoma

SB797 (3-24-25) (PUGH) FA2.PDF → Floor (Senate) · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Oklahoma's State Board of Education laws to clarify the Board's powers, require electronic submission of annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, and add stricter restrictions on issuing teaching certificates to individuals convicted of sexual abuse or exploitation crimes.

Scope change

The bill expands the State Board of Education's authority to adopt policies and prepare budgets, while also adding new reporting requirements and criminal background restrictions for educators.

REQUIREMENT

Requires the State Board of Education to submit an annual report electronically to the Governor and Legislature by December 1st, containing enrollment statistics, expenditures, and recommendations for school improvement.

FISCAL

Mandates that the State Board prepare a departmental budget based on major functions including state aid, supervision of special education, and staffing, with appropriations made in lump-sum form.

ENFORCEMENT

Adds specific restrictions preventing the State Board from issuing certificates to individuals convicted of sexual abuse or sexual exploitation crimes as defined in Oklahoma statutes.

SCOPE

Explicitly grants the State Board authority to adopt policies and rules for the operation of the public school system and to appoint necessary personnel including a secretary and attorney.

SB797 (3-17-25) (PUGH) FA1.PDF → SB797 (3-24-25) (PUGH) FA2.PDF · 4 edits

MODERATE

This amendment adds new procedures for the immediate suspension of school administrators and teachers without prior notice or hearing when there is cause for dismissal and it is in the best interests of children. The changes clarify compensation rules during suspension, allowing continued pay unless criminal charges are involved, and establish timelines for initiating dismissal proceedings.

Scope change

Expanded to include formal procedures for immediate suspension of both administrators and teachers in cases involving potential criminal charges or dismissal causes.

ENFORCEMENT

Added authority for school boards and superintendents to suspend administrators and teachers immediately without notice or hearing when cause for dismissal exists and it serves children's best interests.

TIMELINE

Established a 10-day requirement for school boards to initiate dismissal proceedings after suspension becomes effective.

ELIGIBILITY

Added provisions allowing suspended administrators and teachers to receive full compensation during suspension unless criminal charges are involved, with specific exceptions for cases involving criminal charges.

REQUIREMENT

Extended suspension duration in criminal cases until trial adjudication, excluding appeal processes from the extension period.

Introduced → SB797 (3-17-25) (PUGH) FA1.PDF · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill introduces new requirements for the Oklahoma State Board of Education, including electronic reporting to the Governor and Legislature, budget consolidation options, and specific rules for certificate issuance and revocation. The amendment adds procedural language regarding criminal convictions and misconduct related to professional certification.

Scope change

The bill expands the State Board of Education's reporting requirements and budget preparation procedures, while adding specific criteria for when certificates may be revoked or suspended.

REQUIREMENT

Requires electronic submission of annual reports to the Governor and Legislature by December 1st, containing enrollment data, expenditures, and recommendations for school improvement.

FISCAL

Allows the Board to consolidate budget functions into two main items: administration and aid to schools, with a designated maximum for administration.

ENFORCEMENT

Updates language regarding certificate revocation to include specific criteria related to criminal convictions and professional misconduct.

TECHNICAL

Adds procedural amendment language from Senator Pugh regarding specific text modifications on pages 5, lines 20-23 concerning certificate revocation language.

State Board of Education; authorizing certain action; requiring notice. Effective date. Emergency.

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