Signed by Governor Kevin Stitt

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the background check process for teachers and authorizes the revocation of teacher's licenses for certain crimes in Oklahoma.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the State Board of Education to suspend or revoke a teacher’s license or certificate if they are convicted of willfully making a false statement in a required employment affidavit (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Board to revoke the certificate of any individual convicted of certain crimes involving sexual abuse or exploitation (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the State Department of Education to notify both the certificate holder and their employing district via certified and electronic mail within 3 days of filing for a license suspension or revocation (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes the Board to withhold state funds or official accreditation from school districts that fail or refuse to submit required reports regarding school activities (Sec. 1). 

• Requires teacher applicants to provide an affidavit from their previous school district disclosing whether they were the subject of any allegations or investigations regarding inappropriate behavior with a student (Sec. 2). 

• Requires the affidavit to state whether such investigations were substained, unsubstained, or closed without a finding of misconduct (Sec. 2). 

• Requires hiring districts to contact the previous employer to verify the validity of the submitted affidavit (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits a board of education from hiring a full-time teacher who fails to provide a required affidavit (Sec. 1). 

• Classifies willfully submitting a false affidavit as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that this act takes effect July 1, 2026 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text