Oklahoma House Bill HB1810

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Schools; prohibiting sensitive materials in the school setting; requiring inclusion of certain parents when determining if an instructional material is a sensitive material; effective date.

Impact

The bill mandates that school governing boards must include parents who represent the community when determining whether instructional materials are sensitive. This inclusion is intended to ensure that decisions regarding educational content reflect community standards and values. In addition, the State Board of Education is tasked with providing guidance and training to schools about how to identify such materials, enhancing the competencies of educational staff in navigating the complexities of sensitive content in curriculum.

Summary

House Bill 1810 aims to regulate the presence of sensitive materials in educational settings throughout Oklahoma. The bill defines 'sensitive materials' strictly as child pornography or obscene material, corresponding with existing legal definitions. It prohibits public schools from adopting or distributing any instructional material considered sensitive and outlines the responsibilities of governing boards within the school districts, charter schools, and other educational institutions in enforcing these rules.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1810 may arise from its specifications related to parental involvement and the definitions of sensitive materials. Critics may argue that the bill's provisions could lead to excessive censorship in educational environments, as its stringent definitions could prevent the inclusion of a broader range of educational content that some parents or community members might find objectionable. Proponents, on the other hand, may assert that the bill is a necessary step in protecting children from inappropriate materials in schools and promoting parental engagement in educational decisions.