Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB829

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Schools; prohibiting certain acts by school or school employee without parental authorization. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB829 would significantly impact the administration of health-related policies in schools. Public schools would be required to maintain proper documentation of student medical treatments and ensure that all nonprescription medicine and procedures, including sunscreen application, are contingent on parental consent. The bill also stipulates that students will not be eligible for vaccinations provided at school without a parent's prior written approval. This could lead to a more cautious approach regarding student health initiatives, necessitating schools to implement robust systems for tracking and securing parental permissions.

Summary

Senate Bill 829, introduced by Senator Bullard, aims to enhance parental control over the medical treatment of students in public schools. By amending Section 1-116.2 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the bill outlines specific actions that schools and school employees are prohibited from undertaking without prior written authorization from a student's parent or legal guardian. This includes administering nonprescription medications, providing sunscreen, administering vaccinations, or offering contraceptive drugs and devices. The legislation emphasizes the necessity of parental involvement in the medical decisions regarding their children, reflecting a trend towards increased parental rights within educational settings.

Contention

The bill has been met with mixed reactions. Proponents argue that it empowers parents and respects family rights regarding health decisions. They assert that the bill is a logical extension of the Parents' Bill of Rights, ensuring that parents are informed and involved in decisions about their children’s health. However, critics argue that it could hinder access to essential health services for students, particularly in instances where parental consent may not be readily available, thereby delaying necessary care. Concerns have also been raised about the potential implications for students seeking confidential health care or family planning services, potentially discouraging them from accessing needed resources for fear of parental backlash.

Companion Bills

OK SB829

Carry Over Schools; prohibiting certain acts by school or school employee without parental authorization. Effective date. Emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK SB829

Schools; prohibiting certain acts by school or school employee without parental authorization. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB95

Schools; prohibiting school districts and charter schools from providing certain material to students without written consent. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB30

Schools; requiring certain notifications; prohibiting use of certain names and pronouns without consent; prohibiting certain instruction in certain grades. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB928

School employees; prohibiting public schools after certain date from recognizing certain collective bargaining units. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1017

Schools; prohibiting survey on certain topics; prohibiting schools from maintaining books on certain topics. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB933

Schools; prohibiting certain schools from compelling participation in certain instruction, professional development, or training. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1811

Schools; prohibiting schools from maintaining certain books or materials; emergency.

OK SB872

Schools; prohibiting certain materials and resources containing certain depictions or descriptions from certain library or school premises. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB932

Education; prohibiting certain employees, volunteers, and contractors from using certain names or pronouns without written consent. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1027

Schools; prohibiting public schools from using certain funds to promote concepts of social emotional learning. Effective date. Emergency.

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