Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB397

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Report Pass
2/21/23  
Engrossed
3/8/23  
Refer
3/29/23  
Refer
3/29/23  

Caption

Schools; directing certain libraries to conduct certain inventory of materials and media; providing certain designations. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The legislation aims to create a structured approach to material accessibility in educational settings, ensuring that only appropriate content is available to students. Starting in July 2024, libraries will be required to restrict access to certain materials based on age designation, meaning that younger students will only have access to materials deemed suitable for them. Additionally, access to certain more mature content will require written consent from parents or guardians, thus placing additional responsibilities on families and school infrastructure.

Summary

Senate Bill 397 introduces new regulations concerning the materials used in schools and public libraries within Oklahoma. The bill mandates that each school district and charter school appoint a committee by a specified date to conduct an inventory of print and nonprint materials in their libraries. This inventory must be completed by July 1, 2024, and materials will need to be designated based on age-appropriateness. The designations include categories such as 'Elementary', 'Junior high', 'Under 16', and 'Juniors and seniors', which dictate the suitability of content for students at different educational levels.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding SB 397 displayed a mixture of support and concern among lawmakers and the community. Proponents argue that the bill protects young students from inappropriate content and places responsibility on parents for guiding their children's access to reading materials. However, critics worry that the bill might lead to excessive censorship and limit students' exposure to diverse perspectives and educational resources. This divide underscores a broader societal debate about parental control versus academic freedom in educational settings.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the potential implications for censorship and the impact on educational resources. Critics express concerns that the stringent labeling and access restrictions could restrict student learning opportunities and sideline materials that address complex subjects essential for a well-rounded education. The bill also empowers the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to develop uniform procedures, which some fear might lead to inconsistent application of these regulations across different school districts.

Companion Bills

OK SB397

Carry Over Schools; directing certain libraries to conduct certain inventory of materials and media; providing certain designations. Effective date. Emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK SB397

Schools; directing certain libraries to conduct certain inventory of materials and media; providing certain designations. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB344

Schools; directing school district boards of education to adopt certain library media materials policy. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB516

Charter schools; creating the Statewide Charter School Board; providing for succession to certain contracts. Effective date.

OK SB154

Schools; providing exemptions from certain reading screening instruments to certain students. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB872

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

OK SB521

Libraries; clarifying application of certain digital or online library database resource provisions to institutions of higher education. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2009

Schools; class size limitations; modifying certain class size limits; providing stipend for certain teachers; effective date; emergency.

OK SB406

Sales tax; providing exemption for certain nonprofits. Effective date.

OK SB26

Schools; providing certain exception to designation and use of restroom or changing area; exception for athletic activities; remedies for noncompliance. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB838

Firearms; allowing certain teacher carry. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

OK SB397

Schools; directing certain libraries to conduct certain inventory of materials and media; providing certain designations. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB872

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

OK SB872

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

VA HB1448

Public school library materials; DOE to make recommendations, model policies, selection and removal.

OK SB348

Schools; directing responsibility for content of all instructional materials; requiring adoption of policy for objections to use of specific materials. Effective date. Emergency.

AZ SB1540

Textbooks; representation; disabilities; sexual orientation

AZ HB2634

Textbooks; representation; disabilities; sexual orientation.

AZ HB2439

School library; review; policy