Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1527

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Report Pass
2/6/24  
Engrossed
2/14/24  
Refer
3/25/24  
Report Pass
4/2/24  
Enrolled
4/18/24  

Caption

Schools; providing for excused absence of students receiving certain therapy or other services related to certain program. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The enactment of SB 1527 is expected to enhance the educational environment for children who need specific therapies that are critical for their development. By formalizing the process of excusing absences for such services, the bill acknowledges the importance of mental health and developmental needs in relation to academic requirements. This legislation aligns the state's education law with modern understandings of child development and health, potentially improving educational outcomes for affected students.

Summary

Senate Bill 1527 aims to amend the existing law regarding school attendance in Oklahoma, requiring school districts to excuse absences for children receiving therapy or other services related to their Individualized Education Program (IEP). This measure is designed to ensure that students who require such interventions can do so without jeopardizing their school attendance record. Under the bill, parents or guardians must submit a written request to the school for the excused absence, along with appropriate documentation from the service provider, making it a structured process to maintain compliance while accommodating students' educational needs.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB 1527 appears to be positive, especially among advocates for special education and child welfare. Supporters appreciate the bill's recognition of the challenges faced by children with disabilities or those requiring therapeutic services. Proponents argue that the law not only promotes a more inclusive education system but also alleviates the penalties that parents might face for their children's necessary absences, creating a more supportive framework for families.

Contention

Despite the positive reception, some concerns have been raised regarding the administrative burden this may impose on schools to manage and verify the documentation for excused absences. Critics suggest that the additional requirements might lead to inconsistencies in implementation across different districts, and there may be challenges in ensuring that all educators are adequately informed about the new procedures. Therefore, while the bill aims to create more supportive actions for students, the practicalities of its implementation remain a point of contention among educational stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1035

Schools; providing for excused absences relating to mental health counseling or occupational therapy; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1006

Schools; requiring students be given excused absences for participating in approved 4-H activities; effective date.

OK SB154

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

OK SB671

Schools; exempting certain school districts from imposing certain tuition fee on out-of-state students. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB27

Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; providing certain qualifying score; providing eligibility for students who complete certain core curriculum. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2358

Schools; class size limitations and penalties; providing an exception for certain transfer students; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2050

Schools; school attendance; requiring compulsory school attendance for certain students who are eighteen; emergency.

OK SB397

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

OK SB924

Schools; prohibiting certain districts and charter schools from using certain programs of instruction; providing penalty for violation. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2009

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

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