Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1448

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Schools; requiring public schools that administer certain survey to include certain affidavit. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill is intended to standardize the administration of surveys in schools and enforce stricter data protection measures. By requiring an affidavit to be included with each survey, the legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in how schools engage with students on potentially sensitive subjects. Schools that fail to adhere to these stipulations could face scrutiny or challenges regarding their practices. This could lead to improved safeguarding of student information and a more uniform approach across various educational institutions.

Summary

Senate Bill 1448 establishes new requirements for public schools, public charter schools, and virtual charter schools regarding the administration of certain surveys to students. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, any school that administers a survey must include an affidavit verifying that the collection of responses complies with the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. This requirement ensures that students' rights are protected in the context of surveys that collect sensitive information such as political views, religious beliefs, gender and sexual orientation, and health issues, including vaccination status.

Contention

The implications of SB1448 may generate debate on several fronts, notably around how such requirements might impact the ability of schools to effectively gather data that could inform educational strategies or student support initiatives. Though proponents argue that the bill is a crucial step toward protecting student privacy, detractors may raise concerns about the potential hindrance it poses to collecting necessary information for promoting student welfare. Additional discussions may focus on the practicalities of enforcing compliance and the resources needed by schools to manage these stipulations.