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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 59th Legislature (2023)
HOUSE BILL 2017 By: Ranson
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2021,
Section 6-194.3, which relates to mental health needs
of students; including informati on about violence de-
escalation in certain information made a vailable to
school districts; specifying topics to be included;
and providing an effective date .
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 6 -194.3, is
amended to read as follows:
A. The State Department of Education and the Department of
Mental Health and Substanc e Abuse Services, in consultation with
school district superintendents and school district bo ards of
education, shall develop and make available to school districts
information, training , and resources to help school employees
recognize and address the men tal health needs of students. A local
district board of education shall require a training p rogram for
teachers which shall emphasize the importance of recognizing and
addressing the mental health needs of students. The program shall
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be completed the fir st year a certified teacher is employed by a
school district, and then once every third acade mic year.
B. The information made available to school districts shall
include but not be limited to:
1. Information about the services provided by community -based
organizations related to mental health, substance abu se, and trauma;
2. Information about the impact trauma and adverse childhood
experiences can have on a student 's ability to learn;
3. The availability of mental health evaluation and treatment
available by telemedicine; and
4. Information about evidence -based strategies for prevention
of at-risk behaviors; and
5. Information about violence de -escalation including but not
limited to:
a. training in evidence -based, trauma-informed teaching
involving brain research including trauma's impact on
development and triggers,
b. procedures for settin g up and maintaining a safe
environment through self -regulation practices for both
students and staff, and
c. establishing and reviewing trauma -informed response
protocol for the classroom and school to address
behavior with positiv e and compassionate appr oaches.
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SECTION 2. This act shall become effective November 1, 2023.
59-1-6629 EK 12/13/22