OK
Oklahoma Senate Bill SB131

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB131

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Schools; amending the Parents' Bill of Rights; providing for civil action; modifying certain rights. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill modifies several aspects of education law in Oklahoma, particularly regarding sex education and parental notification processes. It requires school districts to obtain written consent from parents before allowing minors to participate in any sex education, discussing gender identity, sexual behavior, or any program encapsulating these topics. Moreover, parents will have the right to withdraw their children from activities they find objectionable, solidifying their control over the educational content their children are exposed to.

Summary

Senate Bill 131, known as the Parents' Bill of Rights, amends existing Oklahoma laws to enhance parental rights concerning the upbringing, education, healthcare, and mental health of their children. It asserts the fundamental right of parents to direct their children's education and welfare without interference from state or local government unless there is a compelling governmental interest. The bill establishes a framework allowing parents to file civil actions against entities violating their rights, which can lead to injunctive relief and damages.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 131 include concerns from various stakeholders about the implications this may have on educational practices and child welfare. Critics argue that it may inhibit comprehensive sex education and other essential educational resources that are deemed necessary for the well-being of students. There are fears that the bill may enable parents to shield their children from crucial discussions about health and identity, which could adversely affect the development and understanding of children regarding diverse societal norms.

Companion Bills

OK SB131

Carry Over Schools; amending the Parents' Bill of Rights; providing for civil action; modifying certain rights. Effective date. Emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK SB131

Schools; amending the Parents' Bill of Rights; providing for civil action; modifying certain rights. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1781

Children; Parents' Bill of Rights; private right of action; Attorney General; investigate; violation; materials; instruction; fine; term; effective date.

OK HB2462

Children; parental rights; procedure; effective date.

OK HB1013

Health care; Lori Brand Patient Bill of Rights Act of 2023; rights of patients; responsibilities of patients; rights of minors; responsibilities of parents; effective date.

OK SB248

Termination of parental rights; authorizing execution of certain extrajudicial consent. Effective date.

OK SB279

Parental rights; creating the Parental Rights Immunization Act; requiring certain informed consent prior to vaccinating child. Effective date.

OK SB880

Students; creating the Students' Bill of Rights; directing creation of certain due process plan. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2009

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

OK HB2137

Marriage; Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act; definition; visitation rights; effective date.

OK SB865

Teachers; creating the Teachers' Bill of Rights; affording certain rights to teachers, administrators, and support staff. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

OK HB3586

State employee health insurance; funding to provide flexible benefit allowance; professional risk management program; continuance of health and dental insurance benefits; rates and benefits; disability insurance program for state employees; collections; flexible benefit revolving fund; flexible benefit dollars in the State Employees Benefits Act; effective date.

OK HB1934

Students; creating the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act; creating income tax credit for certain taxpayers.

OK HB1934

Students; creating the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act; creating income tax credit for certain taxpayers.

OK HB3120

Sex education; Parents' Bill of Rights; providing for parental opt in for child to participate in sex education; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1964

Parental rights; Parents' Bill of Rights; private right of action; review; materials; object; opt in; fine; violation; term; effective date.

OK SB1268

Parents' Bill of Rights; requiring policy to include certain procedures; modifying certain provisions. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB3250

Parents' Bill of Rights; parental involvement in schools; allowing parent to appeal denial of a request for information; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2670

Parental rights; parental involvement; complaint; superintendent; appeal; Board of Education; investigative committee; district attorney; violation; relief; effective date.