Req. No. 408 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 STATE OF OKLAHOMA 1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025) SENATE BILL 851 By: Bullard AS INTRODUCED An Act relating to school employees; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 509.11, which relates to equal access to employees of a school distr ict; modifying what constitutes access regarding statewide professional educators’ associations; prohibiting equal access from being conditional on certain provisions or services; directing certain communications to be classified as promotional events; per mitting distribution of certain materials in school mailboxes; prohibiting a s chool district from requiring a fee or other payment from statewide professional educators ’ associations for certain activities; requiring certain notification if certain equal access is denied; requiring notification of the State Board of Education if equal access is not granted within certain time period ; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency . BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 509.11, i s amended to read as follows: Section 509.11. A. No school district, employee of a school district, or employee organization shall deny by any means, including a collective bar gaining agreement, a statewide professional educators ’ association equal access to employees of the Req. No. 408 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 school district, to the same extent that access is granted to other educators’ associations. For purposes of this section, access shall include, but is not limited to: 1. Setting up informational tables at in -service or other similar teacher meetings; 2. Speaking at in-service or other similar teacher meetings; 3. Distributing information in school mail boxes or through the school e-mail system; 4. Utilizing school district meeting rooms during nonworking hours; 5. Representing employees in employment matters, when requested by the employee; 6. Posting information on school district bulletin boards or other common space displays ; and 7. Utilizing school district printing services Promotional events. B. Any association which uti lizes school district facilities or services shall reimburse the district for any costs incurred by the district due to association activities . C. Equal access shall not be cond itional on provisions or services requested by school districts including, but not limited to, furnished meals, snacks, gifts, donations, or other types of sponsored activities. Req. No. 408 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 D. Communication by an employee, volunteer, or member of a statewide professional educators’ association on behalf of the association or a local affiliate group that pertains to a collective bargaining agreement or negotiated employment contract pursuant to Section 509.2 of this title shall, for the purposes of this section, be classified as a promotional event hosted by the statewide association, and all other statewide professional educators ’ associations and their employees shall be granted equal access to communicate with school employees to the same extent. For the purposes of this section, communication includes, but is not limited to, presentations, s peaking events, meetings, emails, informational displays, and virtual forum posts. E. Distribution of promotional materials to all employees in school mailboxes by employees or associated members of a statewide professional educators ’ association shall be permitted. Promotional materials may include, but are not limited to, promotional brochures, competitor comparison brochures, informational pamphlets, membership applications, gift items, and association member gifts. F. School districts shall not requi re a fee or other payment from statewide professional educators ’ associations for access, promotional material review, promotional material distribution, or other related activit ies. Req. No. 408 Page 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 G. 1. A statewide professional educators ’ association that is not allowed access as provided for in this section shall notify the board of education of the school district where access was denied. 2. Upon notification, if the school district board of education does not ensure equal access is provided to the statewide professional educators’ association within fifteen (15) days, the association shall notify the State Board of Education. SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2025. SECTION 3. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval. 60-1-408 EB 1/16/2025 9:20:53 AM