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HB 1937

Schools; student communications; school personnel; administrative leave; investigation; effective date; emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brent Howard and 1 co-sponsor

Requires parent/guardian in most student electronic communications, uses school-approved platforms, and enforces administrative leave during investigations with clear outcomes and

Approved by Governor 05/07/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1937

Summary of Oklahoma HB 1937 (2026)

Purpose and intent
- The bill focuses on student-teacher/staff electronic communications and the handling of investigations related to alleged misconduct in such communications.
- It adds clarity on how districts may handle investigations of school personnel and requires specific actions regarding administrative leave and record-keeping depending on the investigation outcome.
- It includes an emergency clause, making the bill effective upon passage.

Key provisions and changes

1) Definitions (Section 6-401)
- Electronic or digital communication is defined broadly to include emails, text messages, instant messages, direct messages, social media messages, messages via apps, and other digital means.
- “School personnel” encompasses teachers, coaches, administrators, bus drivers, and any other individuals employed by a public or charter school (full-time or part-time).
- “Student” means a person enrolled in a public or charter school in Oklahoma receiving a standard high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma. It does not include someone who already holds a diploma or GED.

2) Requirements for communicating with students (subsection B)
- When school personnel communicate electronically with a student, the student’s parent or legal guardian must be included in the communication.
- The parent/guardian inclusion requirement applies unless the communication occurs on a school-approved platform and is related to school/academic communications.

3) Emergency exception and use of school-approved platforms (subsections C and D)
- An emergency exception to the parent-inclusion requirement can be made, as determined by the local school board, with subsequent notification to the parent/guardian.
- Personnel should use school-approved platforms or systems that automatically include parents/guardians in communications when feasible.
- The State Department of Education will develop training for personnel on these student communication requirements.

4) Administrative leave and handling of investigations (subsection E)
- If a school employee is the subject of a corroborated report of violating the student communication rule, they shall be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, with the board of education notified.
- If the investigation finds no misconduct:
- The employee must be reinstated.
- If the employee was never on administrative leave, the finding of no misconduct must be noted in the employee file; if they were on leave, the finding of no misconduct must be noted in the employee file.
- If misconduct is found:
- The employee shall be disciplined according to the district’s board of education policy, up to termination.
- The incident shall be reported to law enforcement under Oklahoma statutes (70 O.S. § 6-401; referencing criminal reporting requirements in Section 1210.163).

5) Effective date and emergency status
- Effective date: July 1, 2026.
- The act includes an emergency clause, meaning it takes effect immediately upon passage and approval for public peace, health, or safety reasons.

Who is affected

  • School personnel (teachers, coaches, administrators, bus drivers, and other school staff) in public and charter schools.
  • School districts’ administrative processes, particularly regarding administrative leave during investigations.
  • Parents/guardians of students, who are required to be included in electronic communications unless a school-approved platform allows automatic inclusion.
  • Oklahoma Department of Education (in providing training materials).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill includes timeline implications for investigations: administrative leave is mandated during investigations when there is a corroborated report.
  • The outcome determines whether the employee is reinstated (no misconduct) or disciplined/terminated (misconduct found), with required reporting to law enforcement if applicable.
  • Effective July 1, 2026, with emergency status allowing immediate application upon passage.

Overall impact

  • The bill formalizes the inclusion of parents in most student-focused electronic communications and creates a clear framework for how districts handle investigations and potential discipline of staff.
  • It adds a specific requirement to reinstate staff if no misconduct is found and to document the finding of no misconduct when appropriate.
  • It strengthens reporting and potential law enforcement involvement if misconduct is established.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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