State Rep. Conley files bill requiring student communications to include parents

Conley Bill Would Require Student Communications to Include Parent

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, has filed a bill that would require school personnel engaging in electronic or digital communication with a student to include the student's parent or guardians.

Exceptions to House Bill 3958 may be made in case of an emergency, subject to subsequent notification to the parent or guardian. The measure stipulates that school personnel shall make reasonable efforts to use school-approved platforms, systems, or applications that allow automatic inclusion of parents or guardians in communications with students.

"This protects everyone," Conley said. "This protects the student from receiving inappropriate content from an educator, and it protects the educator as well from any allegation of impropriety. This law also would ensure the parent is involved in their child's education."

HB3958 goes on to specify that schools shall provide training, developed by the State Department of Education, for school personnel on the student communication requirements within the act.

Any school personnel reported to be in violation of the new act shall be put on administrative leave while the school district investigates the incident and notifies the local and state boards of education.

If the investigation finds no misconduct occurred, the school personnel shall be reinstated and a written warning of the incident shall be included in the employee's file. If the investigation finds misconduct occurred, the school personnel's employment shall be terminated, and the incident shall be reported to law enforcement pursuant to state statute.

The legislation contains an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect after being signed into law.

HB3958 will be eligible to be considered when the regular session of the Legislature convenes Feb. 5.

Sherrie Conley serves District 20 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes parts of Cleveland and McClain counties. [Blogger's note: Conley is not seeking reelection.]