Senate Advances Legislation Expanding Student Protections, Extending Conduct Rules to School Security Roles

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, received unanimous Senate approval for House Bill 1995. The measure amends an existing state statute that prohibits employees of school districts from engaging in relationships with students to include employed and contracted school resource officers and security guards.

“The vast majority of school resource officers in our state are dedicated to protecting our children and maintaining safe, secure campuses. This bill is not a reflection of those officers, but rather a select few bad actors that have used their position of authority to prey on children within our school systems,” Hamilton said. “House Bill 1995 will eliminate any potential loopholes in our existing laws, ensuring that these individuals are held to the same standard as any other school district employee and held accountable for these inappropriate and inexcusable actions.”

Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, is the House author of the measure.

“Closing this loophole in state law is an important protection for our kids, ensuring that everyone in a position of authority at their schools is held to the same standards when it comes to interacting with students,” Turner said. “I'm grateful for Senator Hamilton authoring this important piece of legislation and ensuring its passage. I'm hopeful the governor will soon sign it into law.”

House Bill 1995 now heads to the governor’s desk for final consideration.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Warren Hamilton at 405-521-5604, or email Warren.Hamilton@oksenate.gov.