Senator Pugh’s Senate Bill 553 to Strengthen Protections for Oklahoma Students Heads to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, issued the following statement today after the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 553, sending the legislation to the governor's desk.

The measure prohibits the State Department of Education from issuing a teaching certificate to anyone convicted of failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Certified teachers found guilty of this offense will have their teaching licenses revoked, and career teachers may be dismissed and barred from reemployment.

“There is no higher priority than protecting Oklahoma’s children,” Senator Pugh said. “Senate Bill 553 ensures that educators who fail in their legal and moral duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect will be held accountable. This bill provides critical safeguards, promotes transparency between school districts and reinforces trust in our education system. This legislation represents a strong step forward to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for advancing this important measure and look forward to it becoming law.”

The measure enhances accountability and transparency in Oklahoma schools by strengthening reporting requirements for suspected child abuse and clarifying processes for teacher certification and dismissal.

The legislation requires all school employees to annually sign an attestation acknowledging their legal responsibility to report suspected abuse or neglect. The bill also addresses transparency during employment transitions by requiring school districts to disclose in writing whether a teacher applying to a new district was alleged to have engaged in inappropriate behavior with a student.

Senate Bill 553 clarifies the authority of the State Board of Education in revoking or suspending teaching certificates. The board must provide due process and notify both the teacher and the district superintendent of any investigation involving a teacher.

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