Senator Thompson Advances Legislation to Strengthen Student Protections and Reporting Requirements

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, has secured unanimous committee approval of Senate Bill 1733, legislation strengthening reporting requirements for allegations of sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual misconduct involving students.

Senate Bill 1733 strengthens mandatory reporting requirements by ensuring schools report any allegation of child sexual abuse to law enforcement within 24 hours. 

"Protecting children must be the top priority," Senator Thompson said. "This bill ensures that trained law enforcement professionals are leading investigations into serious allegations from the very beginning. It establishes clear protocols, strengthens accountability and removes any ambiguity about who is responsible for taking action."

Under the bill, that report must be made before any school-level investigation begins. School investigators, administrators and other officials are prohibited from conducting related interviews or initiating disciplinary proceedings until law enforcement has been notified and given the opportunity to interview involved parties.

The legislation also maintains confidentiality of reports and requires all school employees to annually sign an attestation acknowledging their legal responsibility to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Senate Bill 1733 is now eligible to be heard on the Senate floor. 

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For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov