OKLAHOMA –The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at strengthening how schools report allegations of child abuse and neglect by a private or public school employee, requiring faster involvement from law enforcement.
House Bill 2959, authored by Steve Bashore, R-Miami, would require any allegation of abuse or neglect involving a public or private school employee to be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours.
The bill also says schools must contact police before starting their own investigation or questioning the accused. Bashore said this would make sure trained investigators handle these cases first.
The measure allows law enforcement to interview those involved first, unless there is an urgent safety concern. It also requires reporting even if the accused employee leaves the job.
Bashore said the legislation would not limit a school’s authority to make final decisions but would add law enforcement involvement to the existing process to ensure proper investigations.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is authored by Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, for further consideration.
