What are new education laws in Oklahoma? What to know as school starts this fall

Fall semester is approaching for many students in Oklahoma as several state laws went into effect earlier this month related to public education.

From cursive teaching requirements to diabetes information, here's a look at laws in effect as school starts:

HB 3958: Prohibits one-on-one texting between student and teacher

House Bill 3958, authored by Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, and Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, prohibits school personnel from calling or texting students one-on-one.

The new state law requires electronic or digital communication between a student and school personnel to include the student's parent or guardian unless communication is on a school-approved platform and related to academics.

The bill makes exceptions in case of an emergency.

School personnel reported to be in violation of the law will be put on administrative leave while the school district investigates and notifies the board of education.

If a violation is found, the school personnel will be disciplined according to the school district board of education's policy, up to and including termination.

HB 3727: Requires cursive to be taught in schools

House Bill 3727 requires cursive handwriting to be taught in Oklahoma schools.

With the bill, Oklahoma joins 23 other states in requiring schools to teach the writing and reading skill, according to mycursive.com, a website that is dedicated to tracking cursive writing requirements in the United States.

By the end of fifth grade, students should be able to read and legibly write in cursive.

Cursive is required by the Oklahoma Education Standards. The new legislation puts the standard into the law books.

SB 175: Mandates suicide awareness, prevention training

Authored by Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, Senate Bill 175 requires school districts to provide district-wide suicide awareness and prevention training at least every other year.

The bill also requires staff to report student substance use.

HB 3737: Requires information materials about type 1 diabetes

House Bill 3737 was authored by Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, and requires the Oklahoma State Department of Education to create informational materials about type 1 diabetes for parents and guardians.

The bill mandates that schools must provide copies of these materials to parents and guardians upon a student's sixth grade enrollment.

SB 1302: Allows students in DHS custody to apply for Oklahoma's Promise

Authored by Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, Senate Bill 1302 allows a student who was placed in the custody of the Department of Human Services at any time from 8th through 11th grade to enroll in Oklahoma's Promise.

Oklahoma’s Promise grants tuition scholarships to students who meet certain income, academic and conduct requirements.

SB 1302 would consider a student in financial need if their personal income is less than $60,000 a year.

Other education-related bills in effect:

These education-related bills went into effect on July 1. Click the associated link to learn more: