A bill requiring schools to report abuse allegations directly to law enforcement within 24 hours has passed the House with unanimous support.
House Bill 2959 by Oklahoma Representative Steve Bashore mandates that any allegation of abuse or neglect involving a public or private school employee be reported to law enforcement before a school or district begins its own investigation.
“We want to assure students that when they report an instance of abuse, allegations will be thoroughly investigated,” Bashore said. “Our response to these reports needs to be immediate and thorough.”
The measure also requires law enforcement to have the opportunity to interview those involved before school officials question the accused, unless authorities determine immediate action is needed to protect student safety.
The bill specifies that reporting requirements remain in place even if the employee accused of misconduct resigns, is terminated or otherwise leaves their position.
Bashore said the legislation does not limit the authority of school administrators, but ensures trained investigators are involved from the start.
House Bill 2959 now moves to the Senate, where Oklahoma Senator Kristen Thompson is the author.
