OKLAHOMA CITY – The Protect Our Kids Act, authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, passed the Education Oversight Committee and is now eligible to be heard on the House floor. This legislation would strengthen protections for students by enhancing transparency and accountability in cases of teacher and administrator misconduct.

“As elected officials, our first priority must be the safety and well-being of our students,” said Rep. Hildebrant. “The Protect Our Kids Act ensures that any recommendations for dismissal or non-reemployment of teachers and administrators, particularly in cases involving potential criminal misconduct, are properly reported and addressed. This legislation eliminates loopholes that have previously allowed individuals to resign quietly and continue working in other districts without proper scrutiny, while also ensuring that due process is followed and not circumvented.”

House Bill 1075, the Protect Our Kids Act, would amend current law to require that all recommendations for teacher and administrator dismissal be forwarded to the State Board of Education, regardless of whether the individual resigns before or after a termination recommendation is made.

Additionally, school boards would be mandated to notify the State Board of Education of any resignation that occurs under investigation for serious misconduct.

"By ensuring that teacher and administrator resignation or termination cases are thoroughly reviewed, we can better protect students and staff from potential harm, while ensuring fairness in cases where no criminal charges are filed," said Hildebrant. "This bill takes significant steps to safeguard our schools and guarantee that only the most qualified educators are entrusted with our students' futures."

Procedures for expungement would be established for cases without criminal charges or certificate revocation, ensuring fairness. Educators could submit supplementary information in response to recommendations, providing context. Additionally, records of misconduct would remain confidential but accessible to school districts for informed hiring decisions, balancing privacy with student safety.

With a bipartisan 9-0 vote in the Education Oversight Committee, the Protect Our Kids Act now advances to the House floor for further consideration. If passed and signed into law, the legislation would take effect on July 1, ensuring immediate implementation before the next school year.