OK HB1704

Amends 70 O.S. 2001, Section 5-142 to allow school boards to request national criminal record checks from either an approved private company or the State Department of Education for any person seeking employment with a school.

If boards request checks through the State Department of Education, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation obtains fingerprints and conducts the search, with fees not to exceed $50 or actual search cost (whichever is less); school districts may reimburse employees for the cost.

Requires school boards to establish policies regarding felony record searches and employee notification, and permits employment for up to 60 days pending receipt of background check results.

Substitute teachers need only one national criminal history record check per school year, which may be transferred to other school districts upon the teacher's request.

Becomes effective July 1, 2011, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon passage and approval.