SB 788 Summary

• Creates the "Students' Bill of Rights" establishing nine rights for students in Oklahoma public schools and public charter schools, effective July 1, 2025.

• Guarantees student rights including safe learning environments free from bullying, unbiased education free from socialism/communism/Marxism promotion, religious expression, self-defense if attacked, freedom from vulgar language, and right to have parent or counsel present during questioning about illegal conduct.

• Prohibits schools from punishing students for lawfully exercising rights or engaging in lawful conduct outside school hours and property.

• Requires schools to respond in writing within 7 business days to written demands from students or parents alleging rights violations, and allows civil actions to enforce rights with court-awarded attorney fees to prevailing parties.

• Restricts bullying claims to situations where school fails to address ongoing bullying after notification and allows actions only after a second or subsequent incident within 12 calendar months.