OK SB1974

Amends Oklahoma statutes on special education services for children with disabilities ages 3-22, updating references to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and clarifying definitions for "child with a disability," "free appropriate public education," and "individualized education program" (IEP)

Requires initial evaluations for disability determination to be completed within 60 days of receiving parental consent, with reevaluations conducted at least every 3 years; prohibits districts from providing special education services without parental consent

Establishes detailed IEP team composition requirements including parents, regular and special education teachers, district representatives, and when appropriate, the child; allows team members to be excused from meetings with written consent

Creates new procedural safeguards requiring the State Board of Education to establish policies for due process complaints, impartial hearings, and mediation procedures including conciliation conferences within 10 calendar days of parent request

Mandates that children remain in current educational placement during pending due process hearings or mediation sessions unless all parties agree otherwise; effective date July 1, 2026, with emergency clause