Oklahoma bill that would ban schools from requiring COVID-19 vaccine heads to governor’s desk
An Oklahoma bill that would ban schools from requiring COVID-19 vaccine is headed to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would prohibit public schools, colleges, universities or CareerTech centers from implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition for admittance. It would also ban schools from requiring only non-vaccinated populations to wear masks.
Senate Bill 658 is authored by Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman. The measure also requires the State Department of Education and school districts to provide in any notice or publication provided to parents regarding immunization requests the immunization requirements of the school, including the requirement to either provide current, up-to-date immunization records or a signed and completed exemption form, the bill’s language stated.
Read the full language of the bill here.
The measure provides that a board of education for a school district or technology school district may only implement a mandate to wear a mask or any other medical device after consultation with the local county health department or city-county health department. Such a mandate must explicitly list the reasons for the mandate and shall reference the specific masks or medical devices that would meet the requirements of the mandate. Any mandate to implement wearing a mask or any other medical device shall be reconsidered at each regularly scheduled board meeting.
The measure’s final form passed the House with a vote of 76-18. It now moves to the governor for his consideration.
If the bill becomes law, it would take effect on July 1.