Bill Text For SB1985 - Enrolled

ENROLLED SENATE

BILL NO. 1985                       By: Jett of the Senate

 

                                               and

 

                                        West (Kevin) of the House

 

 

 

 

An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 5-130, which relates to use of school buildings and properties; allowing a school district board of education to enter into an agreement with a church for use of certain building or property for certain purposes; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

 

 

 

 

SUBJECT:  Use of school buildings and properties

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

 

SECTION 1.     AMENDATORY     70 O.S. 2021, Section 5-130, is amended to read as follows:

 

Section 5-130.  A.  The board of education of any school district may, under such regulations and conditions as it may prescribe, encourage increased community involvement in the public schools.  These regulations and conditions may include:

 

1.  Open any school building and permit the use of any property belonging to such district for religious, political, literary, community, cultural, scientific, mechanical, agricultural, or parental involvement purposes, and other purposes of general public interest including the provision of public library services pursuant to agreements with governing boards or commissions of public libraries or library systems;

 

2.  Contract to provide transportation equipment as defined in Section 9-104 of this title for any purpose specified in paragraph 1 of this subsection; and

 

3.  Make a reasonable charge to cover the cost of the use of such building, property, or transportation equipment.

 

B.  The State Board of Education shall encourage each board of education to inquire into and promote the use of its school buildings and property for the purposes provided in subsection A of this section for such activities both before and after regular school hours.

 

C.  Any youth group listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society shall be allowed the use of any school building or property to provide services allowing students to participate in activities provided by the groups at times other than instructional time during the school day.

 

D.  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a school district board of education from entering into an agreement with a church to utilize a church building or any property belonging to such church for political, literary, community, cultural, scientific, mechanical, agricultural, or parental involvement purposes.

 

SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective July 1, 2024.

 

SECTION 3.  It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.

 

Passed the Senate the 14th day of March, 2024.

 

 

                             

                                  Presiding Officer of the Senate

 

 

Passed the House of Representatives the 16th day of April, 2024.

 

 

                            

                                   Presiding Officer of the House

                                               of Representatives