Schools; authorizing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to create an alternative education pilot program for out-of-school suspended students; effective date.
Summary
HB4288 authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to establish a pilot alternative education program for students who are suspended out of school for more than 14 days. The program must be designed to meet existing alternative education requirements and must include therapy and other restorative practices as part of daily instruction.
The bill also allows students who participate in the pilot to remain in the program after their suspension ends, if they choose, and encourages school districts to create reintegration plans that help students return not only to core classes but also to electives, extracurricular activities, and other school programs. The measure directs the State Department of Education to reserve up to 10% of available alternative education funding each fiscal year for this pilot, based on student participation, and it would take effect November 1, 2026.
Impact
If enacted, HB4288 would add a new pilot program to Oklahoma law in Title 70 governing education, expanding the role of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in serving suspended students. It would create a new statutory section for alternative education services for students with long out-of-school suspensions, require restorative and therapeutic components, and give school districts an optional framework for broader student reintegration. The bill would also affect the allocation of state alternative education funds by reserving up to 10% for the pilot program.
Sentiment
The available legislative history shows limited public debate or recorded votes, so there is no strong documented opposition or support in the materials provided. The bill’s structure suggests a generally reform-oriented approach focused on student support, behavioral intervention, and reintegration rather than punishment. Its referral to the Appropriations and Budget Human Services Subcommittee indicates it was still in the early stages of the legislative process.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the use of education funds for a pilot administered by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the requirement that therapy and restorative practices be incorporated into instruction, and whether schools should be responsible for maintaining suspended students in a continuing program after suspension ends. Another possible issue is the bill’s funding set-aside of up to 10% of alternative education dollars, which could raise concerns about resource allocation for existing programs. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided transcripts or votes.
Education; alternative education programs; charter schools and virtual charter schools; full-time virtual or blended instruction; effective date; emergency.
Mental health; rural mental health and treatment diversion pilot programs; purpose; Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; contracts; promulgation of rules; effective date.
Schools; student mental health; State Department of Education to create a school-based telehealth pilot program; request for proposals; definitions; optional school district participation; reporting to the Legislature; requiring the Department to seek funding; effective date; emergency.
Alternative education; directing the statewide system of alternative education to include designated charter schools and virtual charter schools. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; authorizing the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma to create a math tutoring pilot program for certain students; effective date; emergency.
Law enforcement; requiring the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to develop certain program. Effective date.