Measure to Provide Offender Registry to Schools Heads to House

A measure passed by the State Senate will allow Oklahoma school districts to further their ability to check potential employers by providing them direct access to the state Sex Offender Registry.

Senate Bill 440, authored by Senator David Myers, will require the Department of Corrections to provide a copy of the Sex Offender Registry to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for distribution to school districts. The measure, which passed the Senate unanimously, will give school districts another opportunity to check their current employees, as well as potential workers.

The Republican from Ponca City noted that the schools have always had the ability to check sex offenders for a fee either at the local law enforcement agency or the Department of Corrections, but this will allow for direct access to the sex offender registry.

"Currently, schools have to pay a fee for each inquiry of the Sex Offender Registry," said Myers. "This bill will save our schools time and money, but more importantly it will help keep sexual predators away from our children."

Sex offenders can be prosecuted for working with children during the term of registration. Employers can be held civilly liable for knowingly employing a registered sex offender.

"Oklahoma law already prohibits convicted sex offenders from working with children, but some can get
overlooked," continued Myers. "Our schools shouldn't have to pay or jump through hoops to get this information. This bill will help make the process easier and more efficient."

SB 440 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.