Pro Tem Greg Treat’s school choice bill advances from Senate Education Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Education Committee on Tuesday approved President Pro Tempore Greg Treat’s school choice bill that empowers parents with more control over their child’s education.

The committee approved Senate Bill 1647, also known as the Oklahoma Empowerment Act, which would allow parents to use their child’s state education dollars to pursue a variety of schooling options to secure the best education possible for their children.

“The Oklahoma Empowerment Act gives parents more control over their child’s schooling by empowering them with the resources to find the right fit for their child’s education. Children from working families shouldn’t be relegated to a failing school simply because of where they live. Education is key to bringing generational change, and Senate Bill 1647 will empower all parents to find the best educational option for their child to succeed,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Senate Bill 1647 next moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

The Education Committee also approved Treat’s Senate Bill 1592, which creates the Educators’ Professional Liability Insurance Program to provide a $1 million liability insurance policy to teachers statewide at no cost to them.

“Teachers are not immune from being the target of frivolous lawsuits. Providing teachers with liability insurance paid for by the state, gives good educators peace of mind they are protected should they be sued,” Treat said.

Senate Bill 1592 also next moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.