Certain teacher applicants may use a prior district’s affidavit

Eligible teacher applicants may use a recent criminal history check and a prior district’s affidavit instead of getting a new check. This applies to former full-time teachers applying for full-time teaching jobs in Oklahoma districts. It also covers certain former full-time teachers applying to be substitutes and substitutes with five years of service applying for full-time jobs. The affidavit must say whether the teacher faced an allegation of inappropriate behavior with a student or a pending or ongoing investigation involving a student. If the district investigated an allegation, the affidavit must say whether it was substantiated, unsubstantiated, or closed without a finding of misconduct. The affidavit must say the teacher left in good standing, include the prior district’s contact information, and be checked by the prospective district. The law took effect when the governor approved it on May 12, 2026, under its emergency clause.

A person who willfully submits an affidavit they know is false commits a misdemeanor, and a school board may not hire a covered full-time teacher who fails to provide the affidavit. The false-affidavit penalty applies to people required to provide the affidavit. The hiring restriction applies to full-time teacher applicants covered by the affidavit requirement. A conviction can bring up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. The State Board of Education may suspend or revoke a license or certificate for a conviction for willfully making a false required affidavit. The law took effect when the governor approved it on May 12, 2026, under its emergency clause.