Bill Protecting Students from Inappropriate Material Signed into Law

11

May 23, 2022

Press Release

A bill protecting K-12 school-aged children from access to pornographic or obscene material in schools or libraries or through online digital libraries was signed into law by the governor this week.

House Bill 3702 by Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell, require any Oklahoma school district, charter or virtual charter school, state agency, public library, or university that offers digital or online library database resources to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade to do so only if the vendor, person, or entity providing the resources verifies that all the resources comply with the provisions of the new law.

“Protecting the minds of our children is extremely important,” Russ said. “Even though we already have definitions of inappropriate materials in state law, we still find examples of these making their way into the hands of our children through our schools and libraries, and particularly through online resources. This legislation will help us filter these materials to keep our children safe.”

The new law will require schools and libraries to have safety policies and technology protections in place for K-12 students. A user would be prohibited and prevented from sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading materials that are child pornography or obscene materials, as defined in current state statutes, or materials that depict child sexual exploitation as defined in current state statute. Filters or blocks to such materials are easily available and would be required.

Contractors failing to comply would face loss of payment and be considered in breach of contract. Libraries would be required to submit a report by Dec. 1 each year to the speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the state Senate detailing any issues related to provider compliance with technology protection measures.

The legislation likewise specifies that employees of Oklahoma school districts, charter or virtual charter schools, state agencies, public libraries, or universities shall not be exempt from state law which prohibits indecent exposure to obscene material or child pornography as defined in state statute.

Sen. Darrell Weaver is the principal author of the bill in the Senate.

When it comes to children and teens, we owe it to them and to their families to ensure we are taking appropriate action to protect them from harmful material,” Weaver said. “This legislation is an important part of that effort, and I appreciate the Legislature and the governor for their support.”

HB3702 becomes effective Nov. 1.

Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

2511251458_1902270

SWOSU Foundation Names New Board Leaders

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Board of Trustees of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees held its Fall 2025 session recently on Thursday and Friday, November 6 and 7, in

2511251019_199009

Mayor’s Toy Drive Sign Ups Begin

Elk City, OK – Elk City families needing a little extra help this holiday season can begin signing up for the annual Mayor’s Toy Drive starting November 24. Registration will run through December 5 at Elk City

Santa and an elf wearing capes with a “Nominate a Hero” headline, $250 prize note, and the 96.5FM KECO logo.

Santa’s Christmas Heroes

About KECO 96.5FM is spotlighting locals who do selfless good. Winners receive a $250 prize from a KECO sponsor. We announce on air and share photos on the KECO Facebook page. How it works Pick a nominee,

2511231248_1775789

Nicholas & Judy Rains Make Major Gift to SWOSU

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is excited to announce the receipt of a major charitable contribution from Nicholas Rains, ‘02, and his wife, Judy, endowing the Nicholas & Judy Rains Computer

2511170832_1942348

Update on Weatherford Ammonia Leak

Weatherford, OK – Weatherford officials released new details following the major anhydrous ammonia leak that occurred late Wednesday night behind the Holiday Inn Express. The leak was reported around 9:58 p.m., prompting a large multi-agency emergency response.

2511161311_1361081

SWOSU Names Magill to Presidential Order of Merit

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly presented Bruce Magill, ’70, with the university’s prestigious Presidential Order of Merit. The award was presented by SWOSU’s Acting President, Dr. Janet Cunningham, during the recent Fall

2511161308_1350620

SWOSU Names Birdsong to Presidential Order of Merit

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly presented Carl Birdsong, ’83, with the university’s prestigious Presidential Order of Merit. The award was presented by SWOSU’s Acting President, Dr. Janet Cunningham, during SWOSU’s Homecoming football

2511161254_1118658

Wilkes Named to SWOSU Presidential Order of Merit

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) proudly recognized longtime benefactor and SWOSU Alumni Association Past President Mike Wilkes, ’75, with the prestigious Presidential Order of Merit. The award was presented by SWOSU’s Acting President, Dr.

2511131130_2510160815_19812

SWOSU Student Charged as Court Probes Death

Ada, OK – Court proceedings are underway in the case of a Southwestern Oklahoma State University student who was found dead near Veterans Lake in Sulphur last month. According to court documents, Cameron Lewis, a SWOSU student

2511121214_1941244

SWOSU Computer Club Hosts Annual Fundraising Lock-In

Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Computer Club and SWOSU Esports hosted their annual Extra Life lock-in fundraiser, raising $1,000 to support the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. The funds help support needed medication, equipment, and

2511101440_1936306

Candidate Filing Begins For Board Of Education

Arapaho, OK – Candidates for the Board of Education in Arapaho-Butler, Clinton, Thomas-Fay-Custer and Weatherford Schools Custer County school districts will file Declarations of Candidacy beginning 8 a.m. Monday, December 1 2025. Ann Brown, Secretary of the

2511051328_1971799

Cupp Enters State Chamber Hall of Fame

Elk City, OK – The Elk City Chamber’s Cupp runneth over with award-winning experience. Susie Cupp, Executive Director of Elk City’s Chamber of Commerce, was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Hall of Fame.