Oklahoma Democrats File 'Safe At School Act'

Several major Green County school districts approve back-to-school plans with no mask requirements since state law prevents them from requiring masks.

State representative Melissa Provenzano said she and other democratic leaders want districts to decide for themselves when it comes to requiring masks. She said that's important with many kids not eligible to get vaccinated, and COVID-19 numbers on the rise.

The state legislature passed Senate Bill 658 and Governor Kevin Stitt signed it. It said school districts and colleges can't require masks on campus unless the governor declares a state of emergency.

Tulsa State representative Melissa Provenzano wants that to change.

"We couldn't understand why we were stripping local control from school districts," she said.

She and other Democratic representatives filed a bill called the "Safe at School Act."

It repeals the mask law.

Provenzano said different districts have different needs and this would give them more local control as COVID-19 numbers increase again.

"We understand Tulsa looks different from Beggs or any other small town," Provenzano said.

Districts like Tulsa Public Schools said it expects all students and staff to wear masks indoors and outdoors when around others.

"I am completely confident actually that what we will see is a tremendous amount of consistency with wearing masks," said Dr. Deborah Gist, the Superintendent.

Provenzano hopes there will be a special session to reverse the law, or the governor will call a state of emergency, so districts can do what is best for their students.

"For the ones who can't get the vaccine, we need to be their voice, it's worth the effort and challenge we have against us," she said.

We asked the governor's office for a response, but they declined to comment.