Local school districts would report accusations of sexual misconduct by teachers to state education officials under legislation approved by the Oklahoma House.
House members voted 61-29 for the measure Thursday and sent it to the state Senate.
The bill authorizes local school districts to give the state Board of Education a superintendent's recommendation to dismiss or not re-hire a teacher if the recommendation includes grounds that could result in criminal charges for sexual abuse or exploitation.
Republican Rep. Lee Denney of Cushing says the measure is designed to protect school children by preventing sexual predators from moving from one teaching job to the next.
Opponents say the bill could tarnish the reputation of a falsely accused teacher.
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