Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: April 9, 2003

Audio Clip

Sen. Scott Pruitt and Rep. Fred Morgan


GOP Senator Questions Teacher Union’s
Opposition to Teacher Protection Bill

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – State Senator Scott Pruitt, R-Broken Arrow, questioned the Oklahoma Education Association’s (OEA) opposition to SB 346, the Education Protection Act, at a State Capitol press conference Wednesday.

“In this tight budget climate, educators are more concerned than ever about their school districts being exposed to frivolous lawsuits. SB 346 limits the liability of educators, school districts, and school employees to frivolous lawsuits, and it is frightening the OEA is joining the trial lawyer lobby in opposing this bill,” Pruitt said.

SB 346, authored by Pruitt, passed the Senate in March on a 38-6 vote. A similar measure has already passed the House of Representatives 100-0, but the OEA has now decided to oppose SB 346’s consideration in the House.

Pruitt, who was joined at the press conference by the bill’s House author, Rep. Fred Morgan of Oklahoma City, noted that teachers often are often forced to focus more on avoiding lawsuits than on educating schoolchildren.

“Unnecessary lawsuits for frivolous claims contribute to higher operating costs at schools. Providing relief to schools and teachers will take dollars out of the pockets of trial lawyers and put them back in the classroom,” Pruitt concluded.


For more information, contact:

Senator Scott Pruitt, Assistant Republican Floor Leader
405-521-5602