School employees; Education Employee Assistant Program; Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; effective date; emergency.

HB 1011 creates a voluntary Education Employee Assistance Program within Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to help school employees manage personal issues like mental health challenges, substance abuse, or financial difficulties that affect job performance. The program provides assessment, referral, and counseling services to employees and their families, with all participation records kept confidential and separate from regular personnel files. School districts may maintain their own employee assistance programs as long as they follow the same confidentiality rules and record-keeping standards established by the Department. Participation or nonparticipation does not impact an employee's discipline or employment status.