We need your voices NOW to stop HB 1523, a costly and unnecessary school-based telehealth pilot program. This bill would mandate the State Department of Education to contract with a single telehealth provider to offer mental health care in schools—despite the fact that schools already have the ability to work with telehealth professionals and bill for these services through existing funding.
Why Oppose HB 1523?
Undermines Parental Rights – When mental health services are provided directly through schools via a mandated telehealth provider, parents risk being left out of the loop. Parents must remain in control of their children’s healthcare, ensuring that every treatment, assessment, or counseling session is conducted with full informed consent.
Unnecessary Spending – Schools already have access to school based health care services. This bill would waste millions on a redundant program.
One-Size-Fits-All Approach – Local school boards and administrators know their students’ needs best. They should be able to choose from multiple qualified providers rather than being forced into a single contract.
Lack of Provider Capacity – No single telehealth provider can meet the demand for student mental health care across the state. This bill limits choice and reduces access instead of improving it.
Take Action: Contact Legislators NOW
HB 1523 is up for a vote TODAY, and we need you to call and email these key legislators urging them to vote NO.
Email Legislators (Copy & Paste These Addresses into BCC)
Dick.Lowe@okhouse.gov, Danny.Sterling@okhouse.gov, Chris.Banning@okhouse.gov, Chad.Caldwell@okhouse.gov, Rob.Hall@okhouse.gov, Molly.Jenkins@okhouse.gov, Ronny.Johns@okhouse.gov, Cody.Maynard@okhouse.gov, Ellen.Pogemiller@okhouse.gov, Jacob.Rosecrants@okhouse.gov, Mark.Tedford@okhouse.gov
Sample Email
Subject: Vote NO on HB 1523 – Protect Local Control & Stop Unnecessary Spending
Dear Representatives,
I urge you to vote NO on HB 1523. This bill mandates a statewide telehealth pilot program, even though local school districts already have the access to school based health care services.
HB 1523 undermines parental rights. When mental health services are provided directly through schools via a mandated telehealth provider, parents risk being left out of the loop. Parents must remain in control of their children’s healthcare, ensuring that every treatment, assessment, or counseling session is conducted with full informed consent.
HB 1523 is a waste of taxpayer dollars – It forces the state to spend millions on a program that provides no additional benefits to students.
It removes local decision-making – School boards and administrators should have the flexibility to choose from multiple providers based on their students’ unique needs.
It limits provider availability – No single telehealth provider can meet the demand for student mental health services across Oklahoma.
Instead of a costly, top-down mandate, we should empower local schools to make the best decisions for their students. Please vote NO on HB 1523.
Thank you for your time and service to Oklahoma.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
This vote is happening TODAY, so please take five minutes right now to email these legislators. Every voice matters in protecting parental rights, local decision-making, and responsible spending in Oklahoma schools!