TULSA, Okla. — The battle over religion and schools in the Sooner state is taking a new form, as students may be excused from classes to attend religious courses.

A bill making its way through the state capital that would clarify an already existing law.

State Representative Clay Staires (R-Skiatook) wroteHouse Bill 1425. Tulsa parent Meegan Clark supports it.

“I think we absolutely need to get God back into school and be giving teaching opportunities for religion,” said Clark.

She was eating lunch with her daughter. She said she believes this bill is no different than the other school activities.

“I don’t feel like it’s any different than having satanic clubs for after-school programs or dungeons and dragons or anything that omits Jesus or religion of any kind from them. So I feel it’s equal,” said Clark.

2 News went in-depth to see what the bill entails and what it means for schools.

The bill will allow schools to excuse students for a maximum of three class periods a week to attend a religious course.

“Right now, it is legal for it to happen in Oklahoma. But nobody knows how to do it, and so you can do it, and you can do it wrong, and next thing you know, you’re up for lawsuits and stuff like that,” said Staires

Staires said the school’s leadership will determine the instruction. The schools can decide how frequently and when students will be allowed off campus.

The bill said no taxpayer dollars would be used for funding. Staires said the organization would need to provide the transportation to avoid school funding.

Staires said schools can offer the courses to all age groups. However, students are required to have their parent’s permission before attending the classes.

“The vast majority of states that are doing this is happening with young kids, and that’s why there needs to be a bus that transports them from place to place because you know they’re not driving themselves,” said Clark.

The bill specifically states that all denominations are welcome to teach students.

Representative Staires said the bill was approved in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and sent to the State Senate. The bill was then amended and approved by the Senate.

Before going to the governor’s desk, the amended version goes back to the House for final approval.

Representative Staires said all religious organizations will be vetted before beginning the courses.

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere —

Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed a measure to build an arch on the south side of the Oklahoma Capitol complex.

The cost is $4.3 million.

House Bill 4012 said the purpose of the arch is to honor the Oklahoma National Guard, which has a lengthy history of state and federal service.

Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, is the House author.

He said the arch could be built within the next two years.

“I think it will be a great addition to the Capitol complex to honor the Oklahoma National Guard,” McBride said.

He said the arch will tell the story of the Oklahoma National Guard, including the conflicts in which the men and women served.

Architect Solomon Layton included drawings of the arch in early plans for the Capitol, which was completed in 1917.

It was one of the structures, like the dome, that was not constructed because of a lack of funding at the time.

Some have been critical of spending money on an arch.

OPINION: Investing in a $4.3 million arch is a waste of Oklahomans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars

Sometimes people take for granted the freedoms they have, McBride said, adding that it is important to build the arch to demonstrate and honor the sacrifices.

The arch is expected to be 30 feet tall and 60 feet tall.

An amphitheater seating 100 people and a veteran’s park will also be constructed, said Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City.

“I am thrilled to death he signed it,” said Stanley, the Senate author. “It is going to be gorgeous.”

She said the arch will separate the Oklahoma Capitol from any other capitol in the country.

The state recently completed a $245 million renovation and upgrade to the building.

Years ago, a dome was added to the facility.

In 2015, the State Capitol Repair Expenditure Oversight Committee unveiled possible plans for a $65 million three-story parking garage, a reflecting pool and the arch.

The garage and reflecting pool have not been pursued.

Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter.