HB 3016 requires Oklahoma schools to provide binocular vision screenings for students in kindergarten, first, and third grades to identify convergence insufficiency (a vision disorder affecting near focus). Screenings, conducted within 30 days of the school year start by trained school nurses or vision professionals, must be performed in addition to existing vision screenings. The bill establishes a Binocular Screening Revolving Fund in the state treasury to cover program costs using state appropriations, which must supplement - rather than replace - current school vision funding. The program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.
HB 3465 extends the termination date for Oklahoma's Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2029. This change directly affects businesses and entities participating in the rebate program, allowing them to continue receiving incentives for emission-reducing technology through 2029. The bill amends Section 55012 of the Oklahoma Statutes to update the program's end date while maintaining existing rebate mechanisms. It becomes effective November 1, 2026.
SB 201 establishes a mandatory minimum salary schedule for Oklahoma public school teachers beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. It sets specific annual salary floors based on years of experience and education level (e.g., $50,000 for a bachelor's degree with 0 experience), requiring school districts to meet these amounts through salary or fringe benefits. The bill defines "fringe benefits" to include retirement contributions (excluding certain state-mandated portions) and mandates written notice to teachers if districts propose salaries below the minimum. It also standardizes how teaching experience (including out-of-state, military, or Department of Defense service) is counted for salary increments, while prohibiting credit for more than five years of such experience.
SB 1379 establishes a two-year pilot program through Oklahoma's Attorney General's Office to provide grants to private nonprofit organizations supporting victims of sexual and labor trafficking. The program funds specific services like emergency shelter, mental health counseling, legal assistance, job training, and medical care - directly benefiting trafficking victims through partner organizations. Eligible organizations must demonstrate experience serving trafficking victims, maintain confidentiality, and use grants primarily for direct services (not exceeding 15% for administrative costs). Recipients must submit quarterly reports on services provided and outcomes, with the Attorney General compiling annual program evaluations for state leaders. The bill expands allowable uses of the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund to support this initiative.
SB 244 establishes the Program of American Civic Thought and Leadership at the University of Oklahoma (OU). It creates a new academic program focused on teaching American political principles, leadership, civic engagement, and foundational texts of U.S. history and government through courses for students. The program will hire faculty, develop new majors/minors, and offer courses including an upcoming requirement for all OU students to complete a civic knowledge course. It requires annual strategic plans and reports to state leadership, with initial courses launching in fall 2027. The program will operate independently on OU's Norman campus, funded by state appropriations and donations.
HB 3944 consolidates four Oklahoma state agencies - Department of Central Services, Office of Personnel Management, Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Council, and State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board - into a single Office of Management and Enterprise Services. It requires state agencies to submit detailed budget requests with performance metrics and track federal funds (like CARES and ARPA) through weekly and quarterly public reports. The bill also updates fund transfer procedures, eliminates outdated references in financial rules, and mandates clearer reporting on budget requests to the Legislature. These changes directly affect state agencies managing public funds and aim to modernize financial transparency.
HB 4426 creates a state income tax credit for businesses making qualified economic development expenditures in specific Oklahoma locations. It allows eligible businesses to claim up to 10% of qualifying construction, equipment, or infrastructure costs (capped at $6 million per project), or up to 50% for rail infrastructure (capped at $3 million). The credit can be assigned to project affiliates like vendors or investors and carried forward for up to five years, with an annual state cap of $12 million. The bill applies to projects in counties under 100,000 population, industrial parks, economic development zones, or near qualifying railroads, effective November 2026.
HB 3043 creates a new category of "seasonal employees" for Oklahoma's Department of Veterans Affairs, defined as unclassified staff working under 1,699 hours annually. These employees will not receive benefits like paid leave, health insurance, retirement, or paid holidays. The bill requires the Department to report annual usage of these positions, including worker counts and total wages, in its budget requests. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 1590 establishes the "Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Linked Deposit Program" to provide reduced-rate loans for school infrastructure projects. It directly affects charter schools and nonprofit education service entities by enabling them to access funding for constructing, expanding, or repairing buildings and integrated systems like HVAC. The program works by having the State Treasurer place state funds (as certificates of deposit) with eligible banks, which then offer these low-cost loans to qualifying schools, requiring borrowers to certify funds will be used solely for infrastructure. The State Treasurer and Board review applications, with banks applying standard credit checks and prioritizing schools based on local educational needs.
SB 137 creates the "Oklahoma State Penitentiary Prison Rodeo Revolving Fund" to finance improvements to the prison rodeo arena at Oklahoma State Penitentiary. It appropriates $8.3 million from the General Revenue Fund for facility construction, repair, and upgrades to support prison rehabilitation programs and local economic development. The fund, managed by the Department of Corrections, will cover costs for the arena's maintenance and programming. This bill directly affects the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the operations of the prison rodeo program at Oklahoma State Penitentiary.
