HB 1982 updates Oklahoma school contracting rules for electronic educational materials. It requires vendors to guarantee materials are ready for immediate use at delivery, provide free replacements for defects within seven days, and supply updates/support within seven days of a school's notification. The bill also mandates that electronic files for textbooks must be in formats compatible with federal accessibility standards (like Braille conversion), ensuring materials can be adapted for students with disabilities. These rules apply to digital textbooks, software, and online learning tools purchased by school districts, effective July 1, 2025.
HB 2418 creates a new pathway for career and technology education instructors by allowing the State Board of Career and Technology Education to establish rules for "adjunct teachers" with distinguished field expertise, who do not need standard teaching certification. It revises alternative teaching certification requirements, removing student teaching mandates and allowing candidates with relevant work experience or terminal degrees to qualify for provisional teaching credentials. The State Department of Education must collaborate with the Career and Technology Education Board to implement these rules, including issuing credentials for adjunct teachers. Additionally, all teacher education programs must offer alternative certification in four key areas (including math, science, and foreign language) to maintain accreditation.
HB 2702 requires Oklahoma school districts to hire special education administrators (directors and assistant directors) who hold a standard teaching certificate and obtain an "acknowledgment of competency" by July 1, 2025. This acknowledgment requires completing 150 hours of training covering Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) rules and scoring at least 70% on a competency exam. Administrators with existing Special Education Teaching Certificates under Oklahoma law (Sections 6-122.7-9) are exempt from the competency requirement. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and declares an emergency for immediate implementation.
HB 1760 creates tax credits for Oklahoma taxpayers who contribute to eligible scholarship-granting or educational improvement organizations. It allows a 50% tax credit (up to $1,000 for individuals, $2,000 for married couples, $100,000 for businesses) on contributions, increasing to 75% for those making a multi-year commitment with written proof. The bill also modifies how credits are allocated to business owners and requires annual financial reporting from participating organizations. These credits are subject to annual caps established by the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
HB 1603 requires Oklahoma public schools to teach a specific human growth and development curriculum, including a high-definition ultrasound video showing fetal development and a computer animation of cell/organ growth. It mandates this content be delivered in an age-appropriate manner, with parents able to opt their child out using a state-prescribed form two weeks before instruction. The bill affects all public school students in grades 9-12, as completion of this curriculum is required for graduation with a standard diploma unless a parent opts out. Schools must integrate this into health or science courses and align it with state academic standards, effective November 1, 2025.
HB 1280 (2025) requires Oklahoma school districts to spend at least 50% of their annual budget on classroom instruction starting in 2025-2026. If a district falls below this threshold, it must increase instructional spending by 2% annually until reaching 50%, or face a written warning and, after four years of non-compliance, a permanent 2% annual teacher pay raise for each year missed. The bill defines "annual budget" to exclude bond sales, fundraisers, and non-educational grants, and "instructional expenditures" per federal standards. The bill failed to pass (36-57) on March 27, 2025, so it is not law.
