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.
HB 2395 expands Oklahoma's early childhood education programs to include 3-year-olds, requiring school districts to offer voluntary half-day (2.5 hours) or full-day (6 hours) programs for children aged 3-5. It mandates certified early childhood educators in all such programs, sets developmentally appropriate learning standards (not academic), and requires private providers contracting with schools to meet certification and salary standards. Families of eligible children in districts without programs may transfer to districts with capacity, with funding tied to State Aid calculations. The bill directly affects school districts, early childhood providers, and families of 3- to 5-year-olds.
HB 1184 raises the minimum ACT composite score required for Oklahoma high school graduates to qualify for the state's Higher Learning Access Program tuition assistance from 21 to 22. This change directly affects students seeking first-time enrollment in Oklahoma public or private colleges, as they must now achieve a 22 ACT score (along with maintaining a 2.5 GPA and meeting other existing eligibility criteria). The bill amends Section 2603 of Oklahoma law to update this academic threshold for program participation. It does not alter other requirements like residency, financial need, or graduation timeframe. The policy change applies to students graduating within the previous three years.
HB 1983 requires Oklahoma public schools to teach media literacy and cybersecurity to students in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It mandates a half-unit course covering specific topics like identifying online scams, fake news, deepfakes, password security, and protecting personal information. The State Department of Education must develop curriculum standards, guidelines, teacher training, and accessible resources to support this instruction, including accommodations for English learners and students with disabilities. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025, with implementation beginning for incoming sixth graders in 2027.
HB 1758 would provide Oklahoma virtual charter schools with $100,000 annually if their academic performance is within 10 points of the state average on the Oklahoma State Report Card. Schools meeting this threshold could use the funds for facility costs, student testing, transportation, or student services. Funding is based on academic data from two years prior (e.g., 2022-2023 scores determine 2025 funding) and is in addition to existing district funding. The bill requires available state funds and takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1094 requires Oklahoma public schools to teach about the "atrocities of communism" to students in grades six through twelve starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The State Department of Education must develop grade-appropriate curriculum resources and integrate this content into existing courses, covering causes, human costs, societal impacts, and comparisons with U.S. constitutional principles. Teachers must receive professional development on this topic, with "communism" defined to include historical regimes like the Soviet Union and Cambodia. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
