SB 2084 caps settlement amounts for wrongful termination claims by employees of Oklahoma public institutions of higher education (like state universities) at two years of their base salary at termination. It limits total settlements to include back pay and damages but excludes accrued unpaid wages, leave, and retirement contributions already earned. The bill specifically applies to state law claims, not federal ones, and takes effect November 1, 2026. This directly affects public university employees filing termination disputes under Oklahoma law.
SB 1633 removes provisions allowing undocumented students to qualify for Oklahoma resident tuition by submitting immigration status applications or affidavits. It eliminates language ensuring these students would not be disqualified from state scholarships or financial aid based on immigration status. The bill aligns Oklahoma’s higher education residency rules with Section 3242.2, which generally prohibits non-residents from receiving resident tuition benefits or state financial aid. This change directly affects students who previously relied on the removed documentation pathways to access in-state tuition rates.
This bill establishes and clarifies the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program in Oklahoma, allowing parents of students with special needs to use state funds to enroll their children in eligible private schools. The legislation defines specific eligibility criteria, including students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), children of military families, and those in foster care or juvenile justice placements, while requiring parents to secure private school admission before receiving funding. It also sets a 45-day deadline for school districts to determine special education eligibility, deeming students eligible for scholarships if the district fails to decide within that timeframe, and outlines financial responsibilities such as transportation costs remaining with the family. The bill ensures continuity of educational choice by allowing scholarships to remain active until a student graduates, turns 22, or re-enrolls in public school, while mandating that private schools meet state accreditation standards to participate.
HB 3467 modifies leave policies for education employees in Oklahoma, specifically expanding maternity and adoption leave to cover children under four years old. The bill directly affects public school staff and other education employees who take leave for childbirth or adoption. Its key provision limits eligibility to cases where the child is under four years of age, narrowing the scope of existing leave coverage. The bill was amended to include this age restriction and referred to the Education Oversight committee for further review.
SB 1477 limits concurrent enrollment in college courses to high school students under 21 years of age, prohibiting those 21 or older from participating. The bill amends Oklahoma Statutes Section 628.13 to establish this age restriction, affecting high school students aged 21 and above who would no longer qualify for college course enrollment through their high school program. This change directly alters eligibility for concurrent enrollment, a program allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1276 requires Oklahoma public school districts to adopt policies banning student cell phones and personal electronic devices (like tablets, smartwatches, or laptops) during the entire school day and on school grounds, effective July 2025. Exceptions are permitted for medical emergencies documented by a licensed professional. School boards may opt out of the ban through annual approval, but must still allow device use for emergencies. The bill defines "personal electronic devices" to exclude school-issued tech used for instruction and clarifies "school day" as the full instructional period from first to last bell. It directly affects all K-12 students and school districts in Oklahoma.
HB 4358 limits screen time for prekindergarten through fifth grade public school students to one hour per school day, including all classroom activities using devices like tablets, computers, or smart devices. The law exempts students requiring special education accommodations under IEPs or 504 plans, as well as necessary assistive technology. It applies to all public schools in Oklahoma starting the 2026-2027 school year. The bill defines "screen time" broadly to cover both teacher-directed and student-selected digital activities during school hours.
SB 1250 requires Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools to annually submit a list of all library materials to the State Department of Education, either through their online catalog or a written attestation. The bill prohibits any pornographic materials or sexualized content from being accessible to students under 18 in school libraries and mandates that schools establish a written policy for reviewing materials and handling complaints. Schools failing to comply face a 5% reduction in state funding, with the State Department of Education investigating reported violations, notifying parents, and allowing schools to request a hearing before the State Board of Education. This law aims to ensure age-appropriate library access while establishing clear reporting and enforcement mechanisms.
SB 1391 modifies Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit Act to adjust household income limits for families using the program. It increases the income threshold for the highest credit tier from $150,000 to $225,000 annually (with a $6,000 credit), adds a new $250,000+ bracket (capping credits at $5,000), and maintains lower tiers for lower-income households. The bill affects families paying private school tuition who qualify for the tax credit, capping the credit at actual tuition costs regardless of income. It also requires participating private schools to administer certain assessments to students, updating prior requirements. These changes apply to tax years 2024 onward and fiscal years 2026 onward.
This bill, titled "Mathematics instruction..." but actually amending the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, adjusts financial eligibility rules for students seeking higher education support. It raises income thresholds for program qualification (e.g., $80,000 annually for families with five+ children starting in 2025-2026) and adjusts age limits for participation (extending to age 18 for some applicants). Students must meet updated income requirements and comply with program terms like regular school attendance and avoiding substance abuse to maintain eligibility. The bill directly affects Oklahoma students in grades 5-11 seeking financial aid for post-secondary education through this state program.
